May 27, 2014

This week has been Great.

Monday we had P-Day. We spent time in Great Bend emailing and shopping and sending letters.

Tuesday we had district meeting in Hays. Before District Meeting we went to thrift shops with sister McCowan. We were able to find some cheap things. We then had lunch and left to go back to Great Bend. Then we went over to see Judy Stemm. Then we had dinner with the Relief Society sisters. Then we did some service for the church by picking up trash around the church building.  Elder Gonzalez found a $50 in the trash.

Wednesday we went to Lyons and worked all day with Brother Solie. Brother Solie is in the bishopric in the ward. We only were able to get in to 3 doors all day. One house was the ward mission leader and one was the Tervino house and then an investigator in Lyons.

Thursday we worked in Great Bend. We had weekly planning and visiting former investigators.   Then the Perez's family dropped off food for dinner. We had lots of lessons with people on their doorsteps.

Friday we went out to Larned. It rained all day when we were walking. We were able to meet the family that we talked to last week. Had a great lesson with Jacob and Charmin, which moved from Empora. Then we had dinner with the McMillans.

 

Elder Andrew Allen, Ayanna, Elder Howell

Saturday we had Ayanna baptism at 11am. We also had breakfast and studies with Brother MCMillan while we filled the Baptismal font. The Baptism was great. Then we went to Sister McCowan antics shop and did service at her house. We also went out to eat with her in Great Bend. That night we had sports night at the church building. While leaving the church building we had a great time taking pictures of the sunset.

 

Great Bend night sky

Sunday we had church. Ayanna was confirmed a member. We had a few investigators at church and had a great time at church. Then we went out to contact former Investigators out of the Area book. We first saw John Link. When we got to his house he was not there but he pulled up with his father and friend. The Father and friend are president and vice president in a motorcycle club that goes in to party to help the bikers find God in their life. We had a nice conversation with them also an interesting prayer. The Siefkes feed us dinner and then we went over to see Judy and Judy. We talked about the importance of coming to church and Baptism.

Monday we had P-Day in Salina. The zone leaders gave us more miles to drive up there. We spent the whole day with the zone. We played Nerf and basketball and soccer. This was fun to spend time with other missionaries than the ones in Great Bend.

Tuesday we had interviews with President Bell. I was the first one in the Salina Zone. This was nice to talk to him and see what I can do to help me on my mission. Then we had district meeting and District Lunch.

This week has been nice. We had some rain and wind and lots of sun. Thanks for the letters and mail.

Love,

Elder Andrew Allen. 

May 19, 2014

This week has been Great. We have traveled and have had a fun time in the Great Bend Ward.

Monday we had P-day and spent time at the music shop in Great Bend. In the Music shop we played the instruments and had a nice time talking to the owners.

Tuesday Elder Jacobson came down to do exchanges with me in Great Bend. Elder Jacobson and I helped perform a church tour for Judy Harmon and her husband to be Alex. We found Judy last week when we went to her house because of a referral for her Grandmother Judy Stemm.  Judy Harmon takes care of her grandmother and her son Clifford. Judy was very prepared for us to teach. The only thing holding her back is marriage and church attendance. Her husband doesn't care that they have to get married.  Elder Jacobson interviewed Ayanna for baptism and we had dinner with the Trevino family.  We also had lots of finding people to teach.

Wednesday we had a zone specialized training in Salina. Brother Voss was able to drive us up to Salina and back. President Bell and the AP were there to do the training.  During this zone training a missionary, Elder Stopper, dressed up as Fearless Finder super hero. This training was a about finding the people the Lord has prepared for us to teach. President Bell talked about every missionary in Great Bend. Elder Acosta and Grow about their shoes, Elder Howell about him being need in Great Bend and having to get an emergency transferred and Elder Allen (me) for being sleepy in the meeting. This was a fun meeting. Then we had weekly planning and saw Judy and Judy and Alex. Taught them about the Plan of Salvation. The Spanish Elders called to tell us they need a ride because someone stole their bikes and left a broken bike for them. They filed a police report and left the station with the descriptions of the bikes. We had a church service project to clean the inside of the church building and trim the plants outside.

