Mail system in Chuuk

Regarding mailing things to Chuuk Zone we thought that the best way to answer your questions would be best answered here.

Cost amounts --- It is all U.S. postage for all of Micronesia.
Everything MUST come priority or FIRST CLASS (otherwise it will end up on the slow boat from China and take at least 6 months). REALLY!

If you are mailing a package it is best to put it Priority mailing boxes (they are free at the post office) They charge by the box size, not the weight.

NEXT--- this is all very IMPORTANT if you want things to come safe and still be good.
* Tape the box up really, really well (tight and sealed) it has a long ways to travel > through heat, water and being thrown around with tons of other mail.
* When declaring your contents > be vague about it --- such as candy, write food items. "Gift" you don't have to write what it is.   You DO NOT have to list everything.

*If you are mailing something that cannot be replaced and gets lost or stolen, then it might be best to mail it DHL. (let us know and we can give you further instructions on this)
*If you declare your package is worth more than $200.00 they will have to pay customs and that delays the delivery.
*Keep your dollar amount low > even if you paid more for your things, it is safer when it doesn't look like it is worth much.  (You have to remember it is traveling a long way - a lot of people will be handling it) Put the odds in your favor.  And unless it has insurance on it > it don't matter.

*Breakable things > wrap really, really good in strong bubble wrap or something strong.
*Food items that could spoil --- DON'T MAIL.... The chances of that making it are pretty slim and it might come full of BUGs.  We don't like the bugs!!! We have enough here :)

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING AND I THINK I CAN SPEAK FOR ALL THE MISSIONARIES ABOUT THIS --- ALWAYS, ALWAYS MAIL A LETTER WITH THE PACKAGE, THEY LOVE HEARING FROM HOME AND WHAT YOU ARE ALL DOING.  IT BRIGHTENS UP THE DAY WHEN THEY KNOW WHAT YOU ALL ARE DOING. :)  GOODIES ARE GREAT, LETTERS ARE BETTER. NOTHING MEANS MORE TO THEM THAN YOUR LETTERS...BUT THEY DO LIKE THE FOOD :)

We don't want this to sound as though the Mail System is bad here.  What it is, is a small island in a small island country.  The Mail Clerks here work very hard and are always busy getting the mail out, I have never seen a busier post office (even on tax day in the states).  They are about to move into a new building soon and are now dealing with a less than ideal building in the temporary quarters.

If you have any other questions or concerns and we can help you out please feel free to contact us.

"The tropical life"

We were attending a wedding today and realized we needed a updated picture at the church. So here it is... Life in Mwan Branch is wonderful we love serving with the people and Zone Leaders.  Sister Tiffany especially loves working with the Primary kids!

Chuuk Thugz now carrying the torch!

~Zone District Meetings happens once a month~

The Chuuk Zone 2012
The Lord needs every able young man to prepare and recommit,
to be worthy of a call from the prophet of God to serve a mission.
That whispering of the Spirit is an example of how the call comes to servants of the Lord to send missionaries to their fields of labor.

 
 Missionaries go forth two by two as appointed by the Lord, carrying that same message, with the same divine call to serve from the prophet of God.

Let's see, do we really want to meet in the little AC room?
I think not Elders!

Elder Lavidas talking about how to over come getting homesick... Missionaries go forth two by two as appointed by the Lord, carrying that same message, with the same divine call to serve from the prophet of God.

ZL "Elder Shakespear"

Elder Walters and Elder Allred 

Elder Sofele and Elder Allen

Sister Tiffany told them she only needed one serious picture from them for their parents and then they could pose however they chose.  Of course they had to get cookies to eat first, the Elders are always hungry... 
 Our prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, has said of those called to serve: “The missionary opportunity of a lifetime is yours. The blessings of eternity await you. Yours is the privilege to be not spectators but participants on the stage of priesthood service.”

RONALD A. RASBAND

"Willing men who wear the workers seal"

Thou shalt not idle away thy time, 

neither shalt thou bury thy talent. 

