Neither Take Ye Thought Beforehand What Ye Shall Say - D&C 84:85

Due to a large transfer tomorrow, the elder writes a brief note home and then gets back to work haha. Life of an Assistant. Keep climb'n Elder!!!

Hey,

It was great to talk with you on Christmas day. The Lord is so good to us all! All thanks to heaven! Busy, busy with transfers! I love you, keep climbing!

Love, Elder Gautavai

Last Christmas On This Mission For Elder Richard Gautavai

Checking in from the Wisconsin Milwaukee LDS mission, the elder's cousin Elder Richard Gautavai who is in his 23rd month and is dead-set on finishing strong and returning-with-no-regrets, HONOR on January 30, 2014.

Hey hey! 

Everything is going well for us here in Wisconsin Rapids. We have a pretty busy day today, so we're excited to get out and keep moving things forward. People are starting to get back into the swing of life here, so we're just continuing to try to find those who will receive us. It has been a remarkable journey! Here are some photos from my Christmas.

 

Love you guys!

Elder Gautavai

This Christmas (2013) - I Am Living The Dream!

WARNING: Faith Like The Brother Of Jared Will Lead To Miracles!

Weekly questions from home in our email to the elder this morning. The elder's response follows in his email back.

Q1. Do you need anything?
A1. Negative.
Q2. Who and/or what can we unitedly pray for?
A2. Attached below are the names of people you can pray for as we close out this wonderful year here in the GAM. As a mission we are unitedly praying aloud each name and individual. Through our combined faith & prayers we can MAKE IT HAPPEN! ** 101 names from 6 GAM Zones ***
Q3. Let us know when and how you will call (Skype, call, etc) Rylee is available for Call/Skype at 8PM Eastern on Wednesday. We are flexible.
A3. I should be able to Skype as to a time frame it will be around 5-8 eastern. Sorry I can't give you a more specific time as we will be delivering gifts throughout the mission 'til around 3 or 4PM. I will call before I get on. Also, I received permission to talk with Rylee on the phone for 15 min so whenever he is available so I will be able to talk with him.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, 2nd Counselor First Presidency

CHRISTmas is almost here! Even more amazing to be on a mission for Christmas! I remember the excitement on Christmas day last year. It is the perfect day to proselyte and do His work as families are together with the focus on the Savior and His birth particularly here in the south. Christmas Day for a missionary is truly AMAZING!

This week has been full of miracles! In the mission we achieved 23 baptisms this week, pretty remarkable when you consider that at the beginning of the week 26 were scheduled to be baptized. 

"O Lord, that thou hast all power, and can do whatsoever thou wilt for the benefit of man; therefore touch these stones, O Lord, with thy finger, and prepare them that they may shine forth in darkness;" Ether 3:4

"Behold, I say unto you that whoso believeth in Christ, doubting nothing, whatsoever he shall ask the Father in the name of Christ it shall be granted him; and this promise is unto all, even unto the ends of the earth." Mormon 9:21

Through many prayers, getting more involved in praying, through faith and diligence with a focus on our purpose; we have been able to allow the Lord to 'touch our stones' as he did with the brother of Jared thus enabling us to witness mighty miracles! With one more week left in what has been an incredible year, we are seeking additional miracles through the hand of the Lord! This week there are many who have committed to be baptized..we will be grateful for however many enter into the gate and onto the path through baptism..but our goal is to achieve 500 baptisms this year. We are just 26 baptisms away from our mission goal! Hurrah!! It is so, so exciting to be apart of this work at this time!

Well it's about that time to call/Skype home with Christmas in 2 days. Crazy how time seems to just completely fly! 

Talk with all y'all Wednesday!

Love, Elder Gautavai

It's All About The Be's And Do's - They're Connected "Be <--> Do"

Where Can I Turn For Peace? He, Only One

Best Birthday Present Ever! -- It's the message contained in the restoration the elder is called to Share on the mission -->our Heavenly Father's Plan of Happiness, His Son, Jesus Christ-the atonement and the Holy Ghost that is at the root of this change and lengthened view of the eternal possibilities for the elder..#allGlory2God #wherecaniturnforpeace #HeonlyOne

Dad,

Where do I begin...

I've come to know this simple truth...Im blessed to have you as a father and as your son I have come to see you were right all along.  