 

Great Bend Sunset

Thursday we worked in Lyons.  Before we left we were able to visit with the Judys. We taught them about word of wisdom and Law of Chastity. Then we left to Lyons. We visited less actives and found a new investigator and had fun finding people.  The MacArthur and the Berkheimer families were able to feed us.

Friday we were able to work in Larned. Sister Douglas took us out to eat in Great Bend. Then we rode to Lared with Sister Douglas. We helped Sister Douglas with her clothesline. Then we went out walking to contact old investigators and find the prepared people. We tried one family 4 times and every time they told us to come back in 15 min. Every time we went out we found a new investigator during the time we waited. We had dinner with the Heinlein family and then dessert with the McMillans on the way back to Great Bend.

Saturday worked Hoisington. No one talked to us all day. Everyone told us they were cationic and they had already met with missionaries. Then we went and played sports with the Spanish Elders and their investigators.

 

Wheat field

Sunday we had Church. Ayanna and Crystal and Cristina all came to church. The Judy's were not able to come because Alex was working. Then during the Rest Hymn Janessa MacArthur passed out because her lungs could not get enough air because of her allergies and coughing. Elder Howell, Brother Schied and I carried her out to the car and gave her a blessing. Then we spent time in primary and Young Mens. Then we saw the Judy's. Had dinner with the Carltons out in Larned. They invited the McMillan and a less active family. This was nice dinner.

This was a great week. Thanks for all the mail and prayers. I like all the work Elder Howell and I have been able to do here in the Great Bend Ward.

Love,

Elder Andrew Allen.

May 12, 2014

This week has been interesting. Lots of odd stuff happened.

Monday morning the APs called and told Elder Nelson that he was leaving to go to Wichita. We went by and said bye to members in the ward. Then Elder Nelson packed and got ready. We had dinner with the Sheffield family.

Tuesday we drove down to Wichita. Elder Nelson needed to be in the office at 12 pm so we left about 9:30. I had to stay in Wichita until my new Companion, Elder Howell, came from Topeka. Elder Howell got to ride the Gray Hound from Topeka to Great Bend by himself because he was the only missionary coming from Topeka. During this time I helped the Elders and Sisters in the Mission Office. They put me to work laminating and sorting things. Finally at 2:30 Elder Pack and Howell made it to the Mission Office. Talked to Elder Pack for a bit then dropped of a bike rack to a set of missionaries on the way home. Then we stopped in Lyon to see our ward mission leader and to do some tracting. Then we had dinner with the Siefkes.  Then we went to see the Trevino family.

Wednesday I went to the doctor and was told that I have high blood pressure and high pulse.  We spent a long time at the Doctor office.  Then we went over to the Tervinos to help Brandon paint their shed.  Then we started weekly planning.   Then we had dinner with the Berkheimers in Great Bend.  Then we went over to Cristina and Crystal’s to have a lesson with them. We reviewed the baptismal questions with Ayanna and talked with them about the baptism. Then we talked to the Audits about all the commitment we left them with over the last two transfers.

Roll of duct tape.

Thursday we finished weekly planning. After that we went out walking to find people and contact some referrals. We had little luck finding people home. Then we had dinner with the Bates and tried names from the Area Book.

Friday we had Zone Training in Salina. It ended up that we had to drive our selves to Salina so we could get Elder Howells bike. Zone training is a lot smaller because they split our zone a week ago. We went from about 36 missionaries to 20 in our zone.  The Zone Leaders talked a lot about inspired questions and how we can learn a lot from inspired questions.  Then they told us about a new rule from Elder Pack the car coordinator. The church went back to only having one designated driver per companionship. The nice thing is that I am the one allowed to drive the car. Then we got back to Great Bend and found 3 new investigators. We received a referral from Mormon.org that ended up being a family wanting to learn more. They are a nice family. Both of their names are Judy.

