Hola,
Well, this is the last week of the transfer. I am not going anywhere, this transfer, or the next probably. In the office, you have to train your replacement for a transfer before you leave, and since nobody is coming this transfer, I know I will be here through Christmas and the New Year. You will never guess who the new Assistant to President Clegg is.... Elder Ferreira! The same that was my companion in Sevilla. He came on Thursday. It is great to have him around. We all live together, Elder Ferreira, Elder Fetzer, Elder Taylor and I. Now Elder Taylor is the only one whose last name doesn't begin with an "F". There are a LOT of changes throughout the mission! There are 2 missionaries going home, 7 new missionaries coming in, and 32 other missionaries are transferring to new areas. I spent a lot of time today working on those travel plans.
This week Elder Taylor and I finally had the chance to do some service! I'm talking about service where you sweat get your hands dirty. We helped a couple (the Turners) from the English Branch remove the concrete tiles they had for their patio and stacked them on some pallets. Each tile weighed 35 pounds and we removed and stacked 338 of them! It took us a little less than three hours to get the job done, then Sister Turner made us Yorkshire Pudding. It was delicious!
Today we went up to Mijas, a little town up on the side of the mountain. It's called the white city - all of the houses and buildings up there are white walls. A good friend of ours, Brice, works at a leather shop up there, so we visited him and saw a little bit more of the village. We brought the Massaros (the mission nurses) and the Stevens (who are in the office with Elder Taylor and I). We had a lot of fun.
I want you all to know how much I love you. I love you a lot. I really do. I love my Savior and I love the opportunity I have to be one of His full-time missionaries. God has not ceased to be a God of miracles. He lives! He loves us! He has prepared and provided the way for us to be happy - truly happy. He invites us to come unto Him and partake of His goodness. I know that when we let Him in to our lives, and into our hearts, deep down in there, we have peace and purpose in our lives.
Love,
Elder Fagersten
Monday, November 14, 2011
October 22, 2011
Hola,
I have felt a nearly overwhelming sense of gratitude and love throughout this week. Last Friday night I challenged a recent convert, Jisaura, to a race to finish the Book of Mormon. I was in Alma 42, so that's where we started from. (We're both reading in Spanish, so it's fair.) If I win, she will make me the best Ecuadorian food that she can. If she wins, I will make her brownies. We both agreed and we continue with the race. The purpose, of course, is not the race itself, and it's not the food (although it is a strong motivator). The Book of Mormon has an amazing power to change our lives. Quite a few years ago, when Brother and Sister Bevans still lived in our ward, Brother Bevans served as 2nd Counselor in the Bishopric, and in a sacrament meeting he shared his experience of reading the Book of Mormon. At the time, if I remember correctly, he had set a goal to read the Book of Mormon in a month. That's quite a task. It requires reading a lot of pages, every day. He told us, in his testimony, that as he sought out the quiet moments of the day, or whatever moment he had, to read from those pages he felt his testimony grow within him and felt the Spirit of the Lord in greater measure. I attribute the nearly overwhelming sense of gratitude and love I have felt this week to the same thing. As I have sought out every spare moment to read from the Book of Mormon I have felt and experienced changes. I am more patient, I feel greater power to resist temptation, and I feel the guidance of the Spirit. The Book of Mormon is truth, pure truth, eternal truth. I love it.
A great difference between those we teach who grow and progress in their faith and testimony, and those who don't, is reading the Book of Mormon. I know, by the power of the Holy Ghost, that the Book of Mormon is true, and as a result I have "also come to know by the same power that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world, that Joseph Smith is his revelator and prophet in these last days, and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord’s kingdom once again established on the earth, preparatory to the second coming of the Messiah" (Introduction to the Book of Mormon). That is the Lord's promise to each of us. With this knowledge, we have peace and purpose in our lives as we continually strive to live and honor and obey the laws and ordinances of the gospel.
The experiences of our lives are opportunities for us to choose to turn to God and draw nearer to Him. Every experience. He just wants us to do our best. I know He appreciates every effort we make to live the gospel and to share it with others.
