Stop And Wait For Me!

Hello Family,

with Elder Perez (ZL) Photocred GAM

This week has been another eventful week to say the least, excitement is in the air here in the GAM as we get set to move into a new phase to further hasten the Lord's work. We will be revealing this next phase to our Zone, District, and Sister Training Leaders this Thursday at Mission Council so stay tuned for that great report. 

Elder Steele and I have been touring the entire mission. This last week consisted of going on exchanges with our mighty Zone Leaders, conducting trainings as well as planning and administration work here at the office. 

J. was not baptized this week however we are still working with him to remove some obstacles from his path. In our YSA ward this week we had 2 baptisms which is creating even more excitement for missionary work, the Lord's work of salvation! 

Last night Elder Steele and I were able to attend the baptism of Kevin, a man who just 2 weeks before I was transferred elder Perez and I had tracted into. He resides in the home of the last door we knocked on. To see this all come together has been so, so humbling, faith building and gratifying. This experience gets even better...(huge smile) Kevin was baptized in Bishop Kennedy's swimming pool because the plumbing needed fixing at the church so they had to make a quick audible (change) on the spot so everyone drove over to bishop's beautiful home. But wait it gets even BETTER!! While everyone was gathering in bishop's backyard for the baptism, Elder Steele and I received the IMPRESSION that someone here nearby (in the neighborhood) needed to come to the baptism at the Kennedy pool. So quickly, we started knocking on doors around the homes in the neighborhood inviting everyone to the "baptism at the pool." Just as we thought we were going to come up short in finding who the spirit was directing us to, at literally the last house we were at after knocking on the door, a woman named M. came out of her house and yelled for us "TO STOP AND WAIT FOR HER TO COME!" The missionaries will now have a chance to teach her as she invited us to come back over to her home after the baptism to share the glad message of the restored gospel with her and her family. Thankful for the promptings of the Spirit!! Glory to God!! Hoorah for Israel!!

In closing I just wanted to THANK YOU dad for your unwavering stance as we were growing up on things that I needed to do even at times when I didn't feel it was necessary; that I could make those, what seemed like tough decisions the other way. What once was seen by me as an annoyance and a invasion of agency is now being seen as great faith, obedience and consecration on your part. I know God Lives!

Love y'all, Elder Gautavai

Blessed, Honored Pioneer

Addressing Transfer Meeting 25 New GAM Missionaries (photocred GAM)

A1. No sign of the package yet I'll keep an eye out for it. I just moved upstairs not a far move at all. We don't have a key for a mailbox so we haven't been able to get into it so its best to just send everything to the mission office I am there when the mail gets in so I can look for it.

A2. Im currently serving in the Fayetteville YSA ward. It's a blast to be working with the young adults. We cover the whole stake here in Fayetteville, we meet right after the Whitewater ward so I still see all of the great members in Whitewater.

A3. My new companion is Elder Steele from Idaho. He has been out for 18 months is really smart and energetic which is perfect!

A4. Elder Perez is now companions with Elder Moodie who came out a transfer after me.

A5,6. This last week our schedule consisted of alot of traveling around the mission getting the new zone leaders trained on responsibilities and vision. A typical day usually varies as President says we are 24/7 for the Lord so we try and get to bed by 10:30 PM if not we are usually at the office wrapping up some things. We work closely each day with our couple missionaries who work  in the office overseeing mission vehicles, housing coordinators, finance, and secretary. In our free time we proselyte which is uplifting and exciting especially with the YSA's as they are so fun to have gospel discussions with and in sharing the gospel. It's really different as well as they have a lot of activities during the week. Sunday church services go from 2-5 PM after which we go to President Harding's home for dinner and planning session.

A7. I'm doing well right now.

A8. Please pray for J. He is our investigator who we are expecting to be baptized on the 28th.

Love Y'all, Elder Gautavai

Elder Morrill (AP), Elder Price (ZL), Elder Steele (AP) (photocred GAM)

Elder Fuller (ZL), Elder Morrill (AP), Elder Price (ZL), Elder Steele (AP) (photocred GAM)

Weekly letter written to the elder today ahead of receiving his email. The letter per usual starts off with questions directed to him. He responds in his email (usually :) This week his letter consisted of his responses. Keeping super busy no doubt! Being "Exceedingly Valiant!"

Mom's questions:

Q1. We sent you the requested items in a package last Tuesday, July 16 via USPS priority mail addressed to the mission office. Well, according to the package tracking online it's still in their sort system as of yesterday in the ATL. It arrived in Newnan but for some reason it wasn't showing as being delivered. There may be a chance it could be on its way back to Bountiful? (hopefully not). Are we good to send things to the mission office? We don't have the best of luck sending stuff there. We'll keep trying.

