We’ve had an interesting week with most of the students going home for Christmas break. We’ve spent a lot of time tracting apartment complexes and helping out the family ward Elders. We ran into a couple of Spanish speakers on Saturday and I got to practice un poquito Espanol! One lady, a Jehovah’s Witness, said she was really glad to see what we were doing and said she was happy where she was at in her life. I talked a little about the Book of Mormon; it seemed a lot easier to teach in Spanish for me for some reason. I think I’m going to spend some time studying the Restoration pamphlet in Spanish, in order to teach better. That way, we can teach almost anyone we come in contact with!
Brother Nichols invited us over for Christmas Eve dinner with Sister Nichols and his three daughters. It was a lot of fun as we shared our favorite scriptures and what they meant to us. I don’t think I have a favorite scripture, but I like Mosiah 4:30, which says;
30 But this much I can tell you, that if ye do not watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and continue in the faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish. And now, O man, remember, and perish not.
I love the common advice in the Book of Mormon to remember. I also like the sequence outlined in this verse. Thoughts become words which become deeds. If we want to have good deeds then we have to think good thoughts! You can usually tell a lot about the thoughts of others based in how they speak and act.
You can also control a lot of your deeds by simply thinking and speaking positively! In the hospital, my mom encouraged me to follow a past patient’s advice of “fake it ‘til you make it,” just being positive in a hard situation, hoping that things will work out for the better. I tried to apply this, and it really did make my situation a lot easier! The last two years have really brought me closer to Heavenly Father than I’ve ever been, and I’ve grown to appreciate and understand the Atonement just a little bit more.
I am very excited to make a few New Year’s resolutions! What a cool time of year! We get to evaluate our lives and try to improve!
Thank you so much for all of the Christmas gifts! I had a very happy Christmas with Elder Johnson and Elder Roseman, and it was great to try to focus on others this year.
I hope you are all doing well! I hope you had a great Christmas and I hope you have a successful and Happy New Year!
Elder Walters
Monday, December 31, 2007
Monday, December 24, 2007
Merry Christmas Eve!
December 24, 2007
Merry Christmas Eve! I love this time of year! Brother Nichols asked the missionaries to participate in his ward Christmas program yesterday. It was really fun! Elder Binkard spoke about Christ's birth, then the Prmary had a musical number. It was really fun seeing the little kids sing, it's something you definitely don't see in a single's ward! Elder Stewart spoke about keeping the spirit of Christmas year-round, then Elder Roseman played a piano solo, “The First Noel”. Then I spoke on how we can keep focused on Christ during Christmas.
I had planned on speaking for about 10 minutes, but ended up having about 20! It gave me the opportunity to talk a lot about my favorite Christmas, two years ago. I spoke specifically about all the Christ like acts of service that family and friends gave me. The period after my accident could have been a really dark time, but because of these Christ like acts I was given an opportunity to become happy and strengthen my testimony! Because others showed me the spirit of Christ, the two years since my accident have been perhaps my happiest years! It made me realize that I still had everything in life that truly mattered! And I was far more grateful for those things than I ever had been before!
After sacrament meeting, I met Marlone. He's this huge, about 6’8” black guy with the deepest voice who used to fight in the UFC, Ultimate Fighting Championship. Elder Carson and Elder Jensen are teaching him. Marlone has been shot in the face twice, and Elder Carson and Elder Jensen claimed he can't be killed. He's like a big teddy bear, though. He's just as friendly a person as you would ever meet! He says he loves the way that he feels when he comes to church. He really thanked me for my testimony. He got kind of emotional, and said he could just tell that what I was saying was true. We had a great lesson on Joseph Smith after Sacrament Meeting, and he talked about how much he enjoyed it. It was really funny as Elder Jensen asked him how his reading and praying were going. Some define the priesthood as the power and authority of God. I think that knowing I hold the priesthood is the only way I would feel comfortable asking someone as big as Marlone if he was keeping His commandments!
Earlier this week we went to a nursing home and sang Christmas carols. It was really fun to see how much they all appreciated us coming by. A lot of them seemed really lonely and were so happy as we sang!
I think that we can find happiness especially at Christmastime through service. Whether we’re the ones giving or receiving, we can come closer to Christ by doing as He did! I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas!
Love,
Elder Walters
Merry Christmas Eve! I love this time of year! Brother Nichols asked the missionaries to participate in his ward Christmas program yesterday. It was really fun! Elder Binkard spoke about Christ's birth, then the Prmary had a musical number. It was really fun seeing the little kids sing, it's something you definitely don't see in a single's ward! Elder Stewart spoke about keeping the spirit of Christmas year-round, then Elder Roseman played a piano solo, “The First Noel”. Then I spoke on how we can keep focused on Christ during Christmas.
I had planned on speaking for about 10 minutes, but ended up having about 20! It gave me the opportunity to talk a lot about my favorite Christmas, two years ago. I spoke specifically about all the Christ like acts of service that family and friends gave me. The period after my accident could have been a really dark time, but because of these Christ like acts I was given an opportunity to become happy and strengthen my testimony! Because others showed me the spirit of Christ, the two years since my accident have been perhaps my happiest years! It made me realize that I still had everything in life that truly mattered! And I was far more grateful for those things than I ever had been before!
After sacrament meeting, I met Marlone. He's this huge, about 6’8” black guy with the deepest voice who used to fight in the UFC, Ultimate Fighting Championship. Elder Carson and Elder Jensen are teaching him. Marlone has been shot in the face twice, and Elder Carson and Elder Jensen claimed he can't be killed. He's like a big teddy bear, though. He's just as friendly a person as you would ever meet! He says he loves the way that he feels when he comes to church. He really thanked me for my testimony. He got kind of emotional, and said he could just tell that what I was saying was true. We had a great lesson on Joseph Smith after Sacrament Meeting, and he talked about how much he enjoyed it. It was really funny as Elder Jensen asked him how his reading and praying were going. Some define the priesthood as the power and authority of God. I think that knowing I hold the priesthood is the only way I would feel comfortable asking someone as big as Marlone if he was keeping His commandments!
Earlier this week we went to a nursing home and sang Christmas carols. It was really fun to see how much they all appreciated us coming by. A lot of them seemed really lonely and were so happy as we sang!
I think that we can find happiness especially at Christmastime through service. Whether we’re the ones giving or receiving, we can come closer to Christ by doing as He did! I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas!
Love,
Elder Walters
Monday, December 17, 2007
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
December 17, 2007
Merry Christmas!
I really love the Durham Third Young Single Adult Ward! That has gotten a lot more apparent over the last week as a lot of the students have already gone home, and most of them will be gone in a week and won’t come back until a week into 2008! We’ll probably spend some time helping out the family wards by knocking doors and going on exchanges with other Elders in Chapel Hill.
We had a great Christmas Party at Bishop Condie’s house on Friday, the 7th. It was really fun to talk with ward members, especially now that I know most people’s names!
On Sunday, the 9th, we had an amazing Christmas musical fireside, Joy to the World. We have so much musical talent in our ward and a lot of the members brought non-member friends. It was a great opportunity to ‘talk of Christ’ ‘rejoice in Christ’ and ‘preach of Christ’ with our friends. Hopefully it will open people’s hearts to the message of the Restoration of our Savior’s Gospel. So many people have the misconception of Mormons not believing in Christ. I couldn’t imagine a simpler, kinder or more powerful way of dispelling that than sharing our talents and testimonies of the Savior!
I’ve been teaching a mission preparation class this semester to four UNC freshmen, but I was sick with a fever and headache the first part of last week and I missed seeing them give their final teaching of the Restoration of the Gospel. It will be good to write them when they go out to serve soon!!!
I’ve been playing wheelchair rugby with the Raleigh Sidewinders since August. It’s been a lot of fun and a really good workout. We had a tournament this weekend in Raleigh, so I was able to participate. I was feeling sick with a headache and fever again the night before and the day of the tournament, so I didn’t get much rest before the tournament.
I was able to borrow a rugby chair that we me rigged-up so it would work for me using three straps, a cushion and a lot of duct tape. It came apart once as I was playing, but with a little more duct tape, I was ready to go again! It was so much fun! I didn’t play my best, but considering that it was my first time playing, I was sick, using a chair I’d never even seen before, I had a FANTASTIC time!!!
The best part was that some people came to watch! Our Mission President and his wife, President and Sister Wallis were cheering in the stands as the Sidewinders battled the East Coast Cripplers. Afterwards, President and Sister Wallis tried out the rugby chairs. I think my favorite part of the day was seeing this sweet couple I’ve only seen in spiritual settings, ram each other in big ‘tankish’ wheelchairs. Holly and Jessica came from our ward, with a “Go Elder Walters!” poster and a “Go! Fight! Win!” poster. They too tried out a couple of chairs and everyone had a fun time. It was really great to have their support, and the Sidewinders ended up winning the Championship game, getting first place of the four teams that attended!
