Boldog új évet!
Hasn't it been such a wonderful past couple weeks? Christmas time is truly one of miracles. So much has happened I don't know where to begin.
These past couple weeks Forsythe elder and I have just dove into member missionary work. It has been such a wonderful opportunity to get to the heart of real missionary work. We have worked with several inactives in the hope of bringing some lost people back home and the Lord has blessed us with success. In the past month or two we have successfully brought several inactive church members back to activity. That means that they have come back to church not only for our wonderful Christmas Sunday, but to stay. The branch is growing and I couldn't be more grateful.
One of the biggest miracles that I have been able to witness is that of a small 8 year old girl. Her family has been baptized, but they haven't come to church to much. By chance, I ran into this family in September, making them one of the only inactive families to have let us in. We were let in by the only non member of the family. This little girl is the biggest sweetheart I have ever met. We came into the door to her just opening up about her desire of baptism. We had to explain that baptism wasn't just the end and that baptism was just the beginning. Baptism is such an important step, but every member has to learn the basics, reading from the scriptures daily, prayer and the Sabbath Day. That Sunday, this sweet little girl came to church alone because her mom had to work.
She has such a desire that she chases her mom down every night to say a family prayer. This supportive mother and amazing little girl have now attended church for seven weeks in a row in attempt to show us how ready she is. We asked her yesterday if she thinks she is ready. Her response was simply, "YES! And I want you missionaries to baptize me!"
My Christmas package from my family didn't come in and I couldn't spend the holidays with my family, but this little girl made my Christmas. She helped me remember why I came here. I am so speechlessly grateful for this opportunity to serve the Lord and see lives change. I couldn't be more grateful for my companion Forsythe elder and my wonderful family back home.
Outside of my little Christmas miracle, Christmas was a wonderful experience. We opened presents with the other elders under our one foot tree we got in the city, celebrated with a wonderful single néni who fed us a four course meal until we felt like we were about to burst, I skyped my family which was absolutely amazing and took some moments to share the true meaning of Christmas, Christ's life.
Tonight we will get to help our branch with a small New Years party and family home evening. Miracles are happening here in Veszprém and I couldn't be more grateful.
Life is what you make it, make it wonderful.
Nelson elder
Monday, December 31, 2012
Monday, December 17, 2012
Hungary Week 20
Dear everyone,
Merry Christmas! I don't think that I could have received better Christmas presents than I have this year.
Yesterday, I had the honor of attending Veszprém's ribbon cutting for the building of their first very own meeting house! This week, Forsythe elder and I did all we could to get the word out to all, members and nonmembers alike. We had a crowd gathered in what is meant to be the grounds of the new branch house. Due to our efforts along with the branches, we helped gather up to 10 inactive members to the ribbon cutting. It was also my honor to help break ground for the foundation of this future safe haven for the wonderful people of Veszprém. It was so amazing.
I love Christmas so much. Peoples hearts truly turn due to the miracle of Christmas. This transfer, Forsythe elder and I are devoting our work to the members. We are doing all we can to make a solid foundation with the membership of Veszprém so they can be open to accept those wonderful investigators in which we have the privilege to teach.
We are building the branch through reactivity. It is actually working fantastically, just confirming to myself that this is what the Lord wants us to do now. We have, through the help of the branch and the Lord, gathered a consistent gathering of 6-10 inactive members at church weekly. It is so wonderful to see their fire for this gospel be re kindled.
I will admit though, this has been results of two wonderful programs in which we have had the privilege of starting this transfer. One is called "Outreach." One day a week, the missionaries have gathered some of the youth together in the hopes of reactivating those who have fallen away. We break up all that are present into two man teams to hunt down 2-3 inactive members. They simply find them wherever they may be living and express their love for them and invite them to one of the many wonderful upcoming programs. It is so fun to come back to the branch house after, drink some hot chocolate and talk about the amazing experiences these members had serving.
Another program in which we are doing now is the twelve days of Christmas. We have picked 2 investigators to focus on and we are killing them with kindness. We have picked the classic symbols in which we relate to Christmas and have written a spiritual message for each, such as Christmas trees and bells. We then have bought a little something that relates to each symbol. We then leave this small gift on the doorstep of these members each night before heading home. On the Saturday before Christmas Sunday, we are going to reveal that it was us who have been stopping by nightly. We are then going to teach these two inactive church members about the miracle of Christ's birth and how each Christmas symbol relates into the story of His birth.
This last idea is great, but I am pretty sure the two inactive members know that it is us, but oh well! It is the thought that counts.
It is weird though, my sister is getting married this week. I am so excited for her, but it is weird to imagine myself being the lone child among all these old married folk in my family. I am so excited for my sister Laura though. I know it will be such a wonderful experience and I couldn't be more proud of her.
Make this Christmas wonderful! Reach out to someone. Make someone smile. Most of all, just remember how wonderful this life is. Remember all the wonderful things your Savior has given you.
Boldog Karácsonyt!
Elder Jake Nelson
Merry Christmas! I don't think that I could have received better Christmas presents than I have this year.
Yesterday, I had the honor of attending Veszprém's ribbon cutting for the building of their first very own meeting house! This week, Forsythe elder and I did all we could to get the word out to all, members and nonmembers alike. We had a crowd gathered in what is meant to be the grounds of the new branch house. Due to our efforts along with the branches, we helped gather up to 10 inactive members to the ribbon cutting. It was also my honor to help break ground for the foundation of this future safe haven for the wonderful people of Veszprém. It was so amazing.