Elder Obray and Elder Jones "Pizza time" ...
These two Elders work and share their talent in everything they do.  We decided that they deserved a reward for all the work they have been doing in the Mechitiw Branch.   Today they built stairs with tiles and rocks for a older lady in the branch to be able to attend church. It can be slippery when it rains here and these Elders took her excuse away. “[The Lord] will not permit us to fail if we do our part. He will magnify us even beyond our own talents and abilities. … It is one of the sweetest experiences that can come to a human being" 
They enlisted about 7 of the youth to come help them and teach them how to work and build the church.  After having an amazing couple of weeks of missionary work, they continue to have one miracle after another.  We won't write their stories here because it's theirs to tell.  What we will say, is these two Elders are building the Church, having baptisms, getting young men ready for missions, inspiring others and blessing many lives. 
  President David O. McKay was fond of saying, “Let us realize that the privilege to work is a gift, that power to work is a blessing, that love of work is success.”

Chuuk Zone Leaders . . .

Elder Allred playing --- Elder Butler (the guy that see's a camera and always pulls a serious face) 
Elder Tiffany playing --- Elder Meldrum (when the camera comes out he pulls a funny face)  
Don't get me wrong, all of these Elders are amazing and we love them very much but every now & then we just have to have a little fun. 

Sunday Dinner --- Chicken stirfry with rice (I know rice, as if they don't get enough of that-right) they are so fun to have around, all of our Elders our wonderful young men in the Chuuk Zone.  
Elder Allred and Elder Shakespear... 

"Grateful for a 14-year-old boy, Joseph Smith"

Life is interesting; here I sit at the outside restaurant down stairs from our apartment.  I have not been feeling well since we came back from Guam.  Being sick is kind of a drag anytime but here it's worse, why???? You might be asking, well for most of us feeling sick is a drag, for me it really stinks.  I don't do sick well, I don't like going to bed, lying down or being the patient.  I would much rather be the care giver. Maybe you feel the same way.  Anyway at home when I don't feel good I go to work (outside) usually working in the yard. I have no yard here to work in, nor do I have a house per say to work in... Maybe right now your thinking well maybe you should go out doing some missionary work get your mind of yourself right! Well, that did cross my mind, but I am pretty sure the people I would visit don't want a sick missionary coming over and throwing up at their home.  Like I said before Chuuk is not a good place to be sick, not that anywhere is but Chuuk really isn't a good place to be sick.  Our island is so tiny you can't go anywhere or do anything only hangout in your apartment and for someone that doesn't sit still very well or long it is a real drag.  So the question for me is what is it I am to learn from this???   Well we try to teach our young Elders first line of defense.... Priesthood blessing.  "In a priesthood blessing a servant of the Lord exercises the priesthood, as moved upon by the Holy Ghost, to call upon the powers of heaven for the benefit of the person being blessed"

As many of you know fifteen years ago this month I was very sick.  I truly believe that I am here because of many Priesthood blessings, the faith and love of my wonderful companion, family and friends.  

Elder Tiffany has given me a blessing and we were hoping I will be on the road to recovery.  I know without a doubt that is my best defense and through my faith in the Lord Jesus Christ if I am to be healed I will be healed.  The priesthood is the power and authority of God delegated to man. Priesthood keys are the right to direct the use of that power. Priesthood and priesthood keys open the door to the blessings of the Atonement. 

3 Nephi 18:19, 20 "Therefore ye must always pray unto the Father in my name; and whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is right believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto you". I am on the road to recovery now and I am so grateful that a 14-year-old boy, Joseph Smith, entered a grove of trees asking to know which church is right. I will be eternally grateful for the answer he received and the subsequent restoration of the priesthood and its keys through John the Baptist; Peter, James, and John; and other holy messengers. May we use this great power to bless all of God’s children, beginning with our own families, is my prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Kopwe fakkun pechukun!

We have a couple of Elders that have had injuries this past week, so we needed to do a follow up and make sure they are healing.  Here in Chuuk our wounds don't heal the same as at home.  They tend to get infected easily so it is important to do followups with the Elders,  (boys will be boys).  The first line of defense we teach them is to give your companion a blessing.  "A priesthood blessing is a conferral of power over spiritual things. Though it cannot be touched or weighed, it is of great significance in helping us overcome obstacles". 

Elder Allred has his pants rolled up because he is trying to get air to his wounds and dry them out to heal.  Elder Fisher cut his hand with a machette and just left the hospital to get his stitches out.  They are both healing well and happy to be pechukun again.  

.  