Thank you for everyone’s Christmas cards and packages and letters! I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas!
Elder Walters
Merry Christmas!
I really love the Durham Third Young Single Adult Ward! That has gotten a lot more apparent over the last week as a lot of the students have already gone home, and most of them will be gone in a week and won’t come back until a week into 2008! We’ll probably spend some time helping out the family wards by knocking doors and going on exchanges with other Elders in Chapel Hill.
We had a great Christmas Party at Bishop Condie’s house on Friday, the 7th. It was really fun to talk with ward members, especially now that I know most people’s names!
On Sunday, the 9th, we had an amazing Christmas musical fireside, Joy to the World. We have so much musical talent in our ward and a lot of the members brought non-member friends. It was a great opportunity to ‘talk of Christ’ ‘rejoice in Christ’ and ‘preach of Christ’ with our friends. Hopefully it will open people’s hearts to the message of the Restoration of our Savior’s Gospel. So many people have the misconception of Mormons not believing in Christ. I couldn’t imagine a simpler, kinder or more powerful way of dispelling that than sharing our talents and testimonies of the Savior!
I’ve been teaching a mission preparation class this semester to four UNC freshmen, but I was sick with a fever and headache the first part of last week and I missed seeing them give their final teaching of the Restoration of the Gospel. It will be good to write them when they go out to serve soon!!!
I’ve been playing wheelchair rugby with the Raleigh Sidewinders since August. It’s been a lot of fun and a really good workout. We had a tournament this weekend in Raleigh, so I was able to participate. I was feeling sick with a headache and fever again the night before and the day of the tournament, so I didn’t get much rest before the tournament.
I was able to borrow a rugby chair that we me rigged-up so it would work for me using three straps, a cushion and a lot of duct tape. It came apart once as I was playing, but with a little more duct tape, I was ready to go again! It was so much fun! I didn’t play my best, but considering that it was my first time playing, I was sick, using a chair I’d never even seen before, I had a FANTASTIC time!!!
The best part was that some people came to watch! Our Mission President and his wife, President and Sister Wallis were cheering in the stands as the Sidewinders battled the East Coast Cripplers. Afterwards, President and Sister Wallis tried out the rugby chairs. I think my favorite part of the day was seeing this sweet couple I’ve only seen in spiritual settings, ram each other in big ‘tankish’ wheelchairs. Holly and Jessica came from our ward, with a “Go Elder Walters!” poster and a “Go! Fight! Win!” poster. They too tried out a couple of chairs and everyone had a fun time. It was really great to have their support, and the Sidewinders ended up winning the Championship game, getting first place of the four teams that attended!
Thank you for everyone’s Christmas cards and packages and letters! I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas!
Elder Walters
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Elder Cannon Supports Elder Walters
Elder Walters caption read, "We are all going to miss Elder Cannon's sense of humor!"Feeling Better
Elder Walters has been sick with a cold and another possible UTI. Sister Wallis called us Tuesday night to let us know he has been sick. Elder Walters felt really bad he wasn't able to teach his last missionary prep class at the Institute on Tuesday night. Sister Wallis also called Wednesday morning to tell us she had talked with Ryan and he was feeling much better.
The picture above is of Elder Walters and Elder Cannon. We met Elder Cannon when we took Elder Walters to North Carolina this summer. He was covered with bed bug bites and I must say he looks much better in this picture than he did this summer! He is a great missionary!
I'll post as soon as we hear from Elder Walters again.
The picture above is of Elder Walters and Elder Cannon. We met Elder Cannon when we took Elder Walters to North Carolina this summer. He was covered with bed bug bites and I must say he looks much better in this picture than he did this summer! He is a great missionary!
I'll post as soon as we hear from Elder Walters again.
Monday, December 03, 2007
Great Successes and Tough Times, Too
December 3, 2007
Hello! We had a great week, with some great successes and tough times, too. Maria had set her baptism for the First of December, this past Saturday, but wasn’t able to go through with it. Over Thanksgiving break, her parents asked her to stop investigating the Church, meaning to stop going to any Church activities and cut all ties with members.
The past year of investigating the Church has been so hard for her, but I’m sure that one day she will join the Church. She’s said so many times that she just knows it’s true, including a really powerful testimony she gave a few months ago. We have to just continue to do our best to support her.
Cayce has decided to be baptized on the 12th of January! My mom wrote to her and told her a little about her own conversion story and the benefits that she’s enjoyed as a member. I think it really helped Cayce see how much her decision will benefit her now and her future family.
She has been investigating for 3 years, and will be baptized and confirmed by her boyfriend, who is leaving on a mission in the Spring. It is so neat to be a part of her making this decision that was years in the making! There have been so many members who have influenced her, including Brother Nichols, the Chapel Hill Institute Director.
Erik has also decided to be baptized, probably on the 29th of December! Erik is also a student at UNC, as are Cayce and Maria, and has a member girlfriend about an hour south of Chapel Hill. He is so fun to teach and talk to. He really seems to understand the Gospel.
The other day, we read from Alma 34 and Alma 7:11-12, about how Christ took upon Himself not only our sins, but our pains and sorrows and sicknesses. It was amazing when he said something like, “I never knew that’s what the Atonement meant,” and said, “it is really powerful.” When he said that, it was probably my favorite part of my week, the Spirit was so strong. As I testify of the Gospel, it increases my testimony, but if I hide it, when I’m too scared to open my mouth, my testimony doesn’t increase, and I may lose what I already have.
I loved the First Presidency Christmas Devotional last night! Something that stuck out to me was the admonition to use Christmas time as a reminder to become more Christ like.
Thanks so much for all of your support and letters!
Elder Walters
Hello! We had a great week, with some great successes and tough times, too. Maria had set her baptism for the First of December, this past Saturday, but wasn’t able to go through with it. Over Thanksgiving break, her parents asked her to stop investigating the Church, meaning to stop going to any Church activities and cut all ties with members.
The past year of investigating the Church has been so hard for her, but I’m sure that one day she will join the Church. She’s said so many times that she just knows it’s true, including a really powerful testimony she gave a few months ago. We have to just continue to do our best to support her.
Cayce has decided to be baptized on the 12th of January! My mom wrote to her and told her a little about her own conversion story and the benefits that she’s enjoyed as a member. I think it really helped Cayce see how much her decision will benefit her now and her future family.
She has been investigating for 3 years, and will be baptized and confirmed by her boyfriend, who is leaving on a mission in the Spring. It is so neat to be a part of her making this decision that was years in the making! There have been so many members who have influenced her, including Brother Nichols, the Chapel Hill Institute Director.
Erik has also decided to be baptized, probably on the 29th of December! Erik is also a student at UNC, as are Cayce and Maria, and has a member girlfriend about an hour south of Chapel Hill. He is so fun to teach and talk to. He really seems to understand the Gospel.
The other day, we read from Alma 34 and Alma 7:11-12, about how Christ took upon Himself not only our sins, but our pains and sorrows and sicknesses. It was amazing when he said something like, “I never knew that’s what the Atonement meant,” and said, “it is really powerful.” When he said that, it was probably my favorite part of my week, the Spirit was so strong. As I testify of the Gospel, it increases my testimony, but if I hide it, when I’m too scared to open my mouth, my testimony doesn’t increase, and I may lose what I already have.
I loved the First Presidency Christmas Devotional last night! Something that stuck out to me was the admonition to use Christmas time as a reminder to become more Christ like.
Thanks so much for all of your support and letters!
Elder Walters
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Monday, November 26, 2007
Donnie Graves was Baptized!
Hello! We’ve had a great couple of weeks since I wrote last! On Saturday, November 17th, Donnie Graves was baptized! We’d been teaching him for a few weeks, and he was really excited about learning the Gospel, coming to church and finally being baptized. He loves praying and talking with us about Jesus Christ, and one of his friends, Jon, sat in on a lesson and then decided to come to Donnie’s baptism.
Our ward gave great support to Donnie, he has probably met almost everyone in the ward because he is so outgoing. Between meetings, he walks around and introduces himself to everyone he doesn’t know. Our Elder’s Quorum President, Christian, was asked to baptize him. As Donnie came up from the water, his non-member friend, Jon, was nodding his head and clapping, it was really funny. He realized what an important step this was in Donnie’s life. We’ve since begun teaching Jon, and Donnie, our newest member of the ward, comes with us to help give support.
On Sunday the 18th, it was Stake Conference for the Durham Stake, and we heard from Elder W. Douglas Shumway and other great speakers. It was fun meeting Elder Shumway and getting to know him a little bit. Before the general meeting, we were able to attend a new member meeting. It was amazing to hear a few of the stories of these recent converts who’ve been members for less than two years! So many of them were in our ward as well! Donnie was the newest; he’d been a member for less than a full day!
There were some great speakers, but I’d have to say my favorite was our very own Laurel Gray, who was baptized only a month ago! She was asked to speak at the last minute, and she did so well! She said she was really nervous. My advice was to just be herself and say what she felt and she’d do great!