Love,
Elder Fagersten
I have felt a nearly overwhelming sense of gratitude and love throughout this week. Last Friday night I challenged a recent convert, Jisaura, to a race to finish the Book of Mormon. I was in Alma 42, so that's where we started from. (We're both reading in Spanish, so it's fair.) If I win, she will make me the best Ecuadorian food that she can. If she wins, I will make her brownies. We both agreed and we continue with the race. The purpose, of course, is not the race itself, and it's not the food (although it is a strong motivator). The Book of Mormon has an amazing power to change our lives. Quite a few years ago, when Brother and Sister Bevans still lived in our ward, Brother Bevans served as 2nd Counselor in the Bishopric, and in a sacrament meeting he shared his experience of reading the Book of Mormon. At the time, if I remember correctly, he had set a goal to read the Book of Mormon in a month. That's quite a task. It requires reading a lot of pages, every day. He told us, in his testimony, that as he sought out the quiet moments of the day, or whatever moment he had, to read from those pages he felt his testimony grow within him and felt the Spirit of the Lord in greater measure. I attribute the nearly overwhelming sense of gratitude and love I have felt this week to the same thing. As I have sought out every spare moment to read from the Book of Mormon I have felt and experienced changes. I am more patient, I feel greater power to resist temptation, and I feel the guidance of the Spirit. The Book of Mormon is truth, pure truth, eternal truth. I love it.
A great difference between those we teach who grow and progress in their faith and testimony, and those who don't, is reading the Book of Mormon. I know, by the power of the Holy Ghost, that the Book of Mormon is true, and as a result I have "also come to know by the same power that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world, that Joseph Smith is his revelator and prophet in these last days, and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord’s kingdom once again established on the earth, preparatory to the second coming of the Messiah" (Introduction to the Book of Mormon). That is the Lord's promise to each of us. With this knowledge, we have peace and purpose in our lives as we continually strive to live and honor and obey the laws and ordinances of the gospel.
The experiences of our lives are opportunities for us to choose to turn to God and draw nearer to Him. Every experience. He just wants us to do our best. I know He appreciates every effort we make to live the gospel and to share it with others.
Love,
Elder Fagersten
October 15, 2011
Hola a todos,
I was so excited to hear that I am an uncle again! Welcome to the family, Audrey!
Time is absolutely flying by! We are already finishing up the 4th week of the transfer! That means two weeks until transfers again. Things get really busy in the office around transfer time - welcoming new missionaries, figuring out travel plans, sending out all sorts of paperwork for residency, and then making sure people get where they're supposed to when they're supposed. But, it's all right. It's an exciting time. I don't know about you but I am already feeling excited for Christmas. The Stake President, Presidente Muñoz, has asked Elder Manning (one of our Zone Leaders) and I to organize a Christmas concert/devotional/fireside. It will be another big undertaking but it will be a lot of fun.
In Fuengirola there is also an English speaking branch. Elder Taylor and I are assigned to that branch, the Mijas Branch, so we teach English speakers and Spanish speakers. It is very interesting to teach in English, but it still goes well. We are coming to love all of the people that live here in Spain, no matter where they are from. Elder Taylor is awesome. He is always striving to improve and to be an effective missionary. He loves this work and not only does he love the work, he loves to work. There's a saying that goes, "When all is said and done, there is usually more said than done." Well, we are trying to make sure we get the things done that Heavenly Father wants us to do.
We learn through our study of the gospel and from our teachers and things like that, but we also learn by our experiences, by doing and becoming the things that we feel and know. That is part of the great plan of happiness that our Heavenly Father prepared from the beginning, coming to this earth to have a body and to use our agency to learn to make correct choices and follow God. As we choose to learn and live the gospel, the Lord will lead us safely to Home. Each of you have been part of that guidance that He has given me. Thank you for helping me along the path that leads to life and salvation. Thank you for caring enough to correct me, to encourage me, and to strengthen me. He will do the same for you, "for that which ye do send out shall return unto you again, and be restored" (Alma 41:15).
Love,
Elder Joseph Fagersten
I was so excited to hear that I am an uncle again! Welcome to the family, Audrey!