~ ZL Elder Allred, Elder Fisher, ZL Elder Shakespear, Elder Walters ~

Patterns are templates, guides, repeating steps, or paths one follows to stay aligned with God’s purpose. If followed, they will keep us humble, awake, and able to discern the voice of the Holy Spirit from those voices that distract us and lead us away. The Lord then instructs us, “He that trembleth under my power shall be made strong, and shall bring forth fruits of praise and wisdom, according to the revelations and truths which I have given you” (D&C 52:17)

As we have stated before, the Lord only sends the pechukun Elders here! These young Elders are amazing and have strong faith. 

ZL Elder Shakespear says he is very, very tired... We told him that is what makes a great missionary!!!
"As we seek Heavenly Father's guidance, the Holy Ghost will help us prepare for and endure".
 “To love the Lord is not just counsel; it is not just well-wishing. It is a commandment. … Love of God is the root of all virtue, of all goodness, of all strength of character, of all fidelity to do right" 
 
President Gordon B. Hinckley 

We are very happy to be serving with all of these great young men.  We want them to have fulfilling experiences here so they may lead our church and our members in righteous paths and principles.  They truly are the light of a generation.  
We are engaged in the work of the Lord Jesus Christ. We, like those of olden times, have answered His call. We are on His errand. 

In the Beginning...

The first missionaries in Chuuk (formerly Truk), Donald M. Baldwin and Torlik Tima (Hawaii Honolulu Mission), arrived on 7 July 1977. They baptized T. M. Conrad Mailo and his wife, Nisor Cerly David, on 22 October 1977.  The Trukese missionary was Happiness Ichin, the second convert on the island.  

The Truk Branch (later Mwan Branch) was created on 26 July 1979.  By 1980, membership reached 170, and on 31 May 1981 the Truk-Pohnpei District, (later renamed the Namoneau Chuuk District) and Pohnpei districts were created.

The first meetinghouse on Chuuk was dedicated on 24 April 1983. The Truk - Pohnpei District was divided in 1985.

By 1990 the district had been divided and two more Church buildings were dedicated.  There are now eight branches in Chuuk.  

A visit to Micronesia in June 1991 by Michaelene P. Grassli, General President of the Church's children organization known as the Primary, and Virginia H. Pearce, board member. They included stops in Chuuk, Pohnpei, Kosrae, and Kwajalein.

Many people today think of the South Seas as a place of balmy beaches, sunny days, soft music, and bronzed islanders with little to do. This vision has been created by the tourist and film industries and by writers and painters who fit the “native” image better than the natives themselves. Reality in the Pacific is very different from the filmwriters’ fancied scripts. Life has always been difficult for the local people. Society here, as elsewhere, has prescribed what can and cannot be done, and of course nature has placed limits beyond which people everywhere cannot easily go. Many islanders are limited even today, for example, to a diet based primarily on fish, coconuts, sweet potatoes, taro, and fruits. A few canned goods, particularly canned meats, fill out the menu. Life in the Pacific is hard for most of its inhabitants.

When Joseph Smith experienced the visitation from the Father and the Son in the spring of 1820, the islands of the sea were almost simultaneously being prepared for the introduction of the gospel. Protestant missionaries introduced Christianity and it first reached Chuuk in 1874 with the arrival of missionaries in the Mortlocks, and the faith soon spread throughout Chuuk lagoon.

Today the work continues with concerted efforts to translate the Scriptures into the native languages so that the island people can better understand the Great Plan of Happiness.  The Lord has need of willing men, who wear the worker's seal.  Come, help the good work move along; put your shoulder to the wheel.

The Luxury of Senior Missionary living...

May we be filled with gratitude for the right of choice, accept the responsibility of choice, and ever be conscious of the results of choice.

This is our double oven setup :) We have baked brownies, muffins, cookies, burrito's, and lasagna in that little oven. 

They don't always come out looking great but they taste pretty good.  The 3 tower setup is our water filter, it is hooked up to the faucet so we have clean and safe water to drink.

This is our only shelf that holds a one burner stove. Sister Tiffany has learned the art of keeping food warm as she prepares a meal.   We use the large frying pan when cooking for our big eater Elders and for making pancakes. The smaller one we use for other meals, usually pasta or stir fry.  We do have a toaster but we don't use it because it is messy with crumbs and Sister Tiffany doesn't like to feed the bugs.  We did purchase a blender for morning smoothies and icy cold lemonade drinks on a hot day... The plastic box underneath is for our pans, bowls and cooking utensils.  