Laurel shared, with the entire Durham Stake, her history of going in and out of different churches with her parents until she came to Duke and learned about the Restored Gospel from her roommate, Rebecca, a member from Salt Lake. She talked about learning from the missionaries and about how supportive Rebecca was by answering her questions and just being a great friend to her.
The next part kind of surprised me, in a good way. Laurel talked about how much the Gospel really MEANT to her, that she really KNEW it was true. She talked about how thankful she was to Rebecca for having the courage to just share the Gospel with her, and really asked people to have the courage to talk about the church with their friends. It was so powerful! And it wasn’t coming from a missionary or a church leader, but someone who had recently discovered the truth of the Gospel, and how much it really meant to them!
Rebecca was also given the chance to speak, and she talked about what a great experience it was to share her testimony with Laurel, that it really helped her faith increase. They are both so happy and fun together, I’m sure they’ll be friends for a long time, strengthening each other in the Gospel.
Brother Nichols, the Chapel Hill Institute Director, invited seven missionaries to Thanksgiving with his family! It was really fun being with a family in a home for a change. It was really good getting to know the Nichols and the other Elders better, and to realize what I am thankful for. I believe the three things that I cherish the most are still my faith, family and friends. If you can hold onto and strengthen these things, you can get through anything!
Thank you so much for your prayers, letters and support!
Elder Walters
Our ward gave great support to Donnie, he has probably met almost everyone in the ward because he is so outgoing. Between meetings, he walks around and introduces himself to everyone he doesn’t know. Our Elder’s Quorum President, Christian, was asked to baptize him. As Donnie came up from the water, his non-member friend, Jon, was nodding his head and clapping, it was really funny. He realized what an important step this was in Donnie’s life. We’ve since begun teaching Jon, and Donnie, our newest member of the ward, comes with us to help give support.
On Sunday the 18th, it was Stake Conference for the Durham Stake, and we heard from Elder W. Douglas Shumway and other great speakers. It was fun meeting Elder Shumway and getting to know him a little bit. Before the general meeting, we were able to attend a new member meeting. It was amazing to hear a few of the stories of these recent converts who’ve been members for less than two years! So many of them were in our ward as well! Donnie was the newest; he’d been a member for less than a full day!
There were some great speakers, but I’d have to say my favorite was our very own Laurel Gray, who was baptized only a month ago! She was asked to speak at the last minute, and she did so well! She said she was really nervous. My advice was to just be herself and say what she felt and she’d do great!
Laurel shared, with the entire Durham Stake, her history of going in and out of different churches with her parents until she came to Duke and learned about the Restored Gospel from her roommate, Rebecca, a member from Salt Lake. She talked about learning from the missionaries and about how supportive Rebecca was by answering her questions and just being a great friend to her.
The next part kind of surprised me, in a good way. Laurel talked about how much the Gospel really MEANT to her, that she really KNEW it was true. She talked about how thankful she was to Rebecca for having the courage to just share the Gospel with her, and really asked people to have the courage to talk about the church with their friends. It was so powerful! And it wasn’t coming from a missionary or a church leader, but someone who had recently discovered the truth of the Gospel, and how much it really meant to them!
Rebecca was also given the chance to speak, and she talked about what a great experience it was to share her testimony with Laurel, that it really helped her faith increase. They are both so happy and fun together, I’m sure they’ll be friends for a long time, strengthening each other in the Gospel.
Brother Nichols, the Chapel Hill Institute Director, invited seven missionaries to Thanksgiving with his family! It was really fun being with a family in a home for a change. It was really good getting to know the Nichols and the other Elders better, and to realize what I am thankful for. I believe the three things that I cherish the most are still my faith, family and friends. If you can hold onto and strengthen these things, you can get through anything!
Thank you so much for your prayers, letters and support!
Elder Walters
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
The Chapel at Duke University
Several weeks ago, Elder Walters sent pictures of The Chapel at Duke University I wanted to share with you. Following is a little information about The Chapel.
Built in 1930-35, Duke University Chapel stands at the heart of the University West Campus. The Chapel measures 291 feet long by 63 feet wide by 73 feet high, not counting the tower. The 210-foot tower makes it one of the tallest buildings in Durham County, North Carolina. The Chapel seats about 1,600 people, and its 77 stained-glass windows depict over 800 figures. The Chapel has three world-class pipe organs, and the tower houses a 50-bell carillon.
When James B. Duke selected the site for Duke University’s West Campus, in 1925, he chose to locate the Chapel on the site’s highest ridge. The Chapel was the first building planned for the new campus, but the last one to be completed. Construction started in 1930, was completed in 1935, and cost nearly $2.3 million. The Chapel began to be used before its stained-glass windows and other details were finished; commencement was held in the Chapel in 1932.Although the Chapel was inspired by other buildings, including English cathedrals and the chapels of other American universities, it is not a copy of any other specific building.
“I want the central building to be a church, a great towering church which will dominate all of the surrounding buildings, because such an edifice would be bound to have a profound influence on the spiritual life of the young men and women who come here.”
— James B. Duke
Built in 1930-35, Duke University Chapel stands at the heart of the University West Campus. The Chapel measures 291 feet long by 63 feet wide by 73 feet high, not counting the tower. The 210-foot tower makes it one of the tallest buildings in Durham County, North Carolina. The Chapel seats about 1,600 people, and its 77 stained-glass windows depict over 800 figures. The Chapel has three world-class pipe organs, and the tower houses a 50-bell carillon.
When James B. Duke selected the site for Duke University’s West Campus, in 1925, he chose to locate the Chapel on the site’s highest ridge. The Chapel was the first building planned for the new campus, but the last one to be completed. Construction started in 1930, was completed in 1935, and cost nearly $2.3 million. The Chapel began to be used before its stained-glass windows and other details were finished; commencement was held in the Chapel in 1932.Although the Chapel was inspired by other buildings, including English cathedrals and the chapels of other American universities, it is not a copy of any other specific building.
“I want the central building to be a church, a great towering church which will dominate all of the surrounding buildings, because such an edifice would be bound to have a profound influence on the spiritual life of the young men and women who come here.”
— James B. Duke
Monday, November 12, 2007
Many Are Prepared to Hear the Gospel
November 12, 2007
Hi! I’ll try to make up for not writing last week, by making this a good email! I had a great birthday on Thursday, November 1st, including a spiritual thought and pizza with the students at Duke. I also got a surprise birthday cake and two “Happy Birthday to You” songs from the institute students.
I was sick from Thursday evening over the weekend until Tuesday, with an infection. It was really great to have birthday cards and presents to keep my spirits up, along with a GREAT DVD of the Walters and Henwoods wishing me a happy birthday! It really, really helped having that support while I was sick, whether you knew I was or not! Thank you!!!
We are teaching a young man named Eric about the Restoration of the Gospel and the Book of Mormon. He is reading and is very interested. Everything seems to make sense to him. It is so wonderful when we find someone who is in the right mindset and place in their life to receive the Gospel! He really seems to be one of God’s elect, someone that was prepared by God and is ready to learn.
We spoke with Maria again last week, after she had told her parents of her decision to get baptized. She is so amazing! Once again, her parents, who are from Charlotte and are pretty strict Catholics, let Maria know just how upset they were with her decision to be baptized. They also let her know that they would stop supporting her in school if she joins the church. This decision has been so hard for her! She just keeps saying that she knows this is Jesus Christ’s true church.
I’ve had the support of my family through the hard turning points of my life. Imagine what it would be like to not only lack the support from your family, but to face opposition from them for something you think and feel is right!
Cayce is in a similar situation. She comes to Church and Institute, has a boyfriend who will serve a mission soon, but worries that her baptism will hurt her relationship with her family. She has been a ‘dry Mormon’ now for months, but told us yesterday that she would like to be baptized by the end of the year. Cayce and Maria are amazing examples of faith. Maria has a baptism date for December 1st!
I also told them about my Mom’s decision to be baptized in college and how it has blessed her life and her children’s lives. Her decision has particularly blessed me, by allowing me to know the fullness of the Gospel. There are so many ways that the Gospel has blessed me, and remembering this makes me want to show others how the Gospel can bless their lives as well.
Ben, a freshman at UNC in the picture below, received his mission call on Thursday! He held it all through Institute on Thursday night then opened it and read it to everyone. We had all been taking guesses on where he would be called. Brazil would have been a likely one, but he also said in his papers that he had taken a few years of French. Other guesses included Russia and Africa. All wrong! Ben will be serving in the Salt Lake City, Utah mission.
After reading this to all the institute students, he looked up and said, “No…I’m serious!” Matthew, another UNC freshman, looked at the call over Ben’s shoulder and confirmed, “He’s not joking. It says Salt Lake.” Ben’s mom could not believe it either, and it took him a while to convince her it was true. I couldn’t imagine a better place for Ben to go. He is really optimistic, and has a great knowledge of the Gospel.