Time is absolutely flying by! We are already finishing up the 4th week of the transfer! That means two weeks until transfers again. Things get really busy in the office around transfer time - welcoming new missionaries, figuring out travel plans, sending out all sorts of paperwork for residency, and then making sure people get where they're supposed to when they're supposed. But, it's all right. It's an exciting time. I don't know about you but I am already feeling excited for Christmas. The Stake President, Presidente Muñoz, has asked Elder Manning (one of our Zone Leaders) and I to organize a Christmas concert/devotional/fireside. It will be another big undertaking but it will be a lot of fun.
In Fuengirola there is also an English speaking branch. Elder Taylor and I are assigned to that branch, the Mijas Branch, so we teach English speakers and Spanish speakers. It is very interesting to teach in English, but it still goes well. We are coming to love all of the people that live here in Spain, no matter where they are from. Elder Taylor is awesome. He is always striving to improve and to be an effective missionary. He loves this work and not only does he love the work, he loves to work. There's a saying that goes, "When all is said and done, there is usually more said than done." Well, we are trying to make sure we get the things done that Heavenly Father wants us to do.
We learn through our study of the gospel and from our teachers and things like that, but we also learn by our experiences, by doing and becoming the things that we feel and know. That is part of the great plan of happiness that our Heavenly Father prepared from the beginning, coming to this earth to have a body and to use our agency to learn to make correct choices and follow God. As we choose to learn and live the gospel, the Lord will lead us safely to Home. Each of you have been part of that guidance that He has given me. Thank you for helping me along the path that leads to life and salvation. Thank you for caring enough to correct me, to encourage me, and to strengthen me. He will do the same for you, "for that which ye do send out shall return unto you again, and be restored" (Alma 41:15).
Love,
Elder Joseph Fagersten
October 8, 2011
Hola,
First I must say, Happy Birthday Mom! Yeah! I am so grateful for you, Mom! I am so grateful for my family. I am grateful for the example of my little brother, Ben, who is serving a full-time mission. He has always taught me and helped me learn and live and love the gospel. Today is also Elder Fetzer's birthday. Party. He will celebrate it today with the baptism of Jorge, an amazing man they have been teaching.
General Conference last weekend was amazing, wasn't it? I loved it! Hearing living prophets and apostles strengthens my testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel and of the restoration of the true church of Jesus Christ. We watched the Saturday Morning Session on Saturday night, and then we watched the Priesthood Session and the Saturday Afternoon Session on Sunday morning, and the Sunday Morning Session on Sunday night. We visited Carlos and Alexandra on Sunday night and they kept going on and on and on about all of the things they learned from the different speakers and how much they loved all of the messages that were shared. For literally an hour straight they shared their thoughts and feelings with us. I feel so grateful for the blessings we receive from our Heavenly Father.
This week we had a lot of meetings at the mission home. On Monday and Tuesday we had Zone Leader Council, which we attended, and then we also had District Leader Training, which we also attended because Elder Taylor (my companion) is our District Leader. President Clegg talked to us about hearing the voice of the Lord. He taught us about the importance of learning how to discern that voice, to understand it, and then to hearken to it, or obey the direction and guidance it gives us. He repeatedly told us, "Don't confuse simple with easy." The gospel isn't always easy to live, it's not always easy to make decisions, it's not always easy to hear that voice, but it's simple. The Lord is not the author of confusion. He wants us to clearly understand what He requires of us in order to return to His presence. He has revealed those truths to the prophets through the ages. We have the scriptures, which contain their words, and the words of living prophets. He also communicates to us personally through the Holy Ghost, and that is how we gain a testimony of the words of the prophets and come to know God.
I am grateful for the opportunity that our Heavenly Father gives us to know Him. It is what Jesus prayed for, that we would have eternal life, which is to "know...the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom [He] has sent" (John 17:3). We have this opportunity because of the atonement of Jesus Christ. He lives and loves us.
Love,
Elder Joe Fagersten
First I must say, Happy Birthday Mom! Yeah! I am so grateful for you, Mom! I am so grateful for my family. I am grateful for the example of my little brother, Ben, who is serving a full-time mission. He has always taught me and helped me learn and live and love the gospel. Today is also Elder Fetzer's birthday. Party. He will celebrate it today with the baptism of Jorge, an amazing man they have been teaching.
