Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men

When I saw this father teaching and helping his child today. I couldn't help but think about the story of Christ telling the apostles to follow him and he would make them fishers of men.  A Christian knows that throughout the ages, God’s prophets have always testified of Jesus Christ.  

This small boy about the age of 3 maybe 4 helped his father as they were coming in from fishing.  His father patiently taught him how to get the ropes for tying up the boat.

We all have the opportunity to act straightway, immediately, and decisively, just as Peter and Andrew did: “they forsook their nets, and followed him.” We too are called upon to leave our nets, to reject worldly habits, customs, and traditions.
One thing about the Chuukese is they are all about teaching their children the ways to follow Christ and survival.  It is different from home, for example as we sat today in Sacrament, more than half the congregation are small children, 12 and younger probably 60% or more on occasion.  The chapel is completely quiet and reverent.  We can honestly say we have never sat through a sacrament this quiet with children as here in Chuuk.  Now don't get us wrong, kids will be kids but these children learn many things about reverence at such a young age, it truly is amazing.  And as we talk, we think that might be why they are so well behaved most of the time anyway...


This is Brady with his mom's machete. Brady turned 2 in July last year.  He is fun to watch and quite an entertainer when we are around. He has been working cutting the grass and weeds in the yard with his mommy.  I asked the question, "Do very many children get hurt and cut themselves with that big knife"?  Her answer was sometimes but not very often, they just know to be careful.  They know it's not a toy, it is a tool for working.  “As people become self-reliant, they are better prepared to endure adversities” and are “better able to care for others in need.”  The Savior invites us to learn His gospel with three words: “Keep the commandments” nothing more, nothing less.

It is normal to see people walking around here with big machetes and when we first arrived in Chuuk, we drove around the island to see things and we were kind of afraid and nervous, not being used to the culture or the people and all.  Now we just laugh because the Chuukese people are some of the greatest, most gentle souls in the world.
We are enriched by associations with different people, which remind us of the wonderful diversity of the children of God.

For many, the call to be a Christian can seem demanding, even overwhelming. But we need not be afraid or feel inadequate. The Savior has promised that He will make us equal to His work. “Follow me,” He said, “and I will make you fishers of men".

Now these kids are a few of Sister Tiffany's angels doing crazy faces.  Anytime we go to the church they always come running.  She is always teaching them something.  It might be music, it might be a lesson, cleaning up the church. They like to be with her and she loves it.  The moms say they can't get them to listen at home or broom (sweep) at home so it's good they want to go help at the church.

As we serve others for Him, He lets us feel His love. And over time, feelings of charity are becoming part of our very nature.

Gods humble servant

I have such great respect for this man and his life that I felt it important to honor him on our blog.  Our prophets have quoted him and given many talks regarding things we can learn from Abraham Lincolns life.  

Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809. 194 years ago today. He was the 16th President of the United States.  One of his quotes that I just came across is:"I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live by the light that I have. As these brave men were threatened they did not know that Shakespeare, long centuries later, was to say; 'There is no terror in your threats; for I am armed so strong in honesty that they pass by me as the idle wind, which I respect not'.

Integrity in men should bring about inner peace, sureness of purpose, and security in action. Lack of integrity brings disunity, fear, sorrow, unsureness".
Integrity is not shortsighted—it is not just a temporary change of behavior; it is a permanent change of nature.  This group of young people are here sharing these teachings with a group of older men that have made some bad choices lacking integrity and have now become a slave to the choices they previously made.

King Benjamin told us how we might change our natures from a natural man to a spiritual man: “For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father” (Mosiah 3:19)

“When I do good I feel good,” said Abraham Lincoln, “and when I do bad I feel bad.” Sin pulls a man down into despondency and despair. While a man may take some temporary pleasure in sin, the end result is unhappiness. “Wickedness never was happiness.” (Alma 41:10.)
Just this morning as I was updating our computer I looked over to a couple of business men and noticed they were blessing their food.  They were doing what is expected of all of us with integrity and humbly doing so.  Live as to be thoughtful toward that which makes us strong rather than that which robs our character, not just on this day which is celebration of a Life well lived, but each and everyday we live.

Family, Cost: Priceless

Nephi declared: “Press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.

We love this beautiful family so much and we are so excited for them today.  They are all ready for the temple.  President & Sister Weita have some amazing conversion stories and are such incredible blessings to their family and also the Mechitiw branch.  This is their youngest beautiful daughter Memory who will be going to the Manila temple with them. 

"Never Give Up Hope"

Hope sustains us through despair. Hope teaches that there is reason to rejoice even when all seems dark around you.

Learning lessons . . .