I teach a mission preparation class to 4 UNC freshmen, including Ben, the Burton twins, Andrew and Matthew, and Dallin. They all have a great knowledge of the Gospel, and I am excited to see them head out all over the world within the next year! I always feel inadequate teaching these prospective missionaries, they are so great!
We are having a ward Variety Show tonight along with our ward Thanksgiving Dinner. I am really excited to hear Liege Lord Bill recite Shakespeare in his English accent. He shared a line from Hamlet with us the other night after teaching Laurel, he is SO funny! Our ward is so unique, I love getting to know everyone here!
Thank you for your support and birthday wishes! I hope you are doing well!
Elder Walters
Hi! I’ll try to make up for not writing last week, by making this a good email! I had a great birthday on Thursday, November 1st, including a spiritual thought and pizza with the students at Duke. I also got a surprise birthday cake and two “Happy Birthday to You” songs from the institute students.
I was sick from Thursday evening over the weekend until Tuesday, with an infection. It was really great to have birthday cards and presents to keep my spirits up, along with a GREAT DVD of the Walters and Henwoods wishing me a happy birthday! It really, really helped having that support while I was sick, whether you knew I was or not! Thank you!!!
We are teaching a young man named Eric about the Restoration of the Gospel and the Book of Mormon. He is reading and is very interested. Everything seems to make sense to him. It is so wonderful when we find someone who is in the right mindset and place in their life to receive the Gospel! He really seems to be one of God’s elect, someone that was prepared by God and is ready to learn.
We spoke with Maria again last week, after she had told her parents of her decision to get baptized. She is so amazing! Once again, her parents, who are from Charlotte and are pretty strict Catholics, let Maria know just how upset they were with her decision to be baptized. They also let her know that they would stop supporting her in school if she joins the church. This decision has been so hard for her! She just keeps saying that she knows this is Jesus Christ’s true church.
I’ve had the support of my family through the hard turning points of my life. Imagine what it would be like to not only lack the support from your family, but to face opposition from them for something you think and feel is right!
Cayce is in a similar situation. She comes to Church and Institute, has a boyfriend who will serve a mission soon, but worries that her baptism will hurt her relationship with her family. She has been a ‘dry Mormon’ now for months, but told us yesterday that she would like to be baptized by the end of the year. Cayce and Maria are amazing examples of faith. Maria has a baptism date for December 1st!
I also told them about my Mom’s decision to be baptized in college and how it has blessed her life and her children’s lives. Her decision has particularly blessed me, by allowing me to know the fullness of the Gospel. There are so many ways that the Gospel has blessed me, and remembering this makes me want to show others how the Gospel can bless their lives as well.
Ben, a freshman at UNC in the picture below, received his mission call on Thursday! He held it all through Institute on Thursday night then opened it and read it to everyone. We had all been taking guesses on where he would be called. Brazil would have been a likely one, but he also said in his papers that he had taken a few years of French. Other guesses included Russia and Africa. All wrong! Ben will be serving in the Salt Lake City, Utah mission.
After reading this to all the institute students, he looked up and said, “No…I’m serious!” Matthew, another UNC freshman, looked at the call over Ben’s shoulder and confirmed, “He’s not joking. It says Salt Lake.” Ben’s mom could not believe it either, and it took him a while to convince her it was true. I couldn’t imagine a better place for Ben to go. He is really optimistic, and has a great knowledge of the Gospel.
I teach a mission preparation class to 4 UNC freshmen, including Ben, the Burton twins, Andrew and Matthew, and Dallin. They all have a great knowledge of the Gospel, and I am excited to see them head out all over the world within the next year! I always feel inadequate teaching these prospective missionaries, they are so great!
We are having a ward Variety Show tonight along with our ward Thanksgiving Dinner. I am really excited to hear Liege Lord Bill recite Shakespeare in his English accent. He shared a line from Hamlet with us the other night after teaching Laurel, he is SO funny! Our ward is so unique, I love getting to know everyone here!
Thank you for your support and birthday wishes! I hope you are doing well!
Elder Walters
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Elder Walters' Letter Should Be Here Soon!
We didn't receive an email from Elder Walters yesterday. On Friday, Ryan was in the emergency room with an infection. We talked to his nurse this morning and she felt like he was feeling better. Hopefully we will get a letter this week we can post. Until then . . . thanks for checking his blog!
Monday, November 05, 2007
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Ben's Haircut
Elder Johnson getting Ben ready to go on a mission -- he is expecting his call this week.
Friday, November 02, 2007
Maria
October 29, 2007
Brrr! It’s chilly this morning! With North Carolina’s humidity, when it’s hot, IT’S HOT, and when it’s cold, IT’S COLD! I’m glad I’m working inside the institute today . . . Elder Johnson and Elder Roseman are contacting people on campus!
Maria is a wonderful freshman at UNC who approached Elder Johnson on campus in August. She had taken the discussions and met with the missionaries many times before coming out to school. She had even decided to get baptized.
But when she told her parents who are very seriously Catholic, they were extremely upset with her. She said that that weekend was probably the worst experience of her life. How hard that must be! To be torn between those you love and something you know to be true!
Maria came out to UNC and decided to keep a good relationship with her parents by not getting baptized. She had been struggling with her testimony the last few months, confused as to which was Jesus Christ’s true church and why the decision was so difficult. She began to realize, through feeling the Spirit at church and by studying the scriptures and praying hard that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is Jesus Christ’s one true church on the earth today.
We were sitting in a particularly powerful Fast and Testimony Meeting last month when Maria walked up to the podium. It was amazing. She said that it has been really hard for her lately but that she had come to know that this was Jesus Christ’s church. WOW! She gave such a powerful testimony which she had earned through diligent study and earnest prayer.
Maria has now decided to be baptized on the first Saturday in December! She loves Fast and Testimony Meetings. She asked Brother Nichols, the Institute Director, if he would baptize her.
Brother Nichols has a very similar story of converting as a teenager without the support of his family, then going on a mission, receiving letters from his family the whole time asking him to come home. Brother Nichols has been a huge support to Maria, as have others in our ward, including Kristen, a sophomore at UNC who converted less than two years ago.
Just as Laurel is a huge support to the members of our ward as a recent convert, Maria will be as well. I am so excited that I get to see the two of them progress over the next year!
Something has become clearer to me over the last few months. Just as the Atonement was wonderful, but by no means easy, so is our part in obtaining our Salvation. It takes work! It is not easy or comfortable or convenient! We must try to remember the Savior’s courageous example, as He who had no sin took upon Himself willingly the woes and transgressions and pains of we, who are imperfect. Believe in the power and truth of the Atonement! That He has been through all that we have and that He knows how to help us through the hardest times of our lives, because He Himself has endured them!
Thank you so much for your letters and prayers!
Love,
Elder Walters
Brrr! It’s chilly this morning! With North Carolina’s humidity, when it’s hot, IT’S HOT, and when it’s cold, IT’S COLD! I’m glad I’m working inside the institute today . . . Elder Johnson and Elder Roseman are contacting people on campus!
Maria is a wonderful freshman at UNC who approached Elder Johnson on campus in August. She had taken the discussions and met with the missionaries many times before coming out to school. She had even decided to get baptized.
But when she told her parents who are very seriously Catholic, they were extremely upset with her. She said that that weekend was probably the worst experience of her life. How hard that must be! To be torn between those you love and something you know to be true!
Maria came out to UNC and decided to keep a good relationship with her parents by not getting baptized. She had been struggling with her testimony the last few months, confused as to which was Jesus Christ’s true church and why the decision was so difficult. She began to realize, through feeling the Spirit at church and by studying the scriptures and praying hard that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is Jesus Christ’s one true church on the earth today.
We were sitting in a particularly powerful Fast and Testimony Meeting last month when Maria walked up to the podium. It was amazing. She said that it has been really hard for her lately but that she had come to know that this was Jesus Christ’s church. WOW! She gave such a powerful testimony which she had earned through diligent study and earnest prayer.
Maria has now decided to be baptized on the first Saturday in December! She loves Fast and Testimony Meetings. She asked Brother Nichols, the Institute Director, if he would baptize her.
Brother Nichols has a very similar story of converting as a teenager without the support of his family, then going on a mission, receiving letters from his family the whole time asking him to come home. Brother Nichols has been a huge support to Maria, as have others in our ward, including Kristen, a sophomore at UNC who converted less than two years ago.
Just as Laurel is a huge support to the members of our ward as a recent convert, Maria will be as well. I am so excited that I get to see the two of them progress over the next year!
Something has become clearer to me over the last few months. Just as the Atonement was wonderful, but by no means easy, so is our part in obtaining our Salvation. It takes work! It is not easy or comfortable or convenient! We must try to remember the Savior’s courageous example, as He who had no sin took upon Himself willingly the woes and transgressions and pains of we, who are imperfect. Believe in the power and truth of the Atonement! That He has been through all that we have and that He knows how to help us through the hardest times of our lives, because He Himself has endured them!