General Conference last weekend was amazing, wasn't it? I loved it! Hearing living prophets and apostles strengthens my testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel and of the restoration of the true church of Jesus Christ. We watched the Saturday Morning Session on Saturday night, and then we watched the Priesthood Session and the Saturday Afternoon Session on Sunday morning, and the Sunday Morning Session on Sunday night. We visited Carlos and Alexandra on Sunday night and they kept going on and on and on about all of the things they learned from the different speakers and how much they loved all of the messages that were shared. For literally an hour straight they shared their thoughts and feelings with us. I feel so grateful for the blessings we receive from our Heavenly Father.
This week we had a lot of meetings at the mission home. On Monday and Tuesday we had Zone Leader Council, which we attended, and then we also had District Leader Training, which we also attended because Elder Taylor (my companion) is our District Leader. President Clegg talked to us about hearing the voice of the Lord. He taught us about the importance of learning how to discern that voice, to understand it, and then to hearken to it, or obey the direction and guidance it gives us. He repeatedly told us, "Don't confuse simple with easy." The gospel isn't always easy to live, it's not always easy to make decisions, it's not always easy to hear that voice, but it's simple. The Lord is not the author of confusion. He wants us to clearly understand what He requires of us in order to return to His presence. He has revealed those truths to the prophets through the ages. We have the scriptures, which contain their words, and the words of living prophets. He also communicates to us personally through the Holy Ghost, and that is how we gain a testimony of the words of the prophets and come to know God.
I am grateful for the opportunity that our Heavenly Father gives us to know Him. It is what Jesus prayed for, that we would have eternal life, which is to "know...the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom [He] has sent" (John 17:3). We have this opportunity because of the atonement of Jesus Christ. He lives and loves us.
Love,
Elder Joe Fagersten
October 1, 2011
Hola,
This week has gone by very quickly. On Tuesday, a group of new missionaries came in. They came late because they had to wait for their visas, but they are all here now. I enjoyed being part of the welcome to the mission and seeing how excited (and a little nervous) they all were. There is a new couple that will be here in the office. The Stevens, from Idaho. Brother Stevens grew up on a farm in Utah I think and when I told him I was from Iowa and that my dad works at John Deere he got pretty excited. I had to explain to him that I grew up "in town" but I guess there are some things I've learned about the farm. I told him about the Youngblut's delicious sweet corn and how they had taught me some stuff out there. So, it's a lot of fun.
Last Sunday, Brother Pedía, a member of the Stake High Council, spoke in the English Branch, and said something that impacted me a lot. He said, "Doubt enters our lives when we forget." That is so true! The scriptures tell us to remember all of the time. Part of our baptismal covenant that we renew every week with the sacrament is that we will "always remember Him." Our covenants help us keep the commandments, and the commandments help us keep and honor our covenants. We have the goal and we have received the commandment to become like Him. If we strive to "always remember Him" we will change and we will become more like Him.
I want you all to know how much I love you. I really do.
-Elder Joe Fagersten
This week has gone by very quickly. On Tuesday, a group of new missionaries came in. They came late because they had to wait for their visas, but they are all here now. I enjoyed being part of the welcome to the mission and seeing how excited (and a little nervous) they all were. There is a new couple that will be here in the office. The Stevens, from Idaho. Brother Stevens grew up on a farm in Utah I think and when I told him I was from Iowa and that my dad works at John Deere he got pretty excited. I had to explain to him that I grew up "in town" but I guess there are some things I've learned about the farm. I told him about the Youngblut's delicious sweet corn and how they had taught me some stuff out there. So, it's a lot of fun.
Last Sunday, Brother Pedía, a member of the Stake High Council, spoke in the English Branch, and said something that impacted me a lot. He said, "Doubt enters our lives when we forget." That is so true! The scriptures tell us to remember all of the time. Part of our baptismal covenant that we renew every week with the sacrament is that we will "always remember Him." Our covenants help us keep the commandments, and the commandments help us keep and honor our covenants. We have the goal and we have received the commandment to become like Him. If we strive to "always remember Him" we will change and we will become more like Him.
I want you all to know how much I love you. I really do.