I love you dad. Because of you I know that I can do all things if I put my mind and heart into it. Because of you I learned that sometimes I will have to do things that I may not enjoy doing, but to find a way, to sacrifice and find joy in the service. I'm super grateful that you didn't give in to the selfish desires and wants that I was after..I'm grateful for your example as a priesthood leader.

Dad I feel at home here in this the one and only true church..for so long I wondered..but that has come to an end..it's who I am, it's where I feel comfortable because im doing the things I should. One day I will be able to give you a big hug and thank you for never giving in or shrinking! 'Till then...

Happy Birthday!

I love you so much! Elder Gautavai

Were You There That Christmas Night?

This weeks questions from home for the elder. His response follows in return email:

Q1. Are you in need of anything at this time?
A1. Negative.
CS. (Observation, Statement) Simply amazing accounts of searching, finding, teaching, baptizing on exchanges, at Senoia Christmas parade, Beth…Remember how in soccer they’d say because the field is so big, “let the ball” do the work? Well, in the rescue, work of salvation…when we prepare, when we demonstrate our faith with action, not just faith alone, we can then “let the Holy Ghost” do the work!! That impression came to me when reading of Beth’s experience—are you kidding me, simply amazing!! God loves all His children. It wasn’t ever about the confrontational man (not that time), it was always about Beth!! Glad you didn’t back away, back down, or shrink. Your “standing up" for what you believe in, your prophetic calling allowed Beth to “get in the Spirit’s way.” By the way, Rylee shared Beth’s experience you gave to us in his farewell address yesterday.
CSR. (Response) Success comes from our courage to LIVE the gospel!
Q2. Who or what can we join or add our faith to in prayer this week?
QA. I will ponder.

Zone Conference Trainings Photocred GAM

Greetings from down South,

Very humbling experience to witness the blessings that come through the gospel of Jesus Christ. Many times I have felt our Heavenly Father's love for me and all y'all as we stay firmly attached to his son. Hurrah! It looks like Ry's farewell was a success!! Cool to see the support from family members, friends, and teammates/coaches at BYU they really run a top notch program on and off the field!!

I'll keep this one short due to being busy and soon we will be chatting (Christmas). I pray that this Christmas we may turn or thoughts to the Savior His birth, sacrifice & triumph over death. Because of Him we may return and live with the Father..If we will only get on the path be baptized and be an active member of this His one and only church help us stay on the path. He is at the head of no other church. No one else has a living Prophet today who is joined by 14 other apostles, prophets, seers, and revelators, who hold the priesthood keys and authority for His work enabling us to turn our will over to the Father's!

Hurrah Keep Climbing!

Till next week

Love, Elder Gautavai

You Can Make The Pathway Bright, Fill The Soul With Heaven's Light

Weekly questions for the elder from home leading off this morning's email. The elder's response follows in his email.

Q1. That would be great if you can send pictures..do you need memory cards for the camera?
A1. Yes I sent the memory card off today, another memory card would be great.
Q2. That’s very kind and generous of bishop Kennedy to help with the alterations. Those are the suits you went out with? Also can you get us his email address or home address.
A2. I will be sure to get you that contact information, yes the suits I came out with.
Q3. Thanks for the update on those you are working with including Ben. We'll continue to combine our faith with yours’ in their behalf. I placed Chase, Ben and Sarah's names on the prayer roll list in the temple Saturday as well. Who can we add this week to our prayers?
A3. GAM, with specific regard to each missionary to BE full of faith, exactly obedient, so that they and we as a mission will be able to realize every-soul-find-a-soul!

Greetings!

What wonderful news! As we journey forward in this search & rescue it's amazing to see the hand of the Lord in my life and yours. Super excited for Ry! I'm certain this Sunday will be an extremely powerful experience for all involved with his farewell! Can't wait to hear reports on it.

This last week we conducted more mission president interviews as well as mission council and new missionary trainings. One thing I absolutely have come to love is the feelings and experience associated with having sincere prayers in my heart during these trainings as I really have been focusing on what it is the Lord wants me to say and facilitate allowing the spirit to be the teacher. I've tried to model Elder Bednar's way of teaching via the Holy Ghost. Despite it being a challenge, it has been super, super, SUPER, neat to rely solely on the spirit for guidance and direction.