Saturday we spent time walking and contacting less actives and former investigators. We also went to Hosington to work. Then we had dinner with the Curtis family. Deiah Curtis was having a Graduation party and food and invited us to come and eat and meet some of her friends.  Then we had a lesson with the Judy's.  And then one with Jim and Shea and Brother Crone.

Sunday we had church. Had 2 investigators at church. Elder Acosta was sick. We also had lots of less actives come to church.  Then we went to the Sheffield family so Elder Howell could Skype his family at 4pm then we went out to the Curtis family so I could Skype home. During the Skype we had 2 tornadoes touch down and half inch hale and lots of rain. First tornado was two blocks away from the house on the left then the second was on the other side of the trees next to the neighbor’s house on the right. But I was still able to talk to my family. We were there until 9 PM.

This week was lots of talking to investigators and finding people. Thanks for the prayers and letters.

Love,

Elder Andrew Allen

May 5, 2014

This week has been great. Lots of news today.

Monday we had dinner with the McMillan's.  They live in Larned. After dinner we went to the Larned State Hospital. One of the members in the Hays Ward got a hold of us and asked us to give a blessing to a resident there. This state hospital has many parts to it. There is a prison and a mental ward and other groups there. We had to go through an hour class in 30 min to be able to walk in to the buildings. This was fun, even the state clergy personal asked us to come back and teach the members there. A wonderful day and we got home late.

Tuesday was our day of finding old investigators. We were able to ride our bikes and had a wonderful day. Then we had dinner with the Trevino family.

Wednesday we had transfers. All 4 of us missionaries stayed in Great Bend. We had weekly planning. After Lunch we went out to Saint John. Saw land sharks and lots of less actives.  We also had a lesson with Cristal and family.  

Thursday we had lots of our appointment fall through.  We were able to have dinner with the Hudson family in Pony Rock. The Hudsons are a fun family. We were able to get a new set of rules that brother Hudson created for the game Risk.  After dinner we had a lesson with Jim and Shea.

Friday we had a mission wide Fast. President Bell asked us to fast for miracles in May. We even had district meeting. The Zone Leaders came and visited our District Meeting. After Distinct Meeting we helped Cristal and Brandon with their garage.   They are scraping and painting.

Saturday we went to Lyons to work with our Ward Missionary Leader. Brother Berkheimer took us to visit less actives and investigators. Then we had dinner with the Berkheimers and sister Hickling. After dinner we went out to visit with the Curtis family.

Sunday we had church. Lots of members came. Then we had dinner with the Solie Family. Brother Solie fixed a wonderful dinner for us. Then we had a lesson with Brandon and JR.

Monday Morning the APs called and told Elder Nelson he is leaving to go to Wichita. We have been going to lots of members and saying bye to them. I am going to miss Elder Nelson and don’t know who my next companion is.

Thanks for al the mail.

Love Elder Andrew Allen

April 28, 2014

This week has been long. Had meetings and tracked down less actives and referrals

Monday we had P-day.

Tuesday we had Zone Conference. President Bell and the AP came to Salina to be with us all day. It started at 9 am. We left Great Bend at 7 AM to be at the Church building before 9 AM.  Elder Pack was doing car inspections and helping missionaries fill out incident reports and had The Vehicle Olympics: where missionaries compete for bragging rights (and an extra 100 miles for the month). The Great Bend ward helped with the lunch. President Methvin from the stake presidency had us play a game.  We finally finished at 5 PM.

President Bell

We even had visitors stop in to say hi. Brother Taylor and his wife stopped in to talk to us. Brother Taylor was one of the first AP in the mission when it split. He was an AP until he went home in October. Then he proposed 8 day later and got married about 8 weeks later.  Brother Taylor and his wife both talked about his mission. Sister Taylor talked about the timing of his mission call to the time he left on his mission. If he would of left in May when he was available he would not had the opportunity to help start the KWM and help President Bell.