Thank you so much for your letters and prayers!
Love,
Elder Walters
Monday, October 29, 2007
Ryan's Letter Will Be Here on Wednesday
Ryan emailed us this morning and said he didn't have time to send his weekly post for the blog. He said something about receiving lots of emails from Barry and me that he needed to answer and ran out of time. Sorry about that! I'll post his letter as soon as we receive it on Wednesday. Bridgette
Monday, October 22, 2007
I LOVE MY WARD!
October 22, 2007
I LOVE my ward! They are all so amazing and unique! Our bishop and his counselors are all so funny, but they are so spiritual as well. It’s really fun seeing the way they react with all of the ward members. There are a lot of returned missionaries in our ward. They are so fun! And they give us a huge supply of spiritually prepared members to bring to teaching appointments.
Well, we’re off to have our last preparation day with Elder Kennah, he is going to be a zone leader in Wilmington. Sorry this email is so short this week! I hope you are all doing well.
Love,
Elder Walters
I LOVE my ward! They are all so amazing and unique! Our bishop and his counselors are all so funny, but they are so spiritual as well. It’s really fun seeing the way they react with all of the ward members. There are a lot of returned missionaries in our ward. They are so fun! And they give us a huge supply of spiritually prepared members to bring to teaching appointments.
Well, we’re off to have our last preparation day with Elder Kennah, he is going to be a zone leader in Wilmington. Sorry this email is so short this week! I hope you are all doing well.
Love,
Elder Walters
Monday, October 15, 2007
Laurel Rose Gray was Baptized!
October 15, 2007
Laurel Rose Gray was baptized on Saturday! She is simply amazing. She has such a bright smile, people just feel happy and welcome around her. She has had a lot of support from the members at Duke, from rides to family home evening to scripture study and prayer. Her roommate, Rebecca, has been a huge support to her, beginning when she invited her to come to church two months ago. When I met her then, I could just tell she would join the Church; a lot of people in the ward thought she was already a member! She is so sweet and supportive to everyone. The Gospel will help her so much in her life, but a lot of people have already realized how much she will help the members of the Church as well!
She asked me to confirm the Gift of the Holy Ghost on her yesterday, what an experience! I felt very strong promptings to say certain things and she was so sincere in thanking me and Elder Kennah and Elder Johnson. What an opportunity it is to teach the Gospel and bear the Priesthood! It is all about service. It’s tough at times, but the rewards, meaning the happiness and understanding that come into people’s lives as they accept and live the Gospel of Jesus Christ, far outweigh the difficulties. This becomes clearer as we read the scriptures, ponder about what the Lord is trying to tell us individually, pray honestly and apply what we know and feel is right! It is these four simple steps that have pulled me through the most difficult times of my life, both in the last few years, and the last few weeks. There is a sense of peace and love that will often only come as we read the scriptures and honestly pray. Studying the scriptures and praying, really praying, pleading, thanking, and inquiring of the Lord, got me through the tough times, and I know they will do the same for all of us if we just put in the effort!
I hope you are all doing well! Thank you SO MUCH for your support!
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is simply and sweetly true!
Love, Elder Walters
Laurel Rose Gray was baptized on Saturday! She is simply amazing. She has such a bright smile, people just feel happy and welcome around her. She has had a lot of support from the members at Duke, from rides to family home evening to scripture study and prayer. Her roommate, Rebecca, has been a huge support to her, beginning when she invited her to come to church two months ago. When I met her then, I could just tell she would join the Church; a lot of people in the ward thought she was already a member! She is so sweet and supportive to everyone. The Gospel will help her so much in her life, but a lot of people have already realized how much she will help the members of the Church as well!
She asked me to confirm the Gift of the Holy Ghost on her yesterday, what an experience! I felt very strong promptings to say certain things and she was so sincere in thanking me and Elder Kennah and Elder Johnson. What an opportunity it is to teach the Gospel and bear the Priesthood! It is all about service. It’s tough at times, but the rewards, meaning the happiness and understanding that come into people’s lives as they accept and live the Gospel of Jesus Christ, far outweigh the difficulties. This becomes clearer as we read the scriptures, ponder about what the Lord is trying to tell us individually, pray honestly and apply what we know and feel is right! It is these four simple steps that have pulled me through the most difficult times of my life, both in the last few years, and the last few weeks. There is a sense of peace and love that will often only come as we read the scriptures and honestly pray. Studying the scriptures and praying, really praying, pleading, thanking, and inquiring of the Lord, got me through the tough times, and I know they will do the same for all of us if we just put in the effort!
I hope you are all doing well! Thank you SO MUCH for your support!
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is simply and sweetly true!
Love, Elder Walters
Monday, October 08, 2007
General Conference
October 8, 2007
Wow! What a great weekend! I don’t think I have ever enjoyed General Conference as much! As I noticed how much the subjects applied directly to me and this stage of my life, I began to realize how inspired these men truly are. More important than the exact words, I felt the Spirit show me what I could do to be happier and more successful in my life.
During a few of the talks, I realized that I was being given exactly what I needed! When Elder Oaks said the first line of his talk, about time management, I just looked up at the projector with my eyes wide open. I realized that his remarks, and others, were exactly what I needed to be happy and successful. I knew because of how I felt that what they were saying was true, and was meant for me.How amazing, to see revelation at work, through the inspired selection of new church leaders.
President Eyring’s talks were great. It’s interesting that even in his being called as a member of the First Presidency, he feels overwhelmed or inadequate. Maybe feelings of inadequacy are a reminder of how important our role is to the Lord, and how much we need Him, whatever our role may be.
We are at Duke University library right now, emailing our families and loved ones. We just left the special collections and rare book section, and had the chance to look at, touch and read from a first edition copy of the Book of Mormon. The librarian said it’s a very popular item to be requested, as the five of us missionaries watched excitedly/giddily as she went to retrieve the book. I believe President Hinckley said that a similar copy recently sold for over one hundred thousand dollars.
Something odd struck me though, as I turned the yellowing pages. What is so special about this book, verses the two dollar copy, I got at the BYU Bookstore? Nothing! They are both the same! The older is in a large, paragraph format, while the new is divided into verses, but truly, is there any real difference? Why is the copy I have sitting on my bookshelf any less important than a first edition copy? The real power of the Book of Mormon is found in every copy.
The Book of Mormon is, in a word, amazing. Joseph Smith said something like “a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts than by any other book.” President Ezra Taft Benson has said, “There is a power within the Book of Mormon which will begin to flow into your lives the moment you begin a serious study of the book.” I know that is so true! This book is such a gift, reading it has made me happy during the darkest moments of my life! The Gospel of Jesus Christ is true and has been restored, evidence of that is found as we study the Book of Mormon, willing to act on the sweet impressions the Holy Ghost gives us!
I am so thankful for your love, support and letters,
Elder Walters
When upon life’s billows, you are tempest tossed
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost
Count your many blessings, name them one by one
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.
P.S. Laurel is getting baptized on Saturday, the 13th of October! I’ll tell you all about it in a week!
Wow! What a great weekend! I don’t think I have ever enjoyed General Conference as much! As I noticed how much the subjects applied directly to me and this stage of my life, I began to realize how inspired these men truly are. More important than the exact words, I felt the Spirit show me what I could do to be happier and more successful in my life.
During a few of the talks, I realized that I was being given exactly what I needed! When Elder Oaks said the first line of his talk, about time management, I just looked up at the projector with my eyes wide open. I realized that his remarks, and others, were exactly what I needed to be happy and successful. I knew because of how I felt that what they were saying was true, and was meant for me.How amazing, to see revelation at work, through the inspired selection of new church leaders.
President Eyring’s talks were great. It’s interesting that even in his being called as a member of the First Presidency, he feels overwhelmed or inadequate. Maybe feelings of inadequacy are a reminder of how important our role is to the Lord, and how much we need Him, whatever our role may be.
We are at Duke University library right now, emailing our families and loved ones. We just left the special collections and rare book section, and had the chance to look at, touch and read from a first edition copy of the Book of Mormon. The librarian said it’s a very popular item to be requested, as the five of us missionaries watched excitedly/giddily as she went to retrieve the book. I believe President Hinckley said that a similar copy recently sold for over one hundred thousand dollars.
Something odd struck me though, as I turned the yellowing pages. What is so special about this book, verses the two dollar copy, I got at the BYU Bookstore? Nothing! They are both the same! The older is in a large, paragraph format, while the new is divided into verses, but truly, is there any real difference? Why is the copy I have sitting on my bookshelf any less important than a first edition copy? The real power of the Book of Mormon is found in every copy.
The Book of Mormon is, in a word, amazing. Joseph Smith said something like “a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts than by any other book.” President Ezra Taft Benson has said, “There is a power within the Book of Mormon which will begin to flow into your lives the moment you begin a serious study of the book.” I know that is so true! This book is such a gift, reading it has made me happy during the darkest moments of my life! The Gospel of Jesus Christ is true and has been restored, evidence of that is found as we study the Book of Mormon, willing to act on the sweet impressions the Holy Ghost gives us!