You need a plastic container that seals pretty good to keep things clean. Oh, living in the tropics has its challenges! 

This is our entire kitchen > we have no cupboards. We purchased that small plastic shelf for our dishes.  We do have a nice water cooler dispenser for after we filter our water of course.  See that huge fridge, anyone that know us knows how full our fridge is at home, well that little one is stuffed to the gills but we have learned condensing.  The rules when eating at Elder and Sister Tiffany's house are; make a mess, clean it up and NO left overs... The pictures on the side of the fridge are of the Elders, it is a calendar with other pictures on it. We couldn't see why we wanted strangers on our fridge when we could have the boys we love so much on it.   

This is a different view from the kitchen looking over to our bedroom.  That bookshelf is where we keep our books and pictures of our Family.  We could use a lot more pictures - hint. Yup that's the tour of luxury living here in the tropics.  One room, one bath, one burner and a lot of love...

We are engaged in the work of the Lord Jesus Christ. We, like those of olden times, have answered His call. We are on His errand. We shall succeed in this solemn charge

It's official, our boy has gone home...

We are always sad when an Elder has served his time and ready to return home to his family.  You get very close to these Elders and learn to love them a great deal.  We have had so many wonderful times with Elder Johnson and made a lot of memories together.  It is his time to return home and he will do so with honor.  We have grown to love him as our own son and wish him the best in his life.  

Sister Tiffany greeting Elder Johnson, who has been serving in Guam as the AP, back to Chuuk with his parents.
1 Corinthians 2:4,5 "And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of Spirit and of power; That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God"

Elder Tiffany and Elder Johnson"Our spiritual journey is the process of a lifetime. We do not know everything in the beginning or even along the way. Our conversion comes step by step, line upon line. We first build a foundation of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. We treasure the principles and ordinances of repentance, baptism, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. We include a continuing commitment to prayer, a willingness to be obedient, and an ongoing witness of the Book of Mormon"

 
 Elder Johnson with his parents Brother Russell and Sister Joan

We always had Sunday dinner together when Elder J was on Chuuk, so we wanted to share our love with his parents and tell them how much we loved their son with an American meal of meat, potatoes and spaghetti, Elder T made a chocolate cream pie for dessert.   The other gentlemen are visitors to Chuuk working on government projects.  

After their boat ride yesterday, they are just happy Papa Johnson is okay and able to eat dinner with us...

 
 Elder J's last Chuukese dinner and party @ President Tarsis' home with lots of family... We ate Chuukese dinner of fried breadfruit, cooked banana's, fresh tuna, fried chicken, rice, taro, fresh coconuts and cinnamon rolls.

Through the years we take these important spiritual steps over and over again. We begin to see that “he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day” (D&C 50:24). Our questions and doubts are resolved or become less concerning to us. Our faith becomes simple and pure. We come to know what we already knew.

 (D&C 43:8,9) "And now, behold, I give unto you a commandment, that when ye are assembled together ye shall instruct and edify each other, that ye may know how to act and direct my church, how to act upon the points of my law and commandments, which I have given. And thus ye shall become instructed in the law of my church, and be sanctified by that which ye have received, and ye shall bind yourselves to act in all holiness before me" 

All shared a story and testimony with Elder J and his parents.  What a special evening with everyone together.  They sang songs for him and each child and adult came and hugged him goodbye.  Then Elder J sat on the floor with the children and sang songs with them.  

He was a wonderful Elder and friend to all and will be sorely missed here in Chuuk.  

Challenges, difficulties, questions, doubts—these are part of our mortality. But we are not alone. As disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, we have enormous spiritual reservoirs of light and truth available to us. Fear and faith cannot coexist in our hearts at the same time. In our days of difficulty, we choose the road of faith. Jesus said, “Be not afraid, only believe” (Mark 5:36).

Kot epwe nom roem ach chu sefan!!

Working with the Translations Team

We have had the opportunity to teach English and Temple Preparation on the island now for about 8 months and we just started another class.  We feel very fortunate to work with this group of Chuukese members and to prepare them for translation.  