Q2. Are you still in the same complex with the transfer? (upstairs). What is your physical address now?

Q3. Tell us about your new companion, name, where he's from, how long out etc…

Q4. Who is elder Perez' new companion?

Q5. What is your area now? What ward?

Q6. What do your days look like now?

Q7. Need anything besides (temple, socks) the stuff we shipped/trying to get to you?

Q8. Who can we add to or continue to pray for on our daily prayer list?

Hello Elder Gautavai,

Happy start of another great week in the mission field! Hopefully the past seven days have been glorious for you despite and even because of challenges you may have endured that lead to improvement and growth (again it's part of the plan, your plan Heavenly Father has for you). We are truly humbled and grateful for the Lord's hand made manifest in your life and call to serve. We feel the goodness of God as a result of your decision to serve as a special witness of the restored Gospel and Jesus Christ, and even more so the manner in which you have chosen to serve Him (4th missionary). Glory to God! Congrats on the new calling and assignment. God bless you to BE equal to the task!! We are so excited!!!

We are pleased to see God is real to you made evident by your desire and commitment to not only LAY DOWN your "weapons of war" that would hinder or distract you, but most importantly and the real difference maker, "BURY them!!!!!!" (Anti-Nephi-Lehies)

"They took their swords, and all the weapons which had been used for the shedding of man's blood, they did bury them deep in the earth." Alma 24:17

"And thus we see that, when these Lamanites were brought to believe and to know the truth, they were firm, and would suffer even unto death rather than commit sin; and thus we see that they buried their weapons of peace, or they buried the weapons of war for peace." Alma 24:19

I believe the Lord expects us to be exact or as I like to view it, "exceedingly" committed to all He asks us to do. Sure we can do things just to do them and hence be obedient or more accurately -- compliant. However, it's when we are exceedingly committed through testimony, faith, commitment, magnification and ACTION when we see the true level of discipleship the Lord expects (Alma 53:20). And oh the blessings of being on the same page with the Godhead.

I know you're super busy. Enjoy your day, week and mission. Everyday "Wake Up and Do something More!!!!" Share the gospel through your talents and gifts!!! Pioneer day is this Tue/Wed..to honor our pioneers I leave you with this wonderful thought about them and I believe a connection to what you are doing in this great work of salvation as a modern day pioneer (They, The Builders of the Nation hymn 36)

Service ever was their watchcry;
Love became their guiding star;
Courage, their unfailing beacon,
Radiating near and far.
Ev'ry day some burden lifted,
Ev'ry day some heart to cheer,
Ev'ry day some hope the brighter,
Blessed, honored Pioneer!

We love and pray for you!!! Come Unto Him, Wait on the Lord. 

In Him,

Dad

If You Keep Your Covenants, Your Covenants Will Keep You!

The elder's cousin checking in from the Wisconsin Milwaukee mission, On Wisconsin!

Good Morning!

I will have to be short as we are a little short on time! But thanks so much for your email, I enjoyed it! Everything is going great for us here in Wisconsin Rapids! We're always looking to improve our charity (especially for missionaries), but it allows us to stretch and grow, which has been a blessing! 

We had a tough week in the Wausau Zone with just about everything, so we're really focusing this week on continuing to maintain a "model" area, and getting down to the bottom of all of the discouragment!! 

I was reading in Alma 56 this morning and verse 8 really stood out to me. Heleman writes saying, "But I would not suffer them that they should break this covenant which they had made, supposing that God would strengthen us, insomuch that we should not suffer more because of the fulfilling the oath which they had taken." I've found a lot of strength in learning more about the people of Ammon as they are premier examples of keeping covenants. What I got from this is that others are blessed when we choose to keep our covenants. I've seen this amongst missionaries all the time. Being a Zone Leader...there's automatically room for missionaries to infer inequality between myself and them. I've found that as I've stressed exact obedience in my life, it has given me the ability to lift the missionaries around me. 

Thanks again for your wonderful, wonderful examples. My mission has been impacted in many ways by the shining examples that I was able to see in the home. They help me every day to choose the right! 

Love you guys! Elder Gautavai

The Assistants sharing the Spirit at Transfer Meeting (Georgia Atlanta Mission Facebook Page)

Driven By Faith

photocred: Georgia Atlanta Mission

God's Economy, Leader = Servant (Matt 23:11)

Hello Family,

Sorry this one will be short again I have just been called to be an Assistant in the GAM so I have been going through training all day. I am doing well and am loving every moment I have out here. I need just a few things: 

1. My temple packet, each zone will be holding its zone training meetings at the temple every month so I'll be needing that.
2. Do we still have the other half of the new socks? If we do could you send those.