As we sat today in Sacrament meeting,  I had a couple of thoughts enter my mind.  Here we are sitting in a church that has no windows, only screens, linoleum flooring, hard fold up chairs to sit on and a fan turning over head to keep the 90 degree temperature circulating the hot air.  As I sat listening to the speaker and trying to hear what they were speaking about, because they speak very soft and quiet here, I felt the spirit speak to me reminding me that “the Lord is no respecter of me”.  In the past I have pondered about that scripture and often have reflected on it.  I turned to a lesson that we are getting ready to teach and the title read; Live by Covenant, Not Convenience.  Normally growing up in the States we have many conveniences. I am sure I have over look many of mine throughout my life without thought.  

This year we are studying Church History and Doctrine and Covenants, we will read and learn about the suffering and sacrifices those early Saints endured, we might even ask ourselves, “How did they do it?  What was it that gave them such  strength"?  

President Brigham Young said it was the covenants with God, and those covenants burned like unquenchable fire in their hearts.  What does that mean?  To me it means to not let my life be governed by convenience, but rather by my covenant.  It is not always convenient to live gospel standards and stand up for the truth and testify of the Restoration.  It is not convenient to share the gospel with others or convenient to respond to a calling in the Church, especially one that stretches us and our abilities.  It can all be a little scary and intimidating at times.  But learning and teaching others that there is spiritual power that comes as we keep our covenant, helps me remember my covenant I have made to the Lord.  

We have missed many conveniences that we were used to and we have had to learn, stretch and grow.  Our biggest fear is that when we return home we will get right back in the saddle and fall right into the conveniences of life.  We pray we will always remember the blessing it has been to serve the Chuukese people and the lessons we have learned while serving.  We know we still many, many more to learn and much more growing to do but it is a start and we will continue on. . . Enjoying the journey of Life.

Micronesia Guam Missions finest serving in Chuuk

~ Elder Johnson and Elder Pita ~ 

Elder Obray and Elder Pita

Elder Sofele from Sandy, Utah
now is the Zone Leader in Mwan Branch on Weno. 

Elder Obray, is from Salem, Utah he is serving in the Mechitw Branch on the island Weno.
The Elders love eating PIZZA at Trukstop after a long day of working hard.  

This is Elder Walters, he is from American Fork, Utah
he is serving on the island of Romanum.
Sister Tiffany just baked cookies and delivered them to the boys
and this one was pretty excited,
EW likes chocolate in his cookies

~ Elder Shakespeare giving Elder Allred the phone who is the NEW Zone Leader ~ I think he is happy to pass off the phone to his newby ZL - the phone is always ringing and keeps them busy with zone stuff to deal with.  Newest ZL gets to answer the phone, while the other in charge of other responsibilities.  

Elder Allred showing us his wood deals he made today and will be taking home with him back to the states

On the Right is Elder Allen he is from Montana,
he first served on the island of Tonoas
and is currently serving in the Sapuk Branch.

 Elder Johnsen is from Denver Colorado
and first served in Ramonum then in the Sapuk Branch,
but is now serving on the island of Tonoas. 

Elder Huppe is from Washington state, his family has since moved to Maine.
He first served on the island of Uman
and is currently serving in the Wichap Village.
Here he is with Wichap companion Elder Vehikite before the transfer.

~ Elders McEwen, Sofele, and Obray ~

~ I think Elder Peck is excited about his package ~

~Always giving it all for the camera ~
Elders Pita, Bowers, Peck and Obray

Elder Bowers - he is from Indiana and
is currently serving on
the island Uman with Elder Peck

Elder Allred ~ Crab for dinner anyone?

Elder Vehikite is from South Jordan, Utah
he first served in the Wichap Village and is serving on the island Romanum.
He is pretending to be sleeping while
he is waiting on the other elders to go to a meeting.

LET'S SEE WHO HAS THE LONGEST EYELASHES FELLA'S.  THESE ELDERS MAKE GIRLS JEALOUS. THEY HAVE SUCH PRETTY EYES WITH LONG FULL EYE LASHES AND THEY CURL NATURALLY...

ZL Elder Jones always taking phone calls
except when we need him but we still
love the little whipper.

Elder Obray welcoming his new companion
Elder McEwan currently serving
in the Mechitiw area

Elder Allen welcoming his
new companion Elder Sealander
first served on Tonoas island together.

Elders Peck and Plotcher

Elder Kleven

Elder Vehikite and Elder Walters

Elder Lavitis and Elder Lina

Play it again Sam!  Elder Allen

When I have grown a foot or two.

I hope by then I will be ready

To teach and preach and work as missionaries do.

I hope that I can share the gospel

With those who want to know the truth.

I want to be a missionary

And serve and help the Lord while I am in my youth.

They knew their calling was from God. They prayed for His divine help, and they devoted themselves wholeheartedly to their work. We have really enjoyed serving with such fine young men this past 18 months and we have grown to love them.  They are amazing examples of Christlike servants and each family can be proud of the job they are doing serving the Chuukese people doing the Lords work.  

As Sister's in Zion

These 3 beautiful young ladies are all family.

~ Each one has received her call to serve the Lord ~

“Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5).