-Elder Joe Fagersten
September 24, 2011
Hola,
I have learned sooooo much this week! The baptism last Saturday went great. The grandma, Rosa, doesn't see very well and she's not as strong as she used to be. Elder Stoner helped her into the font and I stood in there as well to help her go under the water and get back up again. It all went fine, and when she came back up the just looked at Elder Stoner and said, "Thank you, Elder. Thank you." Next came little Juan Camilo, and I baptized him. After we had changed and all of that, they shared their testimonies. When Juan Camilo finished giving his testimony, instead of going straight to his seat to sit down where he was before, he came up to me and gave me a hug and said thank you and started crying. We have continued to visit them this week and I have felt so much love from Heavenly Father for these people, and they have helped me feel Heavenly Father's love for me.
Elder Stoner left this week, and guess where he went. Sevilla! He will be there with Elder Thomas and they will work in the other ward (Sevilla 2), but they're in the same apartment as Elder Ferreira and his companion, Elder Alejandre. Elder Stoner taught me a lot, especially about forgiving myself and moving forward. He's a great missionary and I will miss him, but I will see him around. He and I will end our missions at the same time (unless something comes up). Elder Adam Taylor is my new companion. He's from "la fabrica" (the factory) as they call it here - a.k.a. Utah. He's awesome. I love him to death, and I really look up to him (he's 6' 7"). Seriously though, he is great.
I know that the Lord knows each of us perfectly and personally. He doesn't just know things about us, he knows us. He invites us to come to know Him; to know Him, not just know things about Him. We simply need to follow the path that He has prepared. Our Heavenly Father's plan is perfect. We have the opportunity to learn more and better understand this plan next weekend in General Conference. I know that Thomas S. Monson is the Lord's prophet, and that the Apostles are special witnesses of Christ. They know Him. They are true prophets, seers, and revelators. We will know how to follow that path that He has prepared as we listen to the Holy Ghost and heed the words of the Lord's servants here on the earth.
I love all of you.
Love,
Elder Joe Fagersten
I have learned sooooo much this week! The baptism last Saturday went great. The grandma, Rosa, doesn't see very well and she's not as strong as she used to be. Elder Stoner helped her into the font and I stood in there as well to help her go under the water and get back up again. It all went fine, and when she came back up the just looked at Elder Stoner and said, "Thank you, Elder. Thank you." Next came little Juan Camilo, and I baptized him. After we had changed and all of that, they shared their testimonies. When Juan Camilo finished giving his testimony, instead of going straight to his seat to sit down where he was before, he came up to me and gave me a hug and said thank you and started crying. We have continued to visit them this week and I have felt so much love from Heavenly Father for these people, and they have helped me feel Heavenly Father's love for me.
Elder Stoner left this week, and guess where he went. Sevilla! He will be there with Elder Thomas and they will work in the other ward (Sevilla 2), but they're in the same apartment as Elder Ferreira and his companion, Elder Alejandre. Elder Stoner taught me a lot, especially about forgiving myself and moving forward. He's a great missionary and I will miss him, but I will see him around. He and I will end our missions at the same time (unless something comes up). Elder Adam Taylor is my new companion. He's from "la fabrica" (the factory) as they call it here - a.k.a. Utah. He's awesome. I love him to death, and I really look up to him (he's 6' 7"). Seriously though, he is great.
I know that the Lord knows each of us perfectly and personally. He doesn't just know things about us, he knows us. He invites us to come to know Him; to know Him, not just know things about Him. We simply need to follow the path that He has prepared. Our Heavenly Father's plan is perfect. We have the opportunity to learn more and better understand this plan next weekend in General Conference. I know that Thomas S. Monson is the Lord's prophet, and that the Apostles are special witnesses of Christ. They know Him. They are true prophets, seers, and revelators. We will know how to follow that path that He has prepared as we listen to the Holy Ghost and heed the words of the Lord's servants here on the earth.
I love all of you.
Love,
Elder Joe Fagersten
September 17, 2011
Hola,
President Clegg went to Denmark last week for the Mission Presidents Seminar. Elder David A. Bednar visited them and taught them. During our Specialized Training meetings with President and Hermana Clegg this week, they told us about the conference and how it was to be there with an apostle. President Clegg asked us a question that Elder Bednar asked them during his time with them. The question was, "What is the worst sin you could commit?" Everybody immediately thought of the serious sins, things that are really bad. Then, President said, "You know what Elder Bednar told us? He said the worst sin you can commit is the one you think you can get away with." There is a lot of wisdom in that. It really made me think, and it's true.