With Fayetteville ZL Elder Moodie at Senoia Christmas Parade

Saturday Elder Freeman and I went on an exchange with the Whitewater elders, Zone Leaders, Elder Perez & Moodie. I partnered with Elder Moodie and man we went out hard! We talked with everyone, inviting all to come and hear the glorious message of the restoration and to be baptized. The Senoia City Christmas parade made for a wonderful opportunity Saturday night to talk with everyone in a normal natural setting. I love talking with people and connecting on a personal level discovering spiritual needs and being sure to always talk about the restoration and an invitation to come unto to Christ as means of filling those needs.

HUGE miracle!!; seeing as the Lord sees!! It's about Beth K. a recent convert in the Whitewater ward (my previous ward) who was found by Elder Perez & Moodie. I discovered for the first time where Beth lived Saturday while on exchange with Elder Moodie. When we pulled up to her house, I remembered knocking on the door of the house next to hers and talking with her aunt. Beth was outside of the house when an angry unknown man came running at my companion and I wanting to know what we were doing, angrily requesting we leave. He yelled at us saying that we were soliciting and that he would call the cops on us. After numerous attempts to lovingly explain to him that we were representatives of Jesus Christ and that we had a beautiful message, that He lives, the man again demanded we leave and so we obliged and walked to knock on the surrounding doors. Despite the fact we had left his house area, he preceded to follow us verbally directing us to the complex exit. In a calm, controlled manner I said to the man that he could call the police if he wanted but it was our calling to tell people about the restoration of the gospel and we would continue on despite his objection.

Unbeknownst to us, Beth had witnessed this whole exchange and felt so bad for us. She would tell us that she didn't know we were Mormon missionaries. Beth thought we were Jehovah Witnesses. In conversations with Elder Perez & Moodie after I was transferred out, she told them that it was then that her heart started yearning for God and that if she ever got the chance to see those two young men again she would apologize for her neighbors attitude and harsh treatment and to thank them for standing up for what they believe in. Well we had a wonderful opportunity to be with Beth Saturday and to explain that we were those young men who she was talking about.

Another busy week awaits us as we have zone training meetings throughout the week. Before you know it, it will be Christmas and transfer planning!

A favor if I could ask; would each of you send me your testimony of the Savior sometime this week as the Christmas approaches, that would be wonderful!

Well another week awaits each of us to be better than before. Love you with everything I have!

Love, Elder Gautavai

A Royal Generation, A Preach My Gospel Generation

Questions from home for the elder in this morning's email. The elder's response followed in his email back:

Q1. How are you clothes holding up? Do you need replacements?
A1. Clothes are holding up just great. Bishop Kennedy wanted to take my suits, the two that are loose to get altered so I'm going to touch base with him on that.
Q2. How is the elder from Bountiful doing? (the one who graduated with Rylee)
A2. Elder Woodward? He is doing good, he is in Dunwoody on the east side of Atlanta.
Q3. Do have pictures you can send? Do you have any of the choir event recently?
A3. Yes I can send some they will come next week after the trainings. Someone took pictures of it so I'm sure I can find some.
Q4. Are you in need of anything at this time?
A4. Negative.
Q5. Hopefully things are progressing with your finding and teaching, especially with C.C. We’ve been praying for him and others you may not have found as yet. We included his name as well as B.’s on the temple prayer rolls this week.
A5. We haven't been able to get in contact with C.C. recently..Still trying! B. came to church at the YSA ward yesterday super big step for him!!
Q6. Who can we pray for this week?
A6. S.S. She will be having a super important surgery this week.

Brian Bishop, Elder Freeman photocred: Brad & Debbie Bishop

Good morning!

I'm right there with you, December just popped up seemingly out of no where. The average length of service for our missionaries is around 8 months. This makes me feel old! ha ha Starting to feel so much excitement to take it to the next level and find, teach, and baptize even more people that the Lord has prepared and readied for us. Just gotta find 'em with the help of the Spirit!