Sister Walter from the Mwan Branch
will serve in the Brisbane, Australia Mission 

Sister Rotuk is from the
Sapuk Branch and will serve in the
Micronesia Guam Mission

The Holy Ghost works only in a certain type of vessel. The Spirit may work through an individual who is pure in heart, but it works at its greatest strength through a person who is in all things pure and clean.  A sister missionary may be a wonderful person inside, but she must try to keep her physical appearance just as radiant.  These beautiful young ladies have that special spirit with them to bring people unto Christ.

Sister Ande from the Sapuk Branch
called to serve in
Micronesia Guam Mission

Now they’re united in bringing the gospel to others.  Only the priesthood of God can administer a baptism that will satisfy the divine decree that, “except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”
We are very happy for each one of these young missionaries and know they will serve the Lord well and return with honor.

Elder McEwan Arrives!

Welcome to Chuuk Elder McEwan!

Elder Obray on the right went to Guam to train and bring his new companion Elder McEwan back home to Chuuk .  It is truly a small world, both of these wonderful young men attended the same High School but were in different grades. Here they are together once again, this time to serve the Lord and his people.  

Missionary work is a manifestation of our spiritual identity and heritage.  It is not whether or not I am going on a mission; rather, it is becoming a missionary and serving throughout our entire life with all of our heart, might, mind, and strength.  Elder Dallin H. Oaks taught;  Most effectively about the challenge to become something instead of just doing expected things or performing certain actions.

 ~Weno District South missionaries & Elder Tiffany~ 

Elder Pita, Elder McEwan, Elder Obray, Elder Allen & Elder Tiffany... They serve in the Mechitiw and Sapuk Branches

We are sons of God and the seed of Abraham

“For whoso is faithful unto the obtaining these two priesthoods of which I have spoken, and the magnifying their calling, are sanctified by the Spirit unto the renewing of their bodies.

We declare our witness that Jesus is the Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. We know that He lives! And I witness that we, as holders of the priesthood, are His representatives in the glorious work of proclaiming His gospel, today and always.

Sipwap chu fengen

We have blogged before about sending one of our Elders home and how it has been one of the hardest parts of our mission.  It is hard to not become attached to these fine young men.  The Lord truly has sent his best to Chuuk and we are grateful for the opportunity to serve with them.  Today we send our last elder home!  No one goes home now before us.

 This is Elder Allred, we love this Elder and are very thankful to have had the opportunity to work with him and get to know him.  It is a bitter sweet day for us. This is our last Elder that we will send out of Chuuk until we return back to the states.  We will have to tell the others goodbye for now but we know that the others will one day in the near future come back to the states and we will be able to hook up with them again there.

L-R President Wayne, Elders Tiffany, Allred, Pita, Vehikite, Johnson, (front Brandy)

Elder Johnson, Bowers, Huppe, Vehikite, Allred, Sealander, Allen, Rainy
front: Brandy (future Elder), Elder Jones, Pita, Walters and Peck
~Our Zone has changed but it is still strong~

Member Brandy came to tell him
how much he loved him and
 thank him for being a good friend.

Farewell for now Elder Allred

Branch President Billy from Uman
came to tell him he loved him and to
say Goodbye

Member Oriko Ewar said she could not let him go without thanking him and letting him know how much she loved and appreciated him. 

First before we write this part of the blog, we want to say we have never, nor will we ever eat dog for a meal.  But here and many other places in the world, eating dog is common and accepted. The consumption of dog meat can be part of a ceremonial ritual.
Oriko has one of the nicest dogs around and he has always been a very loyal dog.  So for her to offer the dog for a meal to honor Elder Allred is a sign of how much she loves him.  Elder Allred told her not to kill it, that he would just take his picture with the dog.  She of course said no, they were going to kill it and eat it with him.
We don't want anyone to get upset, sad or mad about this post because this is very common in many places in the world, not just Micronesia.  Well Elder Allred has had a lot of goodbye parties and truly he wouldn't have had time for another one.  Oriko insisted they were going to kill the dog, she expressed how much she loved Elder Allred.  She kept saying "I really love this Elder" so she called over her neighbor, Thompson to kill the dog.  Another side note here:  Oriko is a wonderful lady, one of the best women in the world we have blogged about before.  Okay, back to the story - - -The funny thing is when the neighbor tried to tie the dog down to kill it, this smart dog knew what he was going to do and jumped up and bit him, then ran away.  He did come back after a little while and then someone else tried to catch him and tie him up.  Again the dog jumped, bit him on the shoulder and ran away.
She finally gave up and said I guess I need to keep the dog, it just isn't supposed to happen.  We were all relieved but she was sad not to share the dog with Elder Allred. He did however get his picture with the dog.  When we get a copy of it we will post it later to prove to you that he is still alive, well and barking and Protecting Oriko and the family.

Oriko and Brandy

Could have been a real dog day afternoon.

Goodbye's are hard

The last of the Chuuk Zone thugs! Elder Allred will be missed but these great Elders will continue the work.