The first priority when selecting members of a translation team is to identify individuals who are living lives that allow them to access the Spirit, said Jeffrey C. Bateson, Translation Division director, in an interview with Church magazines. “We feel, first of all, that translation is a spiritual gift, and anyone involved in that work needs access to the Spirit,” he said, quoting Doctrine and Covenants 9:9: “You cannot write that which is sacred save it be given you from me.” That scripture serves as a guide for the Translation Division.

Next in consideration are translation skills. Potential team members are evaluated to see whether they would better fill the role of translator or reviewer. Individuals working for the Translation Division typically know the target language as their primary language and English as their secondary language.

The New Translations Team, Raiton Newyear, Marsine Joseph, Oriko Ewar, Emylyn Walter, Tasiana Walter are
making a commitment to brother DelValle.
“First and foremost, scripture translation is directed by the Lord through the Brethren at the highest levels of the Church.

The Book of Mormon is presently in print in over eighty languages and is now being translated or prepared for publication in many, many more. Consider the Church’s current process of translating the Book of Mormon from English into another language. The Church contracts capable, experienced member translators who are fluent in English as well as their native tongue who possess integrity and high moral character so that the spirit of inspiration will guide their work. Just as in Joseph Smith’s day, the ability to translate holy writ today is a spiritual gift from God. Unlike Joseph’s day, however, many of our modern translators utilize computers and word processors, lexicons and encyclopedias to help and guide them in their sacred assignment. The modern work is extensive, and each step must be critically analyzed by Church translation experts.

Brother Devalle explaining to the team what is required of them.  DC 42:49,50  "He who hath faith to see shall see, 
 He who hath faith to hear shall hear" 

Celebrating Birthday's

The Joseph family have 4 small children. We took each one a fun colored ball to play with.
Sister Joseph made Sister Tiffany a beautiful skirt for her birthday.  

Celebrating Sister Tiffany's birthday in Chuuk has been such a blessing.  She happens to share her day with many people that mean the world to her, from our Grand-daughter Kya who celebrates her wedding anniversary that day, to having her great, great neice born  on that same day.  
Also, here in Chuuk, is a small boy named Brady, that we have fallen in love with who also shares her day.  To celebrate her birthday this year, we took a couple of extra days in Guam and checked out the island, but more importantly, we got to eat some fresh vegetables.  
When we arrived back in Chuuk for her actual birthday, we celebrated it with Brady and his family... She helped Brady with his cake, hence the messy face and he was not happy about it :)  
Overall, it was a wonderful day full of love, friendship and a lot of laughing.  

Zone Conference in July

President and Sister Mecham

We had a great Zone Conference here in Chuuk last month.  Sorry we've been slow to get out a blog here but our computer has been a little osukosuk lately.  The Zone Leaders put on a very good  conference and a great training.

Zone Leaders Elders Allred and Shakespear,
performing an important task at the conference.

President and Sister Meacham counseled us very well in choosing our paths wisely.  "Whoso heareth these sayings of mine and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, who built his house upon a rock", 3 Nephi 14:24.  They counseled us on opening our mouths and we will have them filled with the words what we shall say, "For it shall be given you in the very hour, yea, in the very moment, what ye shall say".  Live so as the Spirit can abide with us, "Wherefore, be faithful, praying always, having your lamps trimmed and burning, and oil with you, that you may be ready at the coming of the Bridegroom", D&C 33:17

After our lunch break we stretched and roamed around for a bit.  Took a few pictures and generally relaxed.  It was a good break before getting back to work and we took advantage of it.

Elder Bowers ~ Top
Elder Johnson getting his foot checked by the Doctor below 

  We heard from Elder Landroe who is the Area Psychiatrist.  He helped us understand the benefits of keeping a positive attitude in the face of difficulty.  Using the Gospel and the Light of the Lord to buoy us up.  We also heard from Dr. Donahoe who gave us the perspective of healthy living and staying in good condition so that we can do the Lords work without becoming sick and debilitated.

The conference and training ended with testimony and remarks by President Meacham who encouraged us to be valiant and excited about bringing the elect into the Church and helping them grow in the Gospel.  All were taught this day in the way of the Lord, filled with the Spirit and the Light.  Our hearts were filled and our countenances shined.  

Articles of Faith 10

We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.