Miracles are continuing to occur in our mission. About a month ago, a lady called the mission office and I answered the phone. She asked if there was the Church was in Almería. I told her yes and since I began my mission there, I was able to tell her exactly where it was. I then gave her the phone number for the Hermanas (the sister missionaries) there in Almería, then I just kept on going with my normal office tasks. Well, yesterday, President Clegg told us that this lady is getting baptized! I can't remember if it is going to happen today or next week, but it was a amazing to hear that. All I did was pass along some information, and the Hermanas did a great job following up with her and teaching and inviting her. So, one of the many things that I keep learning here is that there are many things we do that, perhaps without us even realizing it, are part of the Lord's plan to bless the lives of others. As a mission we have a goal to baptize 300+ people this year and we are well on our way. This weekend we will match the total number of baptisms we had all of last year. All of us are focused and working to increase our faith and give our all in the service of the Lord.
Carlos and Alexandra are working on getting married so that they will be able to be baptized. Today, Juan Camilo, Alexandra's son, and Rosa, Alexandra's mother, will be baptized. We are so excited! We have felt so happy to see them have personal, spiritual experiences, and see the Spirit teach them the truths of the restored gospel.
I know that the Lord, Jesus Christ, is our Savior and Redeemer. He is our Brother. As Elder Richard G. Scott once said, "He is not an absent Lord." He is very much aware of and involved in our lives. In Revelation 3:20 we read His words: "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him." I know that He is there. He really is there. He loves us.
Love,
Elder Joe Fagersten
President Clegg went to Denmark last week for the Mission Presidents Seminar. Elder David A. Bednar visited them and taught them. During our Specialized Training meetings with President and Hermana Clegg this week, they told us about the conference and how it was to be there with an apostle. President Clegg asked us a question that Elder Bednar asked them during his time with them. The question was, "What is the worst sin you could commit?" Everybody immediately thought of the serious sins, things that are really bad. Then, President said, "You know what Elder Bednar told us? He said the worst sin you can commit is the one you think you can get away with." There is a lot of wisdom in that. It really made me think, and it's true.
Miracles are continuing to occur in our mission. About a month ago, a lady called the mission office and I answered the phone. She asked if there was the Church was in Almería. I told her yes and since I began my mission there, I was able to tell her exactly where it was. I then gave her the phone number for the Hermanas (the sister missionaries) there in Almería, then I just kept on going with my normal office tasks. Well, yesterday, President Clegg told us that this lady is getting baptized! I can't remember if it is going to happen today or next week, but it was a amazing to hear that. All I did was pass along some information, and the Hermanas did a great job following up with her and teaching and inviting her. So, one of the many things that I keep learning here is that there are many things we do that, perhaps without us even realizing it, are part of the Lord's plan to bless the lives of others. As a mission we have a goal to baptize 300+ people this year and we are well on our way. This weekend we will match the total number of baptisms we had all of last year. All of us are focused and working to increase our faith and give our all in the service of the Lord.
Carlos and Alexandra are working on getting married so that they will be able to be baptized. Today, Juan Camilo, Alexandra's son, and Rosa, Alexandra's mother, will be baptized. We are so excited! We have felt so happy to see them have personal, spiritual experiences, and see the Spirit teach them the truths of the restored gospel.
I know that the Lord, Jesus Christ, is our Savior and Redeemer. He is our Brother. As Elder Richard G. Scott once said, "He is not an absent Lord." He is very much aware of and involved in our lives. In Revelation 3:20 we read His words: "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him." I know that He is there. He really is there. He loves us.
Love,
Elder Joe Fagersten
September 17, 2011
Joseph Fagersten joseph.fagersten@myldsmail.net
Sep 17
to Amy, Andrew, Benjamin, Dad, Elizabeth, Grandma, Jacob, Mom, Rebecca, Savannah, me, Stephanie
Family,
Some of you may have already seen this, but even if you have, it is worth watching again. This whole page is about forgiveness, but I wanted to invite you specifically to watch the movie, "Forgiveness: My Burden Was Made Light." Here's the link.
http://lds.org/family/forgiveness?lang=eng&query=mormon+messages+forgiveness
I love you!