 

Andrew and Brother Taylor

Wednesday morning we helped Sister Siefkes mow her lawn. Then we had Weekly planning. Then we taught seminary before mutual. During mutual we had a lesson with Jim and Shae at the church. Jim and Shae are doing good. We are working with them to get married. Then we had a lesson with Cristina and Cristal.

Thursday we had time to contact less actives and referrals. Lots of these less actives were not home. Then we had dinner with Sister Mcowan.

Friday we drove out to Larned. We had lots of Referrals and members in Larned to contact. Then we had dinner with the Perezs.

Saturday we first went over to Cristina and Cristal to help them with their sink. Then we went out to Hosington to see the Curtis family. When we got in and sat down Elder Nelson pants ripped.  The inside seam of his pants ripped about 15 inches. This was funny to see his reaction and also the Deiah Curtis. It ended up that the Sister Curtis had a sewing machine but did not know how to use it.  I was able to get the machine to work so we were able to fix his pants.  Then we had a lesson with Jim and Shae and Brother Cromie. We were able to talk about temples.

Sunday we had Church. None of our Investigators came to church. Then we had a lesson with the Curtis family and Morice Yarmer an investigator. Then we went to the Carlitions for dinner. The Carlitions invited a less active to dinner and we were able to meet this family.

Thanks for all the letters and the Emails

 Love Elder Andrew Allen

Shoes that have been worn for 10 months and new shoes

April 21, 2014

This week has been great. The Great Bend Ward had a baptism and the Mission President came and visited.

Monday we went over to Brandon and JR’s to play with the soccer ball with them. Then we had dinner with them and Cristina and Cristal.

Tuesday we had district meeting. Brother Voss in the ward was able to drive us up to Hays. District Meeting was long but we were able to talk about the ideas we had to share the video "Because Of Him" Then we got back into town and was able to see a few members and less actives. Then we had dinner again with Cristina and Cristal and family. We then were able to have a lesson with them about Jesus Christ and show the video with the family.

Wednesday President Bell came to Great Bend to Interview Edwardo for Baptism. After the interview President Bell took us four missionaries out to eat for lunch. He took us to Perkins. After lunch we went with the Spanish elders for Weekly planning then he told us that he would also come to ours. But President ended not coming to weekly planning with us because he had to get to Wichita for a meeting. He then told us that he would come to the baptism on Saturday and also work with us on Saturday and stay for our talks on Sunday. I was not looking forward to Sunday because president would be there when I was talking.  We ended up going to teach a lesson with Brandon and JR. After our lesson we played ball with them. Elder Nelson sprained his ankle while playing.

Thursday we ended up doing Weekly planning. After weekly planning All of our appointments ended up falling through. Even our dinner had to bring us dinner because Sister Hudson was called to work.  It was a long day.

Friday we also had a long day. We were able to have dinner with the Sheffield family and show the Because of Him video with them.

Edwardo

Saturday we had a Baptism at 11. Edwardo got baptized.  Lots of the ward members came to the baptism. Even the AP came to the Baptism. We showed the “Because of Him” video between the talks and the baptism.  Every one liked the video.  After the baptism Elder Nelson and I went to Lyons a small town to work with the less actives. We were able to visit Sister Hickling and the Enfield Family.

Sunday was Easter Sunday. In ward council Elder Nelson and I presented the training of working with the ward to pick 5 families and fellowship and work with them for 4 weeks. The ward Council liked the plan that was given to us from Elder Martino of the 70.   Then we had church. Elder Grow And Elder Nelson And I all talked in church. My talk was about CPR (Church Read Prayer) and how it will bless our life. During church we showed the “Because of Him” video to the entire ward. We then had Easter lunch with Cristina and Cristal and Family. Then at 5 we had Easter dinner with the Siefkes. Sister Siefkes even asked us to help her prepare the meal for her.

This week was great.  Hope all of you are doing Great. I love all of you and hope you all had a great Easter.

Love Elder Andrew Allen

A Miracle in Great Bend.