With this year coming to a close, our goal is for every missionary, every companionship, every soul-find-a-soul; that each companionship baptize at least 2 people a month. We are praying, training, and working ever so hard to help the missionaries locate find and secure at least 2 on our climb up the mountain. Its neat with how young the mission is to see how important it is to teach, invite, follow-up and re-teach with great love. Does that sound familiar in the parenting world? lol

The South must be flooded with the Book of Mormon!! I have never felt more sure and confident in that then now. One thing that has been absolutely incredible is carrying a soft cover of the Book of Mormon everywhere; keeping it attached to us always..reminds us of the incredible news of the Restoration and the importance to share it with the world! I love testifying of the Book of Mormon in a part of the Lords vineyard where the Savior is worshiped. We are just bringing the second half of the story to them!

I second that of Rylee being sent to BYU first before heading out on the mission. I've always had a strong feeling that the prophets call to lower the age of missionary service over a year ago was in part with the Lord needing mighty leaders like Ry in this great battle,..not to destroy the enemy..but more so to rescue those who have fallen into enemy hands.

Hurrah for Israel!!! Joseph Smith did see God the Father, and His Son Jesus Christ, the Book of Mormon is evidence of this remarkable truth! We have a prophet on the earth today who if we will listen to his voice..we will return safely to Father one day!

Most importantly may you know I love you!! I can trace back experiences where each of you have propelled me to this point in time. I can clearly see this and also see why.

Well, I'm fixin' to go find some people to teach!

Till next week,

Love, Elder Gautavai 

Thanksgiving Blessing - They Did Not Doubt Their Mothers

From: Elder Camree Gautavai
Date: November 25, 2013 at 9:29:27 AM MST

To: Rochelle Gautavai

Mom,

In case you weren't aware, you are loved by me so much!

259 missionaries is a lot! What's so wonderful mom is that they all have different challenges and levels of desire..But they are here and I love them just for being here and love the Lord because he trusts us so much with each one. If it were easy why would they need us? So the traveling assistants role is to travel and train companionship's that president has selected. They don't have an area. What this means is that we take care of the administrative things, train, and are able to build a model-area in the YSA ward.

Sister Harding, AP's Elder Gautavai, Elder Freeman, President Harding photocred GAM

We do live in the same apartment. Elder Freeman is from Lehi, Utah and knows a lot of people that I know from out that way. He plays lacrosse and has diabetes. I have never served with a companion with so much faith and love. Truly the Lord sent him to me so that I could learn from him. I'm going to soak up everything from elder Freeman before he departs. The Lord is so aware of me/us. I have seen and felt Him sustain me in this assignment no doubt! My Patriarchal blessing is absolutely blowing me away as I have been reading it each night and finding answers and direction on how to deal with situations I face.

Mom, I need to tell you I find so much joy in Talking With Everyone!!! Whether it be in the grocery store, in the parking lot, at a restaurant, wherever..I love talking with people connecting with them. President Harding has helped us learn how to have normal conversations with everyone. One thing I love is just going for it, inviting people to church or to read the book of Mormon. We must find those that have been prepared or are being prepared who will receive us and in order to do that we have to talk with everyone!! I have set a goal this week to meet 10 new people each day.

Great to hear of your temple experiences! For Thanksgiving Bishop Kennedy invited us over for dinner. I love this mighty leader!! Each time I see him he is always doing something to hasten the work. Last night the Whitewater Ward Choir and Hartford United Methodist choir combined at the stake center signing praises and medley's of hymns and revival hymns! History in the making!!

To the woman who will always be my "number 1" whom I look to for so much! I love you dearly mother! God bless you this week and forever more!

Love, Elder Gautavai

"The Rapstoration" - Elder "O" Missionaries Opening Their Mouths, Word

Missionary Work, Temples Are Key in The Gathering of Israel

Weekly questions for the elder from home included in our email this morning. The elder's response follows in his return email:

Q1. Are you in need of anything at this time?
A1. Negative.
Q2. What are your plans for Thanksgiving day and dinner?
A2. We will be trying to find some new YSA adults to teach and later in the day eat at a member in our (YSA) ward, we will be over at Bishop Kennedy's of the Whitewater ward for dinner.
Q3. Thanks for the update on C.C and B.S. I was able to take both names with me to the Temple Saturday and place on the prayer rolls..who else can we join our faith and prayers with yours this week?
A3. You can include S. & A. D., two sisters we met at yogurt stop talking with everyone :)

Greetings from down South,

It is so wonderful and great to see the family at the temple. The house of the Lord is a special place where we can be taught by the Lord if we prepare in a way that allows us to be open to receive revelation, furthermore what we experience inside the temple may largely be correlated to how well we have lived and prepared outside the temple. Living at a higher level through scripture study, prayer, fasting, obedience, of consecration all play a fundamental role in helping us gain the full experience at the temple. I know that the temples that dot the earth today play a HUGE role in the gathering of Israel in fulfillment of the prophesy and the promises made to Abraham. With that said it all starts with sharing the gospel and BAPTIZING!!