I am so thankful for your love, support and letters,
Elder Walters
When upon life’s billows, you are tempest tossed
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost
Count your many blessings, name them one by one
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.
P.S. Laurel is getting baptized on Saturday, the 13th of October! I’ll tell you all about it in a week!
Monday, October 01, 2007
Teaching the Gospel at Duke
October 1, 2007
Well, we had another awesome week. I am beginning to see what an amazing ward I have been assigned to. We are teaching Laurel, a freshman at Duke. Her roommate is a member from Salt Lake, Rebecca. I guess they both just clicked from the beginning, they are so fun together! We can’t help but laugh with them!
Rebecca invited Laurel to church the first week of school, and they haven’t missed since. The two of them and other members at Duke even read the scriptures and pray every night! We could not ask for a better teaching opportunity! When we teach, Rebecca often shares scriptures and her testimony about what we are teaching, it is SO helpful to have her!
I’ve really grown to love our ward here. There are so many awesome members, and we love when they help us out!!! There is a slight rivalry between the UNC and Duke students that is so fun to watch. As a missionary to both, I’d better get a Blue Devils shirt to wear along with my Tar Heel hat on P-Days.
There is only one freshman with a car at Duke, so William Howard (don’t call him Howie) Barlow, or as he likes to be known, Your Liege Lord Bill, picks up all the Duke Freshman girls in his golden Mercedes and takes them to church.
Bill is the man! He’s super smart, has this awesome Persian rug in his dorm and classical music playing, is looking for a publisher for his novel, and at 17 years old, says he has turned off that part of his brain that likes girls until he gets home from his mission and has finished his second year of law school.
Bill and Rebecca helped us teach Laurel about prophets and apostles. I was a little nervous when Yasser, another Duke freshman joined us. But the spirit was really, really strong in the lesson, it was so much fun to teach and then watch Elder Bednar’s talk, “Ye Must Be Born Again” the parable of the pickle, all about true conversion.
It was so fun to get to know Yasser, he was asking a lot of questions, like how do Prophets know what God wants us to know, and I had him read 1 Nephi 22:2, which says the Spirit tells prophets all things.I learned about a lot of the similarities between Islam and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Yasser was really interested to learn that the Holy Ghost can be felt by all people, not just members of Christ’s church, and that the Spirit is how we can know the truth of all things.
Bishop Condie asked me to speak in church yesterday. I love preparing for talks because I learn a ton and feel the Spirit. For about 25 minutes I spoke on the blessing of adversity and how attitude, service and eternal families can help us endure it well.
I am so excited for General Conference! What an amazing blessing we have to be able to watch and listen to a Prophet of God, Apostles and other church leaders! I know that if we prepare ourselves for Conference, it will bless us, help us with our problems and let us feel Heavenly Father’s love for us.Thanks for all of your support and letters!
Elder Walters
106 Shadowood Dr. Apt. D
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Well, we had another awesome week. I am beginning to see what an amazing ward I have been assigned to. We are teaching Laurel, a freshman at Duke. Her roommate is a member from Salt Lake, Rebecca. I guess they both just clicked from the beginning, they are so fun together! We can’t help but laugh with them!
Rebecca invited Laurel to church the first week of school, and they haven’t missed since. The two of them and other members at Duke even read the scriptures and pray every night! We could not ask for a better teaching opportunity! When we teach, Rebecca often shares scriptures and her testimony about what we are teaching, it is SO helpful to have her!
I’ve really grown to love our ward here. There are so many awesome members, and we love when they help us out!!! There is a slight rivalry between the UNC and Duke students that is so fun to watch. As a missionary to both, I’d better get a Blue Devils shirt to wear along with my Tar Heel hat on P-Days.
There is only one freshman with a car at Duke, so William Howard (don’t call him Howie) Barlow, or as he likes to be known, Your Liege Lord Bill, picks up all the Duke Freshman girls in his golden Mercedes and takes them to church.
Bill is the man! He’s super smart, has this awesome Persian rug in his dorm and classical music playing, is looking for a publisher for his novel, and at 17 years old, says he has turned off that part of his brain that likes girls until he gets home from his mission and has finished his second year of law school.
Bill and Rebecca helped us teach Laurel about prophets and apostles. I was a little nervous when Yasser, another Duke freshman joined us. But the spirit was really, really strong in the lesson, it was so much fun to teach and then watch Elder Bednar’s talk, “Ye Must Be Born Again” the parable of the pickle, all about true conversion.
It was so fun to get to know Yasser, he was asking a lot of questions, like how do Prophets know what God wants us to know, and I had him read 1 Nephi 22:2, which says the Spirit tells prophets all things.I learned about a lot of the similarities between Islam and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Yasser was really interested to learn that the Holy Ghost can be felt by all people, not just members of Christ’s church, and that the Spirit is how we can know the truth of all things.
Bishop Condie asked me to speak in church yesterday. I love preparing for talks because I learn a ton and feel the Spirit. For about 25 minutes I spoke on the blessing of adversity and how attitude, service and eternal families can help us endure it well.
I am so excited for General Conference! What an amazing blessing we have to be able to watch and listen to a Prophet of God, Apostles and other church leaders! I know that if we prepare ourselves for Conference, it will bless us, help us with our problems and let us feel Heavenly Father’s love for us.Thanks for all of your support and letters!
Elder Walters
106 Shadowood Dr. Apt. D
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Monday, September 24, 2007
David's Baptism
HI! We had the awesome privilege to be part of David’s baptism on Saturday. He was introduced to the church by his girlfriend, Beth, a member of the singles ward, our ward. Elder Kennah, Elder Johnson and I began to teach David about a month ago and he accepted an invitation to be baptized about three weeks ago, but I wanted to wait until it happened to write about it!
He is awesome, he’s super nice and outgoing, and really absorbed the Gospel well. He seems to really understand elements of the Gospel and sees how obedience to them truly will benefit his life. We shared our testimonies and feelings about the Gospel, and it was an awesome experience teaching him. It just felt so right. David asked me if I would speak on the Holy Ghost at his baptism, and said, “I love it when you talk.”
The three of us were really excited as we made arrangements for the baptism. David had asked Elder Kennah to baptize him and Elder Johnson to speak on the 4th Article of Faith. There was great support from the ward, about 40 people, and we were really excited (and nervous) to hear that President and Sister Wallis would be coming as well!
David wanted to share some of his own thoughts before he was baptized. He talked about how thankful he was, for Beth’s role in introducing him to the church, our role in teaching him the Gospel, and the ward’s role in becoming his family and supporting him. He said that the Gospel and his decision to be baptized just felt right. The baptism was awesome. A few years ago David was hit by a car, and now has a really messed up knee, so it was difficult for him to lean back into the water. A stingy baptismal witness, Elder Walters, noticed a hydrophobic elbow and made Elder Kennah baptize David again….and again. The third time was a charm, and it was so good to see the happy look on David’s face as he came up.
After David came back, I spoke on the Holy Ghost and the roles that He can take in our lives. I talked about how the Spirit bares witness of truth through our thoughts and feelings, like how Joseph Smith felt, when he read “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God” and when David felt the Spirit softly as we bore our testimonies to him. I also talked about the Holy Ghost’s role as the Comforter, described by Christ in John 14:26-27 and about a moment when I felt that peace shortly after I realized I was paralyzed a year and a half ago, at a time when I would likely have felt anything but peace. I love preparing for talks, as I have a chance to focus and reflect on one aspect of the Gospel. After the baptism, David shook my hand firmly, nodded, and said quietly, “Thank you, sir.” That was probably my favorite part. I know that the Gospel has and will continue to bless his life as he continues to live it, just as it will continue to bless our live as we strive to live the things that we know are true.
Love,
Elder Walters
He is awesome, he’s super nice and outgoing, and really absorbed the Gospel well. He seems to really understand elements of the Gospel and sees how obedience to them truly will benefit his life. We shared our testimonies and feelings about the Gospel, and it was an awesome experience teaching him. It just felt so right. David asked me if I would speak on the Holy Ghost at his baptism, and said, “I love it when you talk.”
The three of us were really excited as we made arrangements for the baptism. David had asked Elder Kennah to baptize him and Elder Johnson to speak on the 4th Article of Faith. There was great support from the ward, about 40 people, and we were really excited (and nervous) to hear that President and Sister Wallis would be coming as well!
David wanted to share some of his own thoughts before he was baptized. He talked about how thankful he was, for Beth’s role in introducing him to the church, our role in teaching him the Gospel, and the ward’s role in becoming his family and supporting him. He said that the Gospel and his decision to be baptized just felt right. The baptism was awesome. A few years ago David was hit by a car, and now has a really messed up knee, so it was difficult for him to lean back into the water. A stingy baptismal witness, Elder Walters, noticed a hydrophobic elbow and made Elder Kennah baptize David again….and again. The third time was a charm, and it was so good to see the happy look on David’s face as he came up.