I love Christmas so much. Peoples hearts truly turn due to the miracle of Christmas. This transfer, Forsythe elder and I are devoting our work to the members. We are doing all we can to make a solid foundation with the membership of Veszprém so they can be open to accept those wonderful investigators in which we have the privilege to teach.
We are building the branch through reactivity. It is actually working fantastically, just confirming to myself that this is what the Lord wants us to do now. We have, through the help of the branch and the Lord, gathered a consistent gathering of 6-10 inactive members at church weekly. It is so wonderful to see their fire for this gospel be re kindled.
I will admit though, this has been results of two wonderful programs in which we have had the privilege of starting this transfer. One is called "Outreach." One day a week, the missionaries have gathered some of the youth together in the hopes of reactivating those who have fallen away. We break up all that are present into two man teams to hunt down 2-3 inactive members. They simply find them wherever they may be living and express their love for them and invite them to one of the many wonderful upcoming programs. It is so fun to come back to the branch house after, drink some hot chocolate and talk about the amazing experiences these members had serving.
Another program in which we are doing now is the twelve days of Christmas. We have picked 2 investigators to focus on and we are killing them with kindness. We have picked the classic symbols in which we relate to Christmas and have written a spiritual message for each, such as Christmas trees and bells. We then have bought a little something that relates to each symbol. We then leave this small gift on the doorstep of these members each night before heading home. On the Saturday before Christmas Sunday, we are going to reveal that it was us who have been stopping by nightly. We are then going to teach these two inactive church members about the miracle of Christ's birth and how each Christmas symbol relates into the story of His birth.
This last idea is great, but I am pretty sure the two inactive members know that it is us, but oh well! It is the thought that counts.
It is weird though, my sister is getting married this week. I am so excited for her, but it is weird to imagine myself being the lone child among all these old married folk in my family. I am so excited for my sister Laura though. I know it will be such a wonderful experience and I couldn't be more proud of her.
Make this Christmas wonderful! Reach out to someone. Make someone smile. Most of all, just remember how wonderful this life is. Remember all the wonderful things your Savior has given you.
Boldog Karácsonyt!
Elder Jake Nelson
Monday, December 10, 2012
Hungary week 19
Hello everyone! This week was a week of changes and surprises, just
giving more strength to my testimony that this is the Lord's work.
I am now in a new apartment and with a new companion here in the wonderful city of Veszprém. It has been such a fantastic couple days to get to know Elder Forsythe. This Utahn missionary is probably the goofiest, funniest, yet most powerful person I have met. We have been together for five days and by the third day, we were laughing so hard that our abs started hurting. We laugh and have so much fun, but it is such a blessing to be with a missionary who cares as much as me about this people. He has a true gift for missionary work and for noticing those who constantly seem to go unnoticed. We are now in the belváros (Downtown). We are in the heart of one of the most beautiful cities I have laid eyes on. We step out of our door and there they are an abundance of people just waiting for what we have to give them. It is such a blessing to see these people light up as the holidays come closer and closer. I really feel like Forsythe elder and I are going to be able to do so much this transfer.
It has been crazy. We discovered records for old investigators last week from 10 years ago. So Forsythe elder and I just got to work. It turns out that every number that worked, which in all honesty was only 5, was excited to hear from the missionaries and told us to come over as soon as we could. It was just such a miracle to "accidentally" discover those records. The Lord's hand really is in this work.
I think my favorite experience this week was last night. We were planning for the next six weeks, so basically what we want to do while we are together. We thought and prayed fervently and then it hit us. We are starting an outreach program with the local youth to reach out to those who have fallen away from the church. We are making personalized invitations for the upcoming New Year's party. We are then going to meet 1-2 times weekly with all the youth to split up into teams and to get these invitations PERSONALLY DELIVERED to as many inactive members as we can. That is more than one hundred invitations, but there is no better season than Christmas season to expect miracles. We had this idea at 4:50 at night. We then realized that we needed to get this word out as soon as possible to get it started this week, so we ran to the branch house to catch the church leaders before the ending of the Christmas devotional at 5. We made it across town and barley on time to catch ALL the leaders of the branch.
The program was approved and communication with the membership began immediately. We were just floating on air all the way home. Then, the first person we talked to, István (Who was excited to tell us his name meant Steve in English), just was ecstatic to receive a Book of Mormon.
Merry Christmas everyone. This week wasn't easy at all, but just remember to cherish the blessings you receive. This Christmas only comes once. Make it one to remember!
Sok szeretettel,
Elder Jake M. Nelson
I am now in a new apartment and with a new companion here in the wonderful city of Veszprém. It has been such a fantastic couple days to get to know Elder Forsythe. This Utahn missionary is probably the goofiest, funniest, yet most powerful person I have met. We have been together for five days and by the third day, we were laughing so hard that our abs started hurting. We laugh and have so much fun, but it is such a blessing to be with a missionary who cares as much as me about this people. He has a true gift for missionary work and for noticing those who constantly seem to go unnoticed. We are now in the belváros (Downtown). We are in the heart of one of the most beautiful cities I have laid eyes on. We step out of our door and there they are an abundance of people just waiting for what we have to give them. It is such a blessing to see these people light up as the holidays come closer and closer. I really feel like Forsythe elder and I are going to be able to do so much this transfer.
It has been crazy. We discovered records for old investigators last week from 10 years ago. So Forsythe elder and I just got to work. It turns out that every number that worked, which in all honesty was only 5, was excited to hear from the missionaries and told us to come over as soon as we could. It was just such a miracle to "accidentally" discover those records. The Lord's hand really is in this work.
I think my favorite experience this week was last night. We were planning for the next six weeks, so basically what we want to do while we are together. We thought and prayed fervently and then it hit us. We are starting an outreach program with the local youth to reach out to those who have fallen away from the church. We are making personalized invitations for the upcoming New Year's party. We are then going to meet 1-2 times weekly with all the youth to split up into teams and to get these invitations PERSONALLY DELIVERED to as many inactive members as we can. That is more than one hundred invitations, but there is no better season than Christmas season to expect miracles. We had this idea at 4:50 at night. We then realized that we needed to get this word out as soon as possible to get it started this week, so we ran to the branch house to catch the church leaders before the ending of the Christmas devotional at 5. We made it across town and barley on time to catch ALL the leaders of the branch.
The program was approved and communication with the membership began immediately. We were just floating on air all the way home. Then, the first person we talked to, István (Who was excited to tell us his name meant Steve in English), just was ecstatic to receive a Book of Mormon.
Merry Christmas everyone. This week wasn't easy at all, but just remember to cherish the blessings you receive. This Christmas only comes once. Make it one to remember!
Sok szeretettel,
Elder Jake M. Nelson
Monday, December 3, 2012
Hungary Week 18
Hey everyone!
Life is wonderful isn't it? I have had some pretty rough trials here on my mission, but I just can't help but smile. The Lord loves this people so much and I know He is making miracles among them.
There are going to be some great changes this next week! It is transfers for us and Bowen elder and I have discovered that we are staying here in Veszprém! The twist is that our companionship is splitting. Bowen elder is staying in the same apartment and received a new companion and myself, along with Forsyth elder, are going to move into another apartment in the belváros (downtown). It is going to be a transfer of changes and fun, but I am grateful Bowen elder and I can keep our momentum going and actually make it spread to new horizons.
Christmas time is coming! There are already Christmas lights hanging on the plaza, houses and everywhere. There are trees and happiness. My favorite part about this time is that when I try to speak to someone on the street and get rejected, I can still yell "Boldog Karácsonyt!" (Happy Christmas) It brings a smile to them all. I also just love talking to people about the importance of Jesus Christ in our lives, so Christmas is basically fantastic.
They have some traditions here that I haven't experienced yet though. Apparently they serve this dish that is similar to salty, pig fat jello. I can't wait to try it, sounds tasty right?
As for the best part of being here, the missionary work, it is going great. We are giving it our all and being as bold as we can be. The Lord is truly changing lives for the better and I am just grateful to witness it. In our companionship, we are giving out so many Book of Mormons and although it feels like we are only planting seeds sometimes, we know the Lord is just refining us to become His servants.
Merry Christmas everybody!
Nelson elder
Life is wonderful isn't it? I have had some pretty rough trials here on my mission, but I just can't help but smile. The Lord loves this people so much and I know He is making miracles among them.
There are going to be some great changes this next week! It is transfers for us and Bowen elder and I have discovered that we are staying here in Veszprém! The twist is that our companionship is splitting. Bowen elder is staying in the same apartment and received a new companion and myself, along with Forsyth elder, are going to move into another apartment in the belváros (downtown). It is going to be a transfer of changes and fun, but I am grateful Bowen elder and I can keep our momentum going and actually make it spread to new horizons.
Christmas time is coming! There are already Christmas lights hanging on the plaza, houses and everywhere. There are trees and happiness. My favorite part about this time is that when I try to speak to someone on the street and get rejected, I can still yell "Boldog Karácsonyt!" (Happy Christmas) It brings a smile to them all. I also just love talking to people about the importance of Jesus Christ in our lives, so Christmas is basically fantastic.
They have some traditions here that I haven't experienced yet though. Apparently they serve this dish that is similar to salty, pig fat jello. I can't wait to try it, sounds tasty right?
As for the best part of being here, the missionary work, it is going great. We are giving it our all and being as bold as we can be. The Lord is truly changing lives for the better and I am just grateful to witness it. In our companionship, we are giving out so many Book of Mormons and although it feels like we are only planting seeds sometimes, we know the Lord is just refining us to become His servants.
Merry Christmas everybody!
Nelson elder
Monday, November 19, 2012
Hungary Week 16
Hey everyone!
This email won't be too long today, I just wanted to share some great experiences I had this week and some of the experiences I am looking forward to.
This week was a little different than it has been lately due to the fact that we had to stop meeting with many investigators who were just not willing to take a leap of faith due to various circumstances. That is probably one of the hardest aspects of missionary work, dropping investigators. So, instead of teaching in abundance we went looking for some new investigators.
It seemed to start off a little slow, but then we had a large zone conference. So all missionaries in West Hungary met in Budapest and heard from a general authority, Elder Ken Richards. It was so inspiring. As soon as Bowen elder and I returned to Veszprém with our renewed fire for this work we just got back on the streets to find those waiting for this amazing message. With boldness and conviction we were going back and forth talking to all people within the sound of voices. We saw miracles. We found those people that were just waiting.
I hit my six month mark. My mom asked me what I did to celebrate, but in all honesty I spent my six month anniversary on the streets of Veszprém finding all I could. I wouldn't have it any other way. I am in Hungary, one of the most beautiful places in the world and I have seen many places here, but the true beauty lies within the people in which I serve. Yes, I would love to see all the sites, but these sites do not compare to the hearts in which I am so blessed to touch.
Happy thanksgiving everyone! Boldog hálásadás napja! Make this week great and just be grateful for the moment in which you live here and now.
Sok szeretettel,
Nelson elder
This email won't be too long today, I just wanted to share some great experiences I had this week and some of the experiences I am looking forward to.
This week was a little different than it has been lately due to the fact that we had to stop meeting with many investigators who were just not willing to take a leap of faith due to various circumstances. That is probably one of the hardest aspects of missionary work, dropping investigators. So, instead of teaching in abundance we went looking for some new investigators.
It seemed to start off a little slow, but then we had a large zone conference. So all missionaries in West Hungary met in Budapest and heard from a general authority, Elder Ken Richards. It was so inspiring. As soon as Bowen elder and I returned to Veszprém with our renewed fire for this work we just got back on the streets to find those waiting for this amazing message. With boldness and conviction we were going back and forth talking to all people within the sound of voices. We saw miracles. We found those people that were just waiting.
I hit my six month mark. My mom asked me what I did to celebrate, but in all honesty I spent my six month anniversary on the streets of Veszprém finding all I could. I wouldn't have it any other way. I am in Hungary, one of the most beautiful places in the world and I have seen many places here, but the true beauty lies within the people in which I serve. Yes, I would love to see all the sites, but these sites do not compare to the hearts in which I am so blessed to touch.
Happy thanksgiving everyone! Boldog hálásadás napja! Make this week great and just be grateful for the moment in which you live here and now.
Sok szeretettel,
Nelson elder
Monday, November 12, 2012
Hungary Week 15
This week was wonderful. We saw some hardships, but we are always being blessed with miracles.
This week was hard in the sense that we had to stop meeting, drop, five of our investigators. They were people who we were meeting with that just weren't willing to use those answers we were working to help them achieve. That is probably the hardest part of missionary work, when a missionary sees someone who knows that these things are true, but isn't willing to do anything with that knowledge. As missionaries we read the Book of Mormon daily because if we don't continually strengthen our testimonies of the Book of Mormon, we will lose it just like an unexercised muscle. The simple things that in which we do each and everyday are what make the real difference. The simple acts of reading, praying and going to church are the foundational concepts in which we can begin to gain and maintain a testimony. A prophet once said, "It is easier to prepare and prevent, than repair and repent." Endurance is the hardest step of them all.
This week was also kind of a reality check for me as well. I realized that I'm going to hit my six month mark this week and also that my chances of leaving Veszprém, my first area, in the beginning of December are pretty high. The fact of my likely leaving of Veszprém was kind of a hard thing for me to realize. I will be honest, I was feeling discouraged because I realized the chances of me leaving here without helping someone into the waters of baptism are very high. It is not all about baptizing while I am here serving, it is just such a wonderful opportunity to help someone to the point in which they decide to give it all to the Lord and truly change through taking those steps into the water. It was a hard realization for a moment, but then I remembered all the good I have helped the Lord do among this people. I am just so grateful I can serve in Hungary and give these people my all.
Some happy news from this week is that we have helped three new investigators commit to working towards a baptismal date, two in January and one in December. It has been quite an adventure with these people this far, I just can't wait to see what lies in store for them in the future.
Bowen elder and I had a funny experience with our mission leader this week though. We told him about our schedule and we ended up discussing our preparation day, the day in which we rest and prepare for our week. We explained to him that we have been working quite a bit on those days in which he responded by commanding us to rest this preparation day. So for some fun, we took a bus with two elders from Székesfehervár, including my MTC companion Gould elder, to Lake Balaton in which we saw the sites and just had fun exploring. So beautiful.
Another great week here in Hungary,
Elder Jake M. Nelson
This week was hard in the sense that we had to stop meeting, drop, five of our investigators. They were people who we were meeting with that just weren't willing to use those answers we were working to help them achieve. That is probably the hardest part of missionary work, when a missionary sees someone who knows that these things are true, but isn't willing to do anything with that knowledge. As missionaries we read the Book of Mormon daily because if we don't continually strengthen our testimonies of the Book of Mormon, we will lose it just like an unexercised muscle. The simple things that in which we do each and everyday are what make the real difference. The simple acts of reading, praying and going to church are the foundational concepts in which we can begin to gain and maintain a testimony. A prophet once said, "It is easier to prepare and prevent, than repair and repent." Endurance is the hardest step of them all.
This week was also kind of a reality check for me as well. I realized that I'm going to hit my six month mark this week and also that my chances of leaving Veszprém, my first area, in the beginning of December are pretty high. The fact of my likely leaving of Veszprém was kind of a hard thing for me to realize. I will be honest, I was feeling discouraged because I realized the chances of me leaving here without helping someone into the waters of baptism are very high. It is not all about baptizing while I am here serving, it is just such a wonderful opportunity to help someone to the point in which they decide to give it all to the Lord and truly change through taking those steps into the water. It was a hard realization for a moment, but then I remembered all the good I have helped the Lord do among this people. I am just so grateful I can serve in Hungary and give these people my all.
Some happy news from this week is that we have helped three new investigators commit to working towards a baptismal date, two in January and one in December. It has been quite an adventure with these people this far, I just can't wait to see what lies in store for them in the future.
Bowen elder and I had a funny experience with our mission leader this week though. We told him about our schedule and we ended up discussing our preparation day, the day in which we rest and prepare for our week. We explained to him that we have been working quite a bit on those days in which he responded by commanding us to rest this preparation day. So for some fun, we took a bus with two elders from Székesfehervár, including my MTC companion Gould elder, to Lake Balaton in which we saw the sites and just had fun exploring. So beautiful.
Another great week here in Hungary,
Elder Jake M. Nelson
Monday, November 5, 2012
Hungary week 14
Hey everyone,
Another great week here in the great country of Magyarország. The mom told me that I haven't explained everyday life enough so I was thinking I would explain a little more about the wonderful life of a missionary here.
Bowen elder is a stand up companion. He is from Utah which makes it very funny when we speak to people who are familiar with the "Mormons." People often start talking to us by asking, "Let me guess, you're from Utah?" Companions are such an important part of missionary work and your sanity. As a missionary, you are with your companion every moment of everyday. Even in the church buildings we are asked to stay in the same room. Then there is teaching in which most, if not all missionaries teach and do the work different. It is an adjustment every time you get a new companion.
It is these reasons that I feel like I have been lucky to have the two companions I have had so far, especially Bowen elder now. We had our quarks to start off with, in teaching and everyday life, but we have been able to just make the most of our time together. It is all about the companion unifying activities like daily cooking. We experiment and cook everyday. We are learning and laughing, relieving the stress of being a missionary. Since being here I have learned to cook a few Magyar dishes and I have learned to make some delicious and fresh tortillas. The main thing is we can laugh and look past our imperfections. If a missionary can do that, they can serve with anyone.
Outside of our own cooking, the food is so good here. We often eat with members who just love to have the missionaries over. Most of these people have been recently baptized so the missionaries are still such a big part of their lives. They often cook with peppers (paprikas), meat and cabbage or some other vegetable. It is so delicious, lecso, paprikás cirka és gyümölcs levesek. They also have this special sausage here called "kolbász." It is so delicious. They also have this topping like sour cream, but better called "tejfől." Almost all the food is hearty, meaning there is usually a lot of meat, cheese or what not.
The desserts are out of this world. It is slightly different because they are often not as sweet as American desserts, but they are to die for. We often go to what we call a "pékség," meaning bakery, and fill up on their really cheap pék snacks. It is not that the food isn't good, but the food in Hungary is just cheaper than in America. We can buy a loaf of fresh bread for about one American dollar. They have things similar to a ridiculously fresh doughnut to, what seems like, a cinnamon roll that they rolled with chocolate powder. They also often use what we call "turos," which is like sweet cottage cheese. It is finom (delicious).
I am currently living in what we call a ten story. These are the extremely tall cement apartment buildings that were built by the Russians in the communist days. On the first floor there still is this giant poster printed in the communist era that explain the rules that accompany these large ten stories. Ten stories look exactly as they sound, large and cement. They are very durable, cheap and practical. That is probably why where we live is considered the more "ghetto" side of Veszprém, but I still find it nice. Ten stories are usually found in clusters, so we live amongst the biggest cluster of ten stories in Veszprém. We have our own laundry machine in our apartment, but we don't really have a dryer. The washing machine just has this cycle that shakes the water out of our clothes, we then just hang all of our clothes on drying racks.
We do most of our shopping on our preparation day, which is Monday when we email and just do all we need outside of missionary work for the week. We shop at a giant store called Tesco which is basically the British Walmart. Although we buy most of our food on Monday, we often find ourselves buying bread at least one other day of the week at a pékség. Like I mentioned, I have began to love cooking. We cook burritos, pizza, mozzarella sticks with fresh cheese we buy and bread, egg soup, taco salad, banana bread for members, pancakes/palacsinták, and different dishes with potatoes along with some Hungarian food. I feel like I am slowly becoming a prepared mother with my cookbook I have began to create.
There are so many fun things that we have been able to experience, like what I have mentioned along with seeing these unbelievable castles, statues and art pieces. These are all wonderful, but they don't even compare to the wonderful experiences of sharing this gospel with people. It is so beautiful to see someone change not only in their appearance, but in their eyes. I occasionally worry about how well I am speaking Hungarian, if I am really making a difference, but then I often realize, it is the moments that make a good missionary, not just the numbers. It is what we do when people aren't looking that truly define us. If we are giving our hearts in this work as we serve, that is enough.
I have learned to not worry, but to act. This last week I felt so horrible because I started to worry about my language and how I stack up to the other missionaries, like I previously said I occasionally worry about. I worried for half a day, then I decided to act. I decided I am going to read the entire Book of Mormon in Hungarian before the end of this year. I also decided to speak only Hungarian for the past week. My companion and I, today, decided to keep it going and we are going to only speak in Hungarian for the rest of the transfer (4 more weeks). Many can spend their lives worrying about tomorrow, but only few do something today. Don't worry, just act and love the journey you are given.
Sok szeretettel,
Elder Jake Nelson
Another great week here in the great country of Magyarország. The mom told me that I haven't explained everyday life enough so I was thinking I would explain a little more about the wonderful life of a missionary here.
Bowen elder is a stand up companion. He is from Utah which makes it very funny when we speak to people who are familiar with the "Mormons." People often start talking to us by asking, "Let me guess, you're from Utah?" Companions are such an important part of missionary work and your sanity. As a missionary, you are with your companion every moment of everyday. Even in the church buildings we are asked to stay in the same room. Then there is teaching in which most, if not all missionaries teach and do the work different. It is an adjustment every time you get a new companion.
It is these reasons that I feel like I have been lucky to have the two companions I have had so far, especially Bowen elder now. We had our quarks to start off with, in teaching and everyday life, but we have been able to just make the most of our time together. It is all about the companion unifying activities like daily cooking. We experiment and cook everyday. We are learning and laughing, relieving the stress of being a missionary. Since being here I have learned to cook a few Magyar dishes and I have learned to make some delicious and fresh tortillas. The main thing is we can laugh and look past our imperfections. If a missionary can do that, they can serve with anyone.
Outside of our own cooking, the food is so good here. We often eat with members who just love to have the missionaries over. Most of these people have been recently baptized so the missionaries are still such a big part of their lives. They often cook with peppers (paprikas), meat and cabbage or some other vegetable. It is so delicious, lecso, paprikás cirka és gyümölcs levesek. They also have this special sausage here called "kolbász." It is so delicious. They also have this topping like sour cream, but better called "tejfől." Almost all the food is hearty, meaning there is usually a lot of meat, cheese or what not.
The desserts are out of this world. It is slightly different because they are often not as sweet as American desserts, but they are to die for. We often go to what we call a "pékség," meaning bakery, and fill up on their really cheap pék snacks. It is not that the food isn't good, but the food in Hungary is just cheaper than in America. We can buy a loaf of fresh bread for about one American dollar. They have things similar to a ridiculously fresh doughnut to, what seems like, a cinnamon roll that they rolled with chocolate powder. They also often use what we call "turos," which is like sweet cottage cheese. It is finom (delicious).
I am currently living in what we call a ten story. These are the extremely tall cement apartment buildings that were built by the Russians in the communist days. On the first floor there still is this giant poster printed in the communist era that explain the rules that accompany these large ten stories. Ten stories look exactly as they sound, large and cement. They are very durable, cheap and practical. That is probably why where we live is considered the more "ghetto" side of Veszprém, but I still find it nice. Ten stories are usually found in clusters, so we live amongst the biggest cluster of ten stories in Veszprém. We have our own laundry machine in our apartment, but we don't really have a dryer. The washing machine just has this cycle that shakes the water out of our clothes, we then just hang all of our clothes on drying racks.
We do most of our shopping on our preparation day, which is Monday when we email and just do all we need outside of missionary work for the week. We shop at a giant store called Tesco which is basically the British Walmart. Although we buy most of our food on Monday, we often find ourselves buying bread at least one other day of the week at a pékség. Like I mentioned, I have began to love cooking. We cook burritos, pizza, mozzarella sticks with fresh cheese we buy and bread, egg soup, taco salad, banana bread for members, pancakes/palacsinták, and different dishes with potatoes along with some Hungarian food. I feel like I am slowly becoming a prepared mother with my cookbook I have began to create.
There are so many fun things that we have been able to experience, like what I have mentioned along with seeing these unbelievable castles, statues and art pieces. These are all wonderful, but they don't even compare to the wonderful experiences of sharing this gospel with people. It is so beautiful to see someone change not only in their appearance, but in their eyes. I occasionally worry about how well I am speaking Hungarian, if I am really making a difference, but then I often realize, it is the moments that make a good missionary, not just the numbers. It is what we do when people aren't looking that truly define us. If we are giving our hearts in this work as we serve, that is enough.
I have learned to not worry, but to act. This last week I felt so horrible because I started to worry about my language and how I stack up to the other missionaries, like I previously said I occasionally worry about. I worried for half a day, then I decided to act. I decided I am going to read the entire Book of Mormon in Hungarian before the end of this year. I also decided to speak only Hungarian for the past week. My companion and I, today, decided to keep it going and we are going to only speak in Hungarian for the rest of the transfer (4 more weeks). Many can spend their lives worrying about tomorrow, but only few do something today. Don't worry, just act and love the journey you are given.
Sok szeretettel,
Elder Jake Nelson
Monday, October 22, 2012
Hungary Week 12
Hey everyone!
I am a lucky man this week. I discovered I am serving in Veszprém for another transfer. That is another 6 weeks of miracles in one of my favorite cities in the world. The only weird thing is the other companionship is leaving! Bowen elder and I are going to be the only missionaries here in Veszprém. As if our work wasn't crazy enough, we have now inherited the other missionaries work. Anything is possible with the Lord though.
This week Bowen elder and I had the wonderful opportunity to set two new baptismal dates for two wonderful children. This last transfer, we really focused on strengthening the members in which already exist here in Veszprém on top of our task of bringing new investigators into the waters of baptism. We were working to re activate those who fell away from the church and we happened to run into two wonderful families. These two families both had a younger child who was not yet baptized. We are now working with these two families to help their children be baptized in the first week of December.
We still have a lot of other people that we are hoping to help make steps towards the Savior. We are hoping to turn their faith to actions through helping them in the basics of reading the scriptures, praying and going to church. It is funny how there is always at least one of these factors missing when an investigator feels unsure. If one can just understand these three things, they will understand why we are baptized.
So many things happen in the mission. The funny experiences to the experiences where you are just scared for your life, but the most amazing thing to happen is what happens overtime. As each day passes I find myself more and more lost in my hopes and dreams for these people. I have always heard that it is only when we lose ourselves in the service of others that we truly find ourselves. It hasn't been until now that I fully understood the divinity of that statement.
For all those reading, make this week great! Everyday is a new day and life is what we make it.
Sok szeretettel,
Elder Jake Nelson
I am a lucky man this week. I discovered I am serving in Veszprém for another transfer. That is another 6 weeks of miracles in one of my favorite cities in the world. The only weird thing is the other companionship is leaving! Bowen elder and I are going to be the only missionaries here in Veszprém. As if our work wasn't crazy enough, we have now inherited the other missionaries work. Anything is possible with the Lord though.
This week Bowen elder and I had the wonderful opportunity to set two new baptismal dates for two wonderful children. This last transfer, we really focused on strengthening the members in which already exist here in Veszprém on top of our task of bringing new investigators into the waters of baptism. We were working to re activate those who fell away from the church and we happened to run into two wonderful families. These two families both had a younger child who was not yet baptized. We are now working with these two families to help their children be baptized in the first week of December.
We still have a lot of other people that we are hoping to help make steps towards the Savior. We are hoping to turn their faith to actions through helping them in the basics of reading the scriptures, praying and going to church. It is funny how there is always at least one of these factors missing when an investigator feels unsure. If one can just understand these three things, they will understand why we are baptized.
So many things happen in the mission. The funny experiences to the experiences where you are just scared for your life, but the most amazing thing to happen is what happens overtime. As each day passes I find myself more and more lost in my hopes and dreams for these people. I have always heard that it is only when we lose ourselves in the service of others that we truly find ourselves. It hasn't been until now that I fully understood the divinity of that statement.
For all those reading, make this week great! Everyday is a new day and life is what we make it.
Sok szeretettel,
Elder Jake Nelson
Monday, October 15, 2012
Hungary week 11
Hey everyone!
Bowen elder and I are just loving life out here in Veszprém right now. It has been a week of miracles and some really big steps for the work here. From the moment I got here, I have heard the absolutely true statement repetitively that this mission is different. This mission is absolutely different, but it is absolutely different because it is destined to be the fastest growing mission in the world, or so I have determined. The evidence was placed before me this week, the only step that needs to be taken now is to continue in boldness and faith in the Lord.
This week Bowen elder and I decided to take some extremely large steps towards being the missionaries we always wanted to be. We recognized our purpose is not only to help people have faith in Christ, but turn that faith into continuous steps towards Christ. What better way to help then through baptism. So many missionaries fear that people will think we are here to help them be baptized, but in all honesty, what is wrong with them understanding that? Of course I want these people to be baptized because that is evidence of a person stepping towards their Savior. This week, Bowen elder and I set a goal to challenge everyone we come into contact with to baptism. Our work exploded in ways I didn't even expect and I couldn't be more grateful.
This week, due to our efforts last week, we are expected to have 5 people on a baptismal date. These are people who were touched by our challenge and we are going to help them receive their answer before a specific date. I am just so consumed in gratitude. My expectations for the miracles I will make happen here in Hungary are not diminishing with time, but exponentially multiplying. These people I have been able to help have truly changed my life and have made me realize how much this gospel truly means to me.
It is amazing to see so many people grow and step towards the Savior, but it doesn't make it any easier to see those I love turn away from just giving the Lord a chance to tell them the Book of Mormon is true. This message I have been called to share is that simple. Take the Book of Mormon, read, ponder and pray, asking the specific question, "is it true," and we will know that this is the restored church of Jesus Christ. There is no strings attached. We just give people the tools and pray they use them.
It was so eventful this week though. We taught such a variety of people simply challenging each one of them to find out the Book of Mormon is true and then act through baptism. We had a range of responses from "I'm gay and I don't know if I can change even with that answer" to "Of course I would!" We have truly experienced what feels like the range of emotions that should be felt in a lifetime in the span of seven days.
The greatest and most coincidental experience this week was my opportunity to finish the Book of Mormon for my first time since being on my mission. I received my testimony of it's truthfulness before my mission by taking its challenge to read, ponder and pray. The Lord blessed me with the same witness and answer once again. This book is true. How great is missionary work? You simply tell people truth and get to see the miracle of them receiving their answer.
Like I previously stated, miracles are happening here in Veszprém, I just don't know how I received such a spectacular opportunity such as this. I am so grateful to be here. The gospel is true.
Sok szeretettel,
Nelson elder
Bowen elder and I are just loving life out here in Veszprém right now. It has been a week of miracles and some really big steps for the work here. From the moment I got here, I have heard the absolutely true statement repetitively that this mission is different. This mission is absolutely different, but it is absolutely different because it is destined to be the fastest growing mission in the world, or so I have determined. The evidence was placed before me this week, the only step that needs to be taken now is to continue in boldness and faith in the Lord.
This week Bowen elder and I decided to take some extremely large steps towards being the missionaries we always wanted to be. We recognized our purpose is not only to help people have faith in Christ, but turn that faith into continuous steps towards Christ. What better way to help then through baptism. So many missionaries fear that people will think we are here to help them be baptized, but in all honesty, what is wrong with them understanding that? Of course I want these people to be baptized because that is evidence of a person stepping towards their Savior. This week, Bowen elder and I set a goal to challenge everyone we come into contact with to baptism. Our work exploded in ways I didn't even expect and I couldn't be more grateful.
This week, due to our efforts last week, we are expected to have 5 people on a baptismal date. These are people who were touched by our challenge and we are going to help them receive their answer before a specific date. I am just so consumed in gratitude. My expectations for the miracles I will make happen here in Hungary are not diminishing with time, but exponentially multiplying. These people I have been able to help have truly changed my life and have made me realize how much this gospel truly means to me.
It is amazing to see so many people grow and step towards the Savior, but it doesn't make it any easier to see those I love turn away from just giving the Lord a chance to tell them the Book of Mormon is true. This message I have been called to share is that simple. Take the Book of Mormon, read, ponder and pray, asking the specific question, "is it true," and we will know that this is the restored church of Jesus Christ. There is no strings attached. We just give people the tools and pray they use them.
It was so eventful this week though. We taught such a variety of people simply challenging each one of them to find out the Book of Mormon is true and then act through baptism. We had a range of responses from "I'm gay and I don't know if I can change even with that answer" to "Of course I would!" We have truly experienced what feels like the range of emotions that should be felt in a lifetime in the span of seven days.
The greatest and most coincidental experience this week was my opportunity to finish the Book of Mormon for my first time since being on my mission. I received my testimony of it's truthfulness before my mission by taking its challenge to read, ponder and pray. The Lord blessed me with the same witness and answer once again. This book is true. How great is missionary work? You simply tell people truth and get to see the miracle of them receiving their answer.
Like I previously stated, miracles are happening here in Veszprém, I just don't know how I received such a spectacular opportunity such as this. I am so grateful to be here. The gospel is true.
Sok szeretettel,
Nelson elder
Monday, October 8, 2012
Hungary week 10
Hey everybody!
Sorry I missed writing last week, there was so much going on I didn't even have time to write! These past two weeks have been ones to remember though.
I think I mine as well start off with the bad news though. K, our investigator that was to be baptized this weekend, disappeared. She just didn't show up to program one day after seeing her just glowing with excitement. She won't pick up her phone and she missed her first English class in two months. When I realized that she was actually gone I couldn't help but break down. I have been here for two months and I just felt like I didn't have anything to show for it anymore. That is why Bowen elder is awesome. He helped me realize once again that I am giving my best and that is enough. That is all the Lord asks, give our heart and soul. Right after that moment of being down, Bowen elder and I got outside and placed two Books of Mormon.
Some more happy news is the members here in Veszprém are amazing! Bowen elder and I are having a hard time keeping up with their referrals and friends to teach. It is so wonderful to see these people so open to sharing the gospel! It is when members get involved when real missionary work starts happening. Along with that we have been really trying to find new investigators through our own efforts through talking to people on the streets, tabling which is when we set up a display in the middle of the city and talk to as many people as we can, and tracting which is when we knock doors.
These finding times are fantastic opportunities, but they are extremely hard when they are in large blocks of time. One day this last week we had 3 hours of streeting time at the end of the day, 5 pm to 8 pm. It was hard to go 2 1/2 hours without a single phone number or a real conversation. I then looked to Elder Bowen and promised him a Book of Mormon placed and a phone number before the end of the night. I then pointed to a kid in the distance and said, "It's him." The Lord blessed us that moment with what we were searching for.
During another one of these finding opportunities, we found ourselves in a more ghetto part of Veszprém, which isn't saying much because this is an extremely safe place. As we were walking next to a row of ten stories, we ran into a large group of drunk men. While amongst the men, we heard a man calling after us. As we looked around, we saw a man waving us over leaning against one of the ten stories. He then proceeded to mumble, "Who are you and why do you two look so official!" He then demanded us to come back later and teach him about the gospel. You have to love the mission.
I can often think back to growing up and wondering to myself what my mission will be, what it will do to me and what I will be able to do for other people. I look back and realize my mission is better than I could have dreamed. I'm not a perfect teacher, there is so many hard things I have had to go through, I have been rejected and laughed at, but these moments are what I will cherish for so long after I'm home. I will look back and remember K. I will laugh about the moment the 80 year old man answered the door completely naked. I will remember the way people laughed at me because of my funny clothes and my weird tag. I will think back to the good and the bad and I will love them both.
It's going to be good week this week. We have a goal to challenge all of our investigators to come to church and be baptized. Miracles are bound to happen I tell you!
Sok Szeretettel,
Nelson elder
Monday, September 24, 2012
Hungary Week 8
This week was most definitely one to remember. It was my first full week with Bowen elder, my language is getting better by the second and we are just making so many great steps forward in the missionary work here.
Elder Bowen is probably one of the hardest workers I have ever met in my life. He is just so genuine and truly wants to be the best missionary he can be. It has only been one week, but I am already so impressed. It has been an adjustment because he teaches and is so different from Knight elder. This is also his first transfer as a Senior companion and that is a change in and of itself. It has been rough some days, but I feel like we are meant to be companions. I already love him to death and I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for us.
Our investigators are increasing and our finding time is slowly getting lost because we are teaching so much. It is truly a miracle. We even challenged two people to baptism this week. Bowen elder and I are really working as hard as we can and it is showing so much, it is so wonderful. I feel just absolutely wonderful. I am just so grateful I get to be associated with these amazing people. There are so many wonderful people here I just don't know how it's possible.
The Lord is truly blessing me with this language as well. In the beginning I just felt down and like I wasn't doing well enough, but as time has gone by, I have truly seen how much the Lord has blessed me. I can understand when I need to and the Lord has put words in my mouth when I needed to speak. I know the Lord has a plan for us and He is just so ready to pour out a blessing upon us. I know anything is possible through the Lord. I know this gospel is happiness. I know I am here for a reason.
Sok szeretet,
Nelson elder
Elder Bowen is probably one of the hardest workers I have ever met in my life. He is just so genuine and truly wants to be the best missionary he can be. It has only been one week, but I am already so impressed. It has been an adjustment because he teaches and is so different from Knight elder. This is also his first transfer as a Senior companion and that is a change in and of itself. It has been rough some days, but I feel like we are meant to be companions. I already love him to death and I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for us.
Our investigators are increasing and our finding time is slowly getting lost because we are teaching so much. It is truly a miracle. We even challenged two people to baptism this week. Bowen elder and I are really working as hard as we can and it is showing so much, it is so wonderful. I feel just absolutely wonderful. I am just so grateful I get to be associated with these amazing people. There are so many wonderful people here I just don't know how it's possible.
The Lord is truly blessing me with this language as well. In the beginning I just felt down and like I wasn't doing well enough, but as time has gone by, I have truly seen how much the Lord has blessed me. I can understand when I need to and the Lord has put words in my mouth when I needed to speak. I know the Lord has a plan for us and He is just so ready to pour out a blessing upon us. I know anything is possible through the Lord. I know this gospel is happiness. I know I am here for a reason.
Sok szeretet,
Nelson elder
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