I'm absolutely loving this time of great search and rescue I am so privileged to be apart of. I have learned so much from Elder Steele and know I will continue to learn even more from Elder Freeman. Elder Freeman is from Lehi, Utah and is familiar with many of the same people that I know from out that way. He has such tremendous faith and zeal in doing this work. With two transfers left he is looking to MAKE IT HAPPEN!!! 

Wow! Talking with Everyone is by far the greatest! I truly find joy in talking with everyone, everywhere! We are to find those that will receive us, we do not know who they are so we must talk with everyone!

I continue to do well and love serving with those in whom I labour along side. Sorry this is short..I love all of you! Each one of you has played a key role in helping me to this point! VICTORY!!! KEEP CLIMBING!!!

Love, Elder Gautavai

Become As A Little Mekelee

Weekly questions for the elder from home in today's email. The elder's responses in his email back:

Q1. Do you need anything at this time?

A1. No.

Q2. How is C.C. progressing? How did you find him?

A2. He is doing pretty good he brought his g-friend to the lesson and we set them both on date for the 7th. We lost contact with them for a little bit so they would be a good one to pray for.

Q3. Who can we unitedly lend our faith and prayers for this week?

A3. B.S., He is having a rough time being a recent convert especially being the only one in his family. With him being a YSA, I'm trying to get him to the ward and help him go through the temple.

Greetings from the South!

This week has been a very busy week. We attended the temple with the ATL zones in our mission on Tuesday. While at the temple I had the impression to talk to the missionaries in my training about having the vision of the Savior and then putting the work in to make it happen. What was cool is the very clear prompting I received while there to tell them about Mekelee. So when it came time to train I first shared the story of Mekelee wanting to be the best football player, not just in his age, but the best period. Mekelee's vision for who he wanted to become drove him to work constantly, training with Ry and the high school team, in the backyard, watching film and so on. Anyway, it was so powerful! We all need a little "Mekelee fire" in us. President Harding second witnessed that and shared how Mekelee is like a giant spiritually, sharing how he helped him with his talk a couple of stake conferences ago as a member of the stake presidency.

I will be receiving a new companion as my dear companion Elder Steele will finish his last two transfers as a Traveling Assistant. My new companion is Elder Freeman. He will serve his last two transfers as an Assistant as he goes home with Elder Steele as well.

The work is hastening! The missionaries will provide the wave. WE, just have to CATCH THE WAVE!

Keep climbing!!!

Love, Elder Gautavai

Invitation: The Work of Salvation Connects All Things Heaven and Earth

Weekly questions from home included in today's email. The elder's response follows in his return email:

Q1. How was your temple service and leadership council/trainings?

A1. Amazing! Temple service is a MUST!!

Q2. Are you in need of anything at this time?

A2. Negative.

Q3. Who can we join in faith and prayer for this week?

A3. C.C. our wonderful investigator who we are teaching tonight at the church.

Happy Veterans Day from the South!

AP's Elder Steele and Elder Gautavai Atlanta Georgia Temple

Another week has flown by here in the GAM. With zone training meetings all this last week, it gave us the opportunity to continue to attend the temple as part of the schedule. I love the temple, the perspective for life it gives is simply remarkable. I have been fortunate to attend the temple often while here on the mission. By attending the temple, I have grown to love our Heavenly Father deeply and have so much more gratitude for HIM. I am at awe with his love for us and all his children.

Before heading into an endowment session, President Posey (temple president) briefly shared with us these thoughts. Not only is it important for the one soul who is baptized here on this earth, but for their ancestors who have passed on. He said as 1 soul(convert) progresses and enters the temple, it is equivalent to 1000 souls(converts) who will eventually enter the temple because of the 1 soul. Then came his invitation to us....although 1 soul is great in the eyes of God, there are many who are ready and waiting to "come unto HIM." How great would be your joy if many more were brought unto HIM. Hence the HASTENING! Making BAPTISM so important!  

As I pondered and meditated upon President Posey's invitation this week, my desire to do all I can has increased tremendously.

Our focus with all our valiant missionaries is returning back to our purpose--to INVITE & BAPTIZE--working with our faithful members, active & less active to find those to BAPTIZE. Also, to have the FAITH to get out there and MAKE IT HAPPEN by tracting and talking with everyone etc. With our recent visits from prophets, seers and revelators, we were reminded that as full time missionaries we are vital in the work of salvation. That it is important we do our part. IT IS SO SIMPLE!!

Thank you for sending me the article on the USST that I requested. Serving with President Harding and Elder Steele has helped me realize I must always be worthy of the promptings of the spirit, but more importantly have the courage to follow it. Thus, receiving the prompting to ask for the article. As of yet, I have not shared it with any of the zones. I am waiting for the direction of the spirit to guide me to use it at the appropriate time. That is certainly an adjustment that I have made, listening to the spirit and figuring out what exactly is needed in the training meetings. 

We are busy as ever with one more zone training meeting this week and then transfer prep! Can you believe its already transfer time!?

Well I gotta run. If there is anything I can do for y'all please let me know. Praying for your success each and every day. GIVE ME THIS MOUNTAIN! KEEP CLIMB'N!

Love, Elder Gautavai

Becoming All That Our Heavenly Father Wants Us To Be

Checking in from the elder's cousin in the Wisconsin Milwaukee mission on the BYU Football Fireside he attended Friday night.

Good Morning!

Hello hello! Thanks for your email!

I wasn't able to watch the game this past weekend, but I was able to watch the fireside via broadcast here in Wisconsin Rapids. Not going to lie, it was a little weird with it being a football team presenting a spiritual fireside, but I felt like the message I was supposed to get out of it came to me. Bronson Kaufusi and Bronco Mendenhall were the two speakers, and they did an excellent job. Coach Mendenhall testified that although the outcome of football games is very important, there will come a time when those things are not important. He testified that the purpose of our journey here on earth is only to return to a divinely appointed heavenly home with our Father in heaven and Jesus Christ. He also testified that this means that we should do everything within our power to win football games, but we should seek the best of both prospects; that is returning to live with our Father in heaven with our families, and also becoming the best we can with our talents. It was a great fireside.

Love, Elder Richard Gautavai

Ohhh It Is Wonderful!!! Wonderful To Me (And For Us)!!!

"NO OTHER SUCCESS can compensate for FAILURE in the home except for the ATONEMENT of JESUS CHRIST." -Neal A. Maxwell (Bruce Hafen, A Broken Heart)

The Gift (Atonement) That Keeps On Giving #AllGlory2God

Shines The Gospel Light of Truth and Love

Questions for the elder included in email from home today. The elder's response in his email.

Q1. (Mom) Thanks for the birthday wish and thought it made my night/day. I love it…I love you!!
A1. No problem!
Q2. Are you in need of anything at this time?
A2. Negative.
Q3. Who can we pray for this week in our daily prayers to help?

A3. The MISSIONARIES! Faith to Find!! 

Oct 30, 2013 GAM Zone Leaders and Sister Training Leaders Mission Council at the Mission Home Photocred: GAM

Greetings from down South,

The family looks great and as everyone continues to press forward on the journey of this life may we continue to know & feel the greatness of God in our lives! This is the Gospel of Jesus Christ in its fullest restored to the earth today through a prophet. This is the ONLY WAY to happiness and fulfillment, there is NO OTHER WAY!  

Missionary Dept Managing Director, Elder David F. Evans (Quorum of the Seventy) and sister Evans GAM Tour 

We have wrapped up another week of climbing, battling the forces of darkness, planning and preparing to make a charge up the mountain here in November. Can you believe its already November!? Tuesday we gathered in large districts to change 2 behaviors: (1) Making plans to talk with a whole lot more people then we currently are either through phone call or on the street contacts, planning and setting up more opportunities to teach. (2) To be able ask 
"Who do you know?" with everyone we talk to as well as developing the faith (principle of action) necessary to find and talk with everyone. The promise from the brethren is we will have more people to teach and bring many into the waters of BAPTISM as we do! President Harding, Elder Steele and I split to cover more ground. I took to the north to Cartersville presiding and overseeing training in district meetings for the day up there. 

I'll GO, I'll DO, I'll SAY, I'll BE what you want me to BE

Wednesday we had the Zone and Sister Training Leaders in the Mission home for mission council. There we had the opportunity to again train and make sure our leaders are making these behavior changes in their own individual areas. It has been my experience, and I believe it is so true the missionaries will rise and live up to the expectations set forth by the mission president & leaders of the mission. Where there is no vision the people perish admonished the Prophet Joseph Smith.

President Ralph R. and sister Sylvia Mabey Photocred: GAM

Friday before having lunch with the Mabey's, Elder Evans of the Quorum of the Seventy called to talk with Elder Steele and I along with President Harding. It was super nice of him to call and ask how we were doing and to talk with us about the feelings that we had when he came. You can imagine he is very busy being the literal Captain Moroni (as the executive director) of the missionary force and to want to talk with us was absolutely a treat! President and sister Mabey were in the ATL and came by for lunch which was also a huge thrill!! I love President Mabey and sister Mabey. He was his usual powerful-self, informing us of the work of salvation in the Bountiful Heights Stake. GREAT WORK! KEEP CLIMBING!

This upcoming week it's back to the temple for more Zone Training meetings wherein we will receive and be taught by the Father and the Son. The Temple has brought a light into my life that cannot be replaced needless to say we are looking forward to being in the house of the Lord this week. The following week brings transfer planning..time is sure flying!

Attached below is a Book of Mormon reading calendar for the GAM starting today (Nov 4) through the New Year. As we journey through the Book of Mormon, President Harding has asked that we invite our families to participate in the reading as well. There will be a sense of power that will come into your lives as we read together from it each day. The Book of Mormon is the only hope for the world that today continues to spiral out of control. May I invite you to always have a copy with you on your person!

In this battle for the souls of men may we find comfort in knowing that our Heavenly Father is at the head of this army. I love you family may we continue to press forward with faith, see the eternal vision, and pray for the strength to win each day!

Love, Elder Gautavai

Got Questions? Find Answers!!! - 'Nuf Said!!

For More Information and Free Copy of the Book of Mormon

The Family Is Ordained of God, Testifies of Jesus Christ

Weekly questions from included in today's email to the elder.  His response in his return letter/email:

Q1. Thanks for the update on Elder Evan’s visit..it sounds like it was very helpful and spiritually enlightening to move the work forward in the GAM. How was Elder Oaks visit?
A1. Being at the feet of a member of the 12 on Saturday was probably one of the most incredible opportunities ever.
Q2. Do you have pictures you can send?
A2. Yes I do
Q3. Are you in need of anything at this time?
A3. Negative.
Q4. That’s wonderful news about J!! What a blessing to part of God’s plan to bring salvation to him. Who can we pray for this week?

Greetings!

Wow! what a week, what a week!!..In case anyone has any doubts this is the gospel of Jesus Christ restored to the earth today through a prophet! I testify and offer the following: This is His church and there is no other church that He stands at the helm and leads. You can know of this by simply reading the Book of Mormon from beginning to end. Ever wonder why the gospel of Jesus Christ is taught in the Book of Mormon through a family (Lehi and Sariah)?! With challenges and experiences just like us?! To prove to the world that Jesus Christ Lives, that our Father in Heaven Loves us!!

Elder Dallin H. Oaks, sister Oaks, Elder Ulisses Soares, sister Soares, Elder M. Keith Giddens Mission conference

The highlight of the week was our meeting with Elder Dallin H. Oaks (Quorum of the Twelve Apostles), Elder Ulisses Soares (Presidency of the Quorum of the Seventy), and Elder M. Keith Giddens (Area Seventy) on Saturday. We gathered in Atlanta with the North mission together about 550 missionaries in attendance..THE ARMY OF GOD! While there each mission was able to take a picture with the brethren and shake their hands. I will send a picture of that soon.  

My thought today is taken from Elder Oaks remarks counseling us to "always have our line' in the water." Elder Oaks shared a personal story about fishing with his grand kids. He said upon returning home his dear wife often asks the question, "did you catch anything while out (for 4 hours)?" Kindly he tells her no and explains the reason for that is he is busy keeping his grandchildren fishing line's out of the trees, from them falling into the water and in general keeping them safe. Consquently he only has his line in the water for about 30-minutes total. 

He used this analogy applying it to us missionaries, however the counsel can be also be applied in all our lives, after all we are all fishers of men, correct? Many times we step outside and as we go through the things of everyday life thinking that we have our line' in the water but never acting on the prompting to share the gospel with everyone. He then told us it's just not good enough to walk around thinking that our lines' are in the water, but that we must ALWAYS have our "line in the water" searching for those who we can invite to, and back to the fold. SO TRUE!

Alma 53:20

Well thank you for your love and support I do feel it everyday out here! 

Till Next Week,

Love, Elder Gautavai

"Arise and Shine Forth, That Thy (HIS) Light May Be a Standard For The Nations.” D&C 115:5

Find out more about Mission Life at LDS.Org

LDS.Org - Hastening The Work of Salvation

Though a familiar messenger...It's about the Message he and all missionaries have been divinely commissioned to share and minister to a world in need!!!

Find out more @ LDS.ORG

Perhaps Today There Are Loving Words Which Jesus Would Have Me Speak

Weekly questions for the elder from home included in today's email. The elder's response follows in his email:

Q1. How did your visits with the visiting authorities go?  We're guessing it was like a mini-general conference for y'all.

A1. Incredible!! Elder Oaks, Soares, and Giddens will be this Saturday

Q2. Do you have an elder Roberts (Tongan) in the GAM? An elder Roberts from Inglewood, CA is serving in our ward/stake from the UT SLC mission and said he has a cousin in Atlanta but wasn't certain if he is in your mission or the North.

A2. Negative.

Q3. Are you in need of anything at this time?

A3. Nope.

Q4. Thanks for J's name and the L's in recent weeks, is there anyone new we can add to our prayers?

A4. Thank you for your prayers. J. was baptized this last week! I think we should pray with much faith for Miah and his family!

**Can you tell grandpa I sent his document back he requested. and should get it in the next couple of days.

Greetings from down South,

It's exciting to see everything moving forward back at home. Likewise, it's very pleasing to hear the success of Ry and Kelee in all that they are doing. I sent an email to Miah and his family today. Thank you for giving me the news and email to write him. 

It's amazing and humbling to see how the Lord works in our lives. At about the same time you received news of this accident last Friday morning, Sister Evans, Elder Evans wife testified of something that hit me to the core. She testified of the great responsibility that we have as representatives of Jesus Christ at this time. She testified that not only do we have a duty to live righteously and be full of faith for the investigators and members of the church here in Georgia but perhaps even greater for those back home -- family, friends and loved ones -- that will lean on the testimony in which we serve our mission and live our lives. I testify of a loving Heavenly Father who teaches us that He is in charge...as Elder Evans would say we cannot choose what the lord will teach us..we can only choose to prepare to receive his teachings and then ACT.

It feels as though we have literally had Moroni here with us this past Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Elder David F. Evans (Moroni) who was on assignment from Alma (the prophet) sent to align us with the plan giving us counsel on where we need to move our young army. We will now work on becoming a key player in the work of salvation having the faith to find the Lord's way -- through TALKING WITH EVERYONE asking them who do they know?, double our efforts working closely with all ward members, active, less-active, part member families, YSA, youth seeking out their friends and inviting them to be baptized. Thus allowing greater convert retention, returning less actives, temple and family history work, and teaching the gospel. Also each missionary AT ALL TIMES, EVERYWHERE will have a soft cover Book of Mormon in their hand to quickly connect each conversation to the Book of Mormon and the wonderful message of the restoration.

In closing I again testify dear family that we will be okay. Our Heavenly Father is at the head, His son Jesus Christ has prepared the way. We have a prophet who leads us now. We are apart of His church, there is no other church on the face of the earth that He leads. The plan is simple. Get on the path and never give up, just keep moving forward with faith and the hope of eternal life. Pray, Read, Obey, Sacrament, Temple, and inviting others, non-members to get on the path as well.

Keep Climbing!

Love, Elder Gautavai