We were visiting a less active in the Great Bend Ward. Their cousin Chris, from Tulsa, Oklahoma, was visiting with them for a few weeks. Chris has a daughter that he was working to get from her mother in Tulsa. He had been going to court for the last 4 years to work on getting his daughter back from her mother who is a drug addict. We meet with Chris on Tuesday and talked about reading each night and praying and coming to church would help his life. Elder Nelson felt inspired to tell him if he would read and pray and come to church that he would be able to get his daughter back. On Thursday he left to get down to Tulsa for his court on Friday morning. That Friday night he called his family in Great Bend and was able to thank us and talked to us about his Court hearing. He had be give a week from the Judge before he was able to get his daughter back. During that next we he continued to pray and read and go to church. Chris Finally got his daughter back after 4 years of work. This is cool to see how Chris put his trust in the Lord and was able to get what he wanted. It might not all ways happen this quick but if we put our trust in the Lord but we will always see the blessing in our life.

April 14, 2014

This week was great.

Monday we had P-day. We then had dinner with the Enfield family. We had Family Home Evening with them. We talked a lot about CPR (Church, pray, Read the Book of Mormon) in their life. This was a fun night with them.

Tuesday we had district meeting. After district meeting I went on exchanges with Elder Jacobson.  We stayed in the Hays ward. We did service and had meetings,  dinner and lessons.

Wednesday morning we drove to Rush Center to meet back up with Elder Nelson. Then with Elder Nelson and I went out and did Service and had a lesson with Brandon. Had dinner with the Siefkes. Then after Dinner we had lesson with Cristina and Cristal. We talked about what they read and answered their questions.

Thursday we had weekly planning. After weekly planning we went to the Office Product store and got papers copied and laminated for our ward and us. Then we had time to call all of the referrals we received this week. We had 6 new referrals by Thursday.  In a normal week we might get one but we got 6 in half a week. We then had dinner with the Philips family. They made us cook for this dinner. This was fun because Elder Acosta And Elder Grow both do not know how to cook. Elder Nelson and I had to help them a lot to cook breakfast food. The food turned out good and now one has died from it. After dinner we visited the Jenifer Tervino’s Family. They were not there but we were able then to try other less active families.

Friday we had a fun time working with our less active and investigators. Then we had dinner with the Schied family in St John. It was sister Schied birthday. This was the first time to have dinner with this family. After dinner we were able to stop in with Cristina and Cristal and family and talk about the Book of Mormon and talk about Stake Conference.

Saturday we had Stake Conference. At 11 am we went to visit one of the referrals that we received. His name was Jim Wonsetler. He is friends with Brother Crone in our ward. We taught him and his girlfriend the restoration lesson and invited them to be baptized on May 24th.  They said that they would read and pray this next week. Then we left at 4 PM to drive to Salina. Sister Douglas was able to drive us up to Salina. The Adult session of Stake Conference was about missionary work. Elder Lawrence Spackman from Canada came and talked to us about the importance of using tools we have been given to help us in missionary work. Then At 8 pm we left to drive back to Great Bend. We did not get home till 10pm. There was a storm when we drove home.

Sunday Stake conference stated at 10am. The stake broadcasted it to all of the church building through windows media player. This was nice not to drive back to Salina. Cristina and Cristal and kids came and watch it with us. All of the talks were about missionary work.   

After this we went over to Cristina and Cristal house for lunch and to talk about conference and their reading. We were then able to see the Curtis family and Talk about CPR in their life. They then fed us dinner. We were also able to follow up with the Sheffield family about the commitment we left with them.

Today we were able to teach Seminary today at 6:30 in the morning. There were only 2 students that were able to make it to day. Deiah Curtis and Carter Sheffield.  This was nice to have a small class to teach. We were able to talk about the prophecies in 3rd Nephi.

This week we had a busy week. We received 8 referrals and now have 3 on baptism date of May 24th. Hope all of you have a great Easter Sunday.

Love,

Elder Andrew J Allen

Picture of the storm.