Love y'all, Elder Gautavai

Peace, Not As The World Giveth

Visiting with Sister Deborah Harding at Kandis and Stephan Atrice reception in Bountiful

On Mon, Jul 15, 2013 at 10:05 AM, Carson Gautavai <carsongautavai@msn.com> wrote:

Mom's questions:
1. Are you in need of anything?
2. How are your investigators progressing, how is the finding?
3. Who can we add to our prayer list and/or continue to pray for this week?

Hello Elder Gautavai,

I hope this letter finds you in the best of spirits and ready to kick off another great week in the mission! Again, what a blessing it is to "get to" recommit and renew ourselves yesterday with the Sabbath and the Sacrament and now a new week. Hopefully you will experience even more growth in faith and testimony and become further converted to the gospel as you come unto Christ each day. Thanks for last week's letter. Although it was brief it spoke volumes as to your commitment and engagement in your call. You're absolutely correct, even p-day's are the Lord's time as you consider your full-time call/commission.

We are all doing well here in Bountiful.The Lord has blessed us with faith and tender mercies through his love and atonement. Because of the gift of the Holy Ghost we can feel the influence of the Spirit which gives us an assurance that His atonement is active in our lives. We all have our challenges in life, some small, some exquisite that push our faith. Challenges in this life are necessary and part of God's plan for us to improve and accomplish his purposes. However, just as true and certain is the help that is available to us through the plan of salvation and the atonement of Jesus Christ. As we exercise faith and trust in the Lord we will be blessed and strengthened to overcome. 

Over the weekend we attended the funeral of Mitch and Rachel (Toone) Waite's infant son who passed away from complications of an enlarged heart from birth. Lewie Waite was born on Memorial day and lived 45 days. Lewie' parents described the period as a roller-coaster of emotions for the Waite and Toone families as the doctors at Primary's Children hospital battled to help Lewie overcome his physical challenges. Hearing, Seeing and Feeling the peace that his parents have at this time as a result of turning their hearts and will to the Lord in this challenge, accessing the unmatched strength to carry on through the Atonement, recognizing that through the restoration of the gospel and priesthood keys our eternal possibilities as families made my faith and commitment stronger. The spirit bore witness to me of the great need we as members of the church have to proclaim the glad message of the restored gospel. We can be the vessels that the spirit can work through to bring the Savior's peace to others as we all experience mortalities challenges and troubled times.

I want to bear you my witness of the Savior. I know He lives, Jesus is REAL to me! I will strive to follow Him faithfully by seeking the daily companionship of the Holy Ghost and taking courage to act on the impressions and promptings received. The Atonement is for both sinner, and saint. I will strive to Abide in Him and not just seek that He the Savior Abide in me! Elder share the message, His message so succinctly described by Alma in ALMA 7:12. That's HOW, that's WHY we are involved in this great cause of salvation, this wonderful gathering of Israel, the work of the Lord! I so testify. The Book of Mormon answers ALL, ALL questions in life!! It brings the Savior's peace to a troubled world. It is the word of God. Living prophets will keep us on the path and guide us back home as we listen and obey. I am thankful there is one magnificent and pure gospel, but even more grateful that there are so many wonderful ways of living it!!! Our job is to find that way for us and build and expand upon it! A testimony while necessary and important in many instances is not sufficient to withstand the buffetings of the adversary. Hence, we must be converted to the Savior and His gospel to help us push through and increase our faith. I strive to be active in the gospel first, which will aid me to be active in the church, while each is distinct one from the other (gospel/church), make no mistake they are connected and important. Conversion is the key. Become Converted to Him, by Coming unto Him. Try His Works to DO! Hoorah for Israel!!

Love you more than you know. We Are One!!!

In Him,
Dad

Still Soaring in the ATL 1 Year Later #AllGlory2God

Gospel in Action: Not Really A P-Day, But Not Really My Time

Hello Family,

Sorry this one has to be short as our p-day is being spent helping others move and fellowshiping some investigators...not really a p-day, but again not really my time...it's the Lord's so we are joyfully marching along. We are doing well here we continue to live as He would have us live and take the gospel to all the world.

till next week,

Love Elder Gautavai

Grace Shall Be As Your Day

This weeks questions of the elder and his responses in this mornings email/letter:

Q1. Need anything?

A1. Nope doing well.

Q2. Did Linda get baptized? How's John doing?

A2. Sister Linda was baptized!! Elder Perez and I were both in the font as she is very weak. Brother John came and is progressing really well. Brother Love received the priesthood yesterday which was a really neat experience.

Q3. Who can we pray for this week?

A3. Please continue to pray for the Loves.

Hello Family,

What a blessing it is to be able to write to y'all each week. Moreover, how blessed we are for the technology of today enabling us to communicate and more importantly share the gospel across the earth.

Elder Perez and I are doing really well here in Whitewater. With