Elder Joe Fagersten
Sep 17
to Amy, Andrew, Benjamin, Dad, Elizabeth, Grandma, Jacob, Mom, Rebecca, Savannah, me, Stephanie
Family,
Some of you may have already seen this, but even if you have, it is worth watching again. This whole page is about forgiveness, but I wanted to invite you specifically to watch the movie, "Forgiveness: My Burden Was Made Light." Here's the link.
http://lds.org/family/forgiveness?lang=eng&query=mormon+messages+forgiveness
I love you!
Elder Joe Fagersten
September 11, 2011
I don't know if you have already heard, but the Mormon Tabernacle Choir will be broadcasting a special Music and the Spoken Word commemorating the 10 year anniversary of 9-11. It will feature Tom Brokaw, and I'm pretty sure you'll be able to see it on the Church website. Just wanted to encourage you to watch it when you can.
Missed one....July 18, 2011
Hola a todos,
Sevilla continues to be hot, but it's a wonderful place. Elder Ferreira and I have seen the Lord's hand here in so many ways. It continues to be a blessing to me to have this opportunity to serve as a full-time missionary. My life is changing as I learn more and seek to apply the atonement of Jesus Christ, and we are able to see the lives of others change as they learn and apply these things as well.
The experiences we have are opportunities to apply the teachings of Jesus Christ. Every decision we have to make, every situation we find ourselves in, every relationship we have, and every challenge we face are opportunities given to us to act for ourselves, to choose, to use our agency and apply the teachings of Christ. I love what the Bible Dictionary tells us in the section about faith. It says, "The Lord has revealed himself and his perfect character, possessing in their fulness all the attributes of love, knowledge, justice, mercy, unchangeableness, power, and every other needful thing, so as to enable the mind of man to place confidence in him without reservation." We can trust in Him without reservation. As we do that we find a greater peace and purpose in our lives. Making changes in our lives is not easy, but it is possible.
We continue to see faith grow in the hearts of people as they hear the message of the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. This faith and these changes come through the atonement of Jesus Christ. I know that God the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to the prophet Joseph Smith. They called him as a prophet, and through him the gospel, the church, and the priesthood authority of God were restored. The Book of Mormon is true! I love reading it. I love pondering its message. It helps us understand the Bible it is a powerful testament of the Lord, Jesus Christ.
I love all of you sooooo much and thank you for being who you are.
Love,
Elder Fagersten
Sevilla continues to be hot, but it's a wonderful place. Elder Ferreira and I have seen the Lord's hand here in so many ways. It continues to be a blessing to me to have this opportunity to serve as a full-time missionary. My life is changing as I learn more and seek to apply the atonement of Jesus Christ, and we are able to see the lives of others change as they learn and apply these things as well.
The experiences we have are opportunities to apply the teachings of Jesus Christ. Every decision we have to make, every situation we find ourselves in, every relationship we have, and every challenge we face are opportunities given to us to act for ourselves, to choose, to use our agency and apply the teachings of Christ. I love what the Bible Dictionary tells us in the section about faith. It says, "The Lord has revealed himself and his perfect character, possessing in their fulness all the attributes of love, knowledge, justice, mercy, unchangeableness, power, and every other needful thing, so as to enable the mind of man to place confidence in him without reservation." We can trust in Him without reservation. As we do that we find a greater peace and purpose in our lives. Making changes in our lives is not easy, but it is possible.
We continue to see faith grow in the hearts of people as they hear the message of the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. This faith and these changes come through the atonement of Jesus Christ. I know that God the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to the prophet Joseph Smith. They called him as a prophet, and through him the gospel, the church, and the priesthood authority of God were restored. The Book of Mormon is true! I love reading it. I love pondering its message. It helps us understand the Bible it is a powerful testament of the Lord, Jesus Christ.
I love all of you sooooo much and thank you for being who you are.
Love,
Elder Fagersten
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