After David came back, I spoke on the Holy Ghost and the roles that He can take in our lives. I talked about how the Spirit bares witness of truth through our thoughts and feelings, like how Joseph Smith felt, when he read “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God” and when David felt the Spirit softly as we bore our testimonies to him. I also talked about the Holy Ghost’s role as the Comforter, described by Christ in John 14:26-27 and about a moment when I felt that peace shortly after I realized I was paralyzed a year and a half ago, at a time when I would likely have felt anything but peace. I love preparing for talks, as I have a chance to focus and reflect on one aspect of the Gospel. After the baptism, David shook my hand firmly, nodded, and said quietly, “Thank you, sir.” That was probably my favorite part. I know that the Gospel has and will continue to bless his life as he continues to live it, just as it will continue to bless our live as we strive to live the things that we know are true.
Love,
Elder Walters
Monday, September 17, 2007
Elder Dunn Visits Raleigh NC Mission
September 17, 2007
Hi! We had another BUSY week! On Thursday, we had a visit from Elder Dunn of the 2nd Quorum of the Seventy. It was great! We all met him and shook his hand. Then we heard really great talks from President and Sister Wallis and a few missionaries. Elder Dunn then spoke for about forty-five minutes or so. It was really good and he spoke a lot about the importance of worthiness.
I met him afterwards, and we talked about my service as a missionary. He asked if there was anything he could help me out with. He also gave great suggestions and really helped me realize how I could better accomplish my goals. He asked how the work had been going, and I was open in telling him that it had been difficult so far. He said missionary work is always difficult even without extra challenges to master and factors to consider. I told him that I believed missionary work was 1. hard and 2. worth it. He counseled and encouraged me and offered to give me a blessing. I really appreciated that. The blessing was simple and sweet and amazing. I really felt the love that Heavenly Father has for me as Elder Dunn put his hands on my head and spoke as the spirit directed. Mostly, I remember these powerful feelings but he also blessed me with three special things: great strength in my body, the ability to use my disability to my advantage as I preach the Gospel, and the counsel that I should communicate openly and often with my companions and President Wallis.
We also had the opportunity to teach a great message last night about the restoration. It was awesome feeling the spirit direct us on what to say. We were about to start the lesson and invited a young man speaking with our investigator and her friend to hear our message. He really added to the lesson, sharing his testimony of Christ and of God’s love for us. We’re teaching both of them tomorrow, and I’m so excited! I agree with Elder Dunn that teaching is the best part of missionary work, finding is the hardest and baptism will be like the dessert.
Missionary work IS hard, and I know from the blessings that the Gospel has given my life, that it IS worth it.
Love,
Elder Walters
Hi! We had another BUSY week! On Thursday, we had a visit from Elder Dunn of the 2nd Quorum of the Seventy. It was great! We all met him and shook his hand. Then we heard really great talks from President and Sister Wallis and a few missionaries. Elder Dunn then spoke for about forty-five minutes or so. It was really good and he spoke a lot about the importance of worthiness.
I met him afterwards, and we talked about my service as a missionary. He asked if there was anything he could help me out with. He also gave great suggestions and really helped me realize how I could better accomplish my goals. He asked how the work had been going, and I was open in telling him that it had been difficult so far. He said missionary work is always difficult even without extra challenges to master and factors to consider. I told him that I believed missionary work was 1. hard and 2. worth it. He counseled and encouraged me and offered to give me a blessing. I really appreciated that. The blessing was simple and sweet and amazing. I really felt the love that Heavenly Father has for me as Elder Dunn put his hands on my head and spoke as the spirit directed. Mostly, I remember these powerful feelings but he also blessed me with three special things: great strength in my body, the ability to use my disability to my advantage as I preach the Gospel, and the counsel that I should communicate openly and often with my companions and President Wallis.
We also had the opportunity to teach a great message last night about the restoration. It was awesome feeling the spirit direct us on what to say. We were about to start the lesson and invited a young man speaking with our investigator and her friend to hear our message. He really added to the lesson, sharing his testimony of Christ and of God’s love for us. We’re teaching both of them tomorrow, and I’m so excited! I agree with Elder Dunn that teaching is the best part of missionary work, finding is the hardest and baptism will be like the dessert.
Missionary work IS hard, and I know from the blessings that the Gospel has given my life, that it IS worth it.
Love,
Elder Walters
Monday, September 10, 2007
This Really Is The Lord's Work
We've been really busy in Chapel Hill! Sorry about not emailing last week! I was sick last P-day and wasn't able to email. I'm learning a lot out here, both from fun and not-so-fun experiences. This really is the Lord's work. It is not mine. He directs me on what to do and how to do it, and then I just do my best.
I've been really overwhelmed lately, but I'm starting to figure out how I can best help people here come closer to Jesus Christ. It was really hard at first, trying to get to know the ward, and trying to get everyone to like me and trust me.
I have reverted back to one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in the last two years...just smile! At everybody! Whether they're smiling at you, frowning at you or telling you to 'go away, there's no soliciting in this neighborhood.' I imagine Jesus Christ responding to all situations with quiet dignity, just smiling kindly at people and respecting their free agency, while doing His best to teach clearly and powerfully. The message we share, His message, is the most important thing anyone can know, yet we must do our best to also respect others' agency and allow the Lord to work with people in His way.
I had a very special experience in realizing the Lord's hand directing His work about a week ago. On Tuesday the 4th, I had a doctor's appointment that I had felt guilty about going to, in that an Elder would need to go with me, and some time would be lost which could have been used some other way. I had hoped to be at the institute or with the Elders, working, doing something I thought I was supposed to be doing. Elder Cannon and I were just headed out of the hospital after an appointment, when a lady saw us, and came up to us. I am so sorry to say this, but I was thinking about the next activity we had planned, that we needed to meet back up with the other missionaries soon, that I needed to stop wasting time at the hospital and get back to work.
I felt so horrible when she said her husband was in the hospital and would really like a priesthood blessing. We got her name, number and hospital room number and asked if we could come by that afternoon and administer a blessing. We learned that the couple had converted about ten years ago, after reluctantly inviting the Elders into their home. She kept saying how thankful she was for them and that she would never forget their names. We talked with them for a while and administered the blessing and left.
The rest of that day, and many times since, I've been thinking about how the Lord's work is just that, HIS work. It is not mine. I do my best to do as He directs.
Love,
Elder Walters
I've been really overwhelmed lately, but I'm starting to figure out how I can best help people here come closer to Jesus Christ. It was really hard at first, trying to get to know the ward, and trying to get everyone to like me and trust me.
I have reverted back to one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in the last two years...just smile! At everybody! Whether they're smiling at you, frowning at you or telling you to 'go away, there's no soliciting in this neighborhood.' I imagine Jesus Christ responding to all situations with quiet dignity, just smiling kindly at people and respecting their free agency, while doing His best to teach clearly and powerfully. The message we share, His message, is the most important thing anyone can know, yet we must do our best to also respect others' agency and allow the Lord to work with people in His way.
I had a very special experience in realizing the Lord's hand directing His work about a week ago. On Tuesday the 4th, I had a doctor's appointment that I had felt guilty about going to, in that an Elder would need to go with me, and some time would be lost which could have been used some other way. I had hoped to be at the institute or with the Elders, working, doing something I thought I was supposed to be doing. Elder Cannon and I were just headed out of the hospital after an appointment, when a lady saw us, and came up to us. I am so sorry to say this, but I was thinking about the next activity we had planned, that we needed to meet back up with the other missionaries soon, that I needed to stop wasting time at the hospital and get back to work.
I felt so horrible when she said her husband was in the hospital and would really like a priesthood blessing. We got her name, number and hospital room number and asked if we could come by that afternoon and administer a blessing. We learned that the couple had converted about ten years ago, after reluctantly inviting the Elders into their home. She kept saying how thankful she was for them and that she would never forget their names. We talked with them for a while and administered the blessing and left.
The rest of that day, and many times since, I've been thinking about how the Lord's work is just that, HIS work. It is not mine. I do my best to do as He directs.
Love,
Elder Walters
Sunday, September 02, 2007
Institute of Religion
The Institute of Religion for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the University of North Carolina was a clubhouse with a swimming pool before the church purchased it. The pool has since been filled in. There are approximately ten acres of grassy area with plenty of room for volleyball and other games. The Institute is about a quarter of a mile from campus and is surrounded by trees. It is very quiet and serene and a great place for students to take a break from their college classes and take an institute class.
Parking and ramped entrance for Ryan into the Institute.
A view of the deck and grassy area from the Chapel. 
The Chapel for the Single Adult Ward at UNC. 
Barbecue and deck area
Pool table and more seating 
Game Area 
Classroom for Institute and Sunday School.
Gathering area at the Institute.
When we arrived in North Carolina, Brother Nichols had printed the picture above with Ryan's cousins Madeline, Nathan and Parker Davis and taped it outside of Ryan's institute office. This picture was taken during Ryan's first week at the MTC. Ryan slept in his dorm room each night and spent the day at the MTC. The Davis family was kind enough to help Ryan with some last minute missionary clothing details. THANK YOU!
Elder Walters' office at the Institute of Religion. He has large windows that look over the grassy area behind the Institute.
Shadowood Apartments
I don't know if I've ever taken a picture in the bathroom before but this deserves special attention. Art Quinn, Shadowood's manager, and the assistant manager, Michael, in Ryan's completed bathroom. There is a pedestal sink, a roll-in shower and lots of drawers for storage. Art agreed to completely remodel the bathroom per Barry's plans. Art worked really hard to make sure Ryan had everything he needed. THANK YOU . . . it turned out amazing! 
The living room with a woodburning fireplace.
A sneak peak at the washer and dryer (my personal favorite) and the kitchen with the lowered counter top for Ryan. This is not Ryan's actual apartment. Management decided to remodel a different apartment and put in new flooring everywhere, vinyl in the kitchen, a low pile carpet similar to Budge Hall in the living room and bedrooms and tile in Ryan's bathroom.
The Elder's apartment is by the second set of stairs.
The sign outside the office at Shadowood reads, "The place for serious minded students." It is very quiet on the apartment grounds, maybe its the dense trees that surround the complex and maybe its because many of the students were home for summer break.Behind The Scenes
Behind every great mission, are service missionary couples. Pictures above are Brother and Sister Gunnell on the left and Brother Nichols on the right. The Gunnells coordinate approximately 70 apartment leases, coordinate moves and maintain 60 cars for the 150 to 170 missionaries serving in the Raleigh North Carolina Mission. Brother Nichols is the Institute Director as well as working with early morning seminary classes in the area. Gunnells helped us get settled into Ryan's apartment with the other two Elders. They are wonderful, hardworking people!Monday, August 27, 2007
Elder Walters' New Email Address
Missionaries usually set up a new email account when they begin serving their missions. Ryan wanted me to let you know his new address will be elderrjwalters@myldsmail.net.
He still prefers letters, of any kind, to be mailed to:
Elder Ryan Jordan Walters
106 Shadowood Drive, Apt. D
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Thank you! Bridgette
He still prefers letters, of any kind, to be mailed to:
Elder Ryan Jordan Walters
106 Shadowood Drive, Apt. D
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Thank you! Bridgette
August 27, 2007
Hi! North Carolina is awesome. It's really hot and humid, too, but I spend a lot of time inside. I don't think I've ever appreciated air conditioning this much! The exhausted looks on our faces gives us a sympathy factor when talking to people!
Thank you for your letters! They mean a lot to me! There's a scripture in Proverbs 25:25, I think, that shows how I feel! Check it out! I have little time for email, but there is more time available for letters! Thank you!
My companions are great. Elder Kennah, said Ken A, is from Layton, Utah, has served 19 months, 5 in Raleigh and is hoping not to be transferred in a week! He loves the singles ward and the campus area and knows a lot of the people at church and on campus. He also enjoys when we come back to the apartment for lunch, so he can eat his cereal while wearing his big, gold rimmed sunglasses, Chapel Hill jersey, and Burger King crown. He isn't afraid at all to talk to people and is awesome at connecting with people during discussions. He has a great sense of humor.
Elder Johnson is from Branson, Missouri, and was in the MTC at the same time I was. He worked in Branson as a lights specialist for shows and then got into real estate. He likes talking with people and is really friendly with everybody. Last night the Elders tried out my wheelchair. Everything was going great until we took off the wheelie bars so we could do wheelies better. Elder Johnson went up to do a wheelie and ended up going over backwards on his head with his legs up in the air, and the wheelchair now sitting on him. I laughed until it hurt and I cried.
The institute building and surrounding ten acres are owned by the church. It's a quarter mile from campus' east side, and is an ideal place to teach the discussions, or for students to take a break from school. Half of the building is the chapel, where the single's ward, our ward, meets. In the institute side of the building there are a ton of fun things to do, foosball, pool, ping-pong, comfy places to do homework and a kitchen. There is also a basement with three classrooms, and a ramp I can use outside to get to it.
Brother Nichols is the Institute Director; he's over seminary and five other buildings. He has a great sense of humor, and really tries to connect with the students. I have enjoyed helping him and will do so about thirty hours every week. Institute starts on Thursday, with about 5 classes, including a class I'll teach about the discussions, and mission preparation.
Sister Morris is the executive secretary at institute and helps me out a ton. She's a mother of six kids, and has found another...me. I really appreciate her help and her ability to tell when I need to go take a nap, go eat lunch or go take a break.
President and Sister Wallis have been really great and helpful. Our zone went to the temple with them last week, it was awesome. Sister W. gave me a bunch of Montgomery Inn barbecue sauce, my favorite! I drank the first bottle and used the second on my cereal. Thanks, Aunt Nan! President asked me to speak at zone conference on Wednesday about my accident and since. I'm nervous, and will need to find some time to prepare!
I really appreciate letters, long, short, fat, skinny, on paper, brass plates, anything!
Thank you so much for your support and Love,
Elder Walters
Thank you for your letters! They mean a lot to me! There's a scripture in Proverbs 25:25, I think, that shows how I feel! Check it out! I have little time for email, but there is more time available for letters! Thank you!
My companions are great. Elder Kennah, said Ken A, is from Layton, Utah, has served 19 months, 5 in Raleigh and is hoping not to be transferred in a week! He loves the singles ward and the campus area and knows a lot of the people at church and on campus. He also enjoys when we come back to the apartment for lunch, so he can eat his cereal while wearing his big, gold rimmed sunglasses, Chapel Hill jersey, and Burger King crown. He isn't afraid at all to talk to people and is awesome at connecting with people during discussions. He has a great sense of humor.
Elder Johnson is from Branson, Missouri, and was in the MTC at the same time I was. He worked in Branson as a lights specialist for shows and then got into real estate. He likes talking with people and is really friendly with everybody. Last night the Elders tried out my wheelchair. Everything was going great until we took off the wheelie bars so we could do wheelies better. Elder Johnson went up to do a wheelie and ended up going over backwards on his head with his legs up in the air, and the wheelchair now sitting on him. I laughed until it hurt and I cried.
The institute building and surrounding ten acres are owned by the church. It's a quarter mile from campus' east side, and is an ideal place to teach the discussions, or for students to take a break from school. Half of the building is the chapel, where the single's ward, our ward, meets. In the institute side of the building there are a ton of fun things to do, foosball, pool, ping-pong, comfy places to do homework and a kitchen. There is also a basement with three classrooms, and a ramp I can use outside to get to it.
Brother Nichols is the Institute Director; he's over seminary and five other buildings. He has a great sense of humor, and really tries to connect with the students. I have enjoyed helping him and will do so about thirty hours every week. Institute starts on Thursday, with about 5 classes, including a class I'll teach about the discussions, and mission preparation.
Sister Morris is the executive secretary at institute and helps me out a ton. She's a mother of six kids, and has found another...me. I really appreciate her help and her ability to tell when I need to go take a nap, go eat lunch or go take a break.
President and Sister Wallis have been really great and helpful. Our zone went to the temple with them last week, it was awesome. Sister W. gave me a bunch of Montgomery Inn barbecue sauce, my favorite! I drank the first bottle and used the second on my cereal. Thanks, Aunt Nan! President asked me to speak at zone conference on Wednesday about my accident and since. I'm nervous, and will need to find some time to prepare!
I really appreciate letters, long, short, fat, skinny, on paper, brass plates, anything!
Thank you so much for your support and Love,
Elder Walters
Monday, August 20, 2007
"Dire" Request for Letters
Well, it's going great! My companions are awesome and so is President Wallis. I'm getting to know everyone in the singles ward, our ward, and I'm figuring out how I could be most effective through regular missionary work and CES work.
Please send letters! I have 45 minutes to email and read emails, and it's tough to fit in just typing a letter and sending pictures in that amount of time. I would like to spend the short time I have telling you about my experiences here. Hopefully next week's email will be longer!
Elder Walters
106 Shadowood Drive Apt. D
Chapel Hill, NC
27514
Love,
Elder Walters
Please send letters! I have 45 minutes to email and read emails, and it's tough to fit in just typing a letter and sending pictures in that amount of time. I would like to spend the short time I have telling you about my experiences here. Hopefully next week's email will be longer!
Elder Walters
106 Shadowood Drive Apt. D
Chapel Hill, NC
27514
Love,
Elder Walters
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Nieces and Nephews
Almost nieces and nephews, cousin Mercy with her husband Gregg and children, Taryn and James. The Tucker family will be returning to the Dominican Republic the end of August to begin their second year as missionaries for their church. They have a fascinating blog you can follow at "tuckers4.blogspot.com".
In the midst of packing for Ryan's mission, Kaitlyn and Tate are practicing for the school musical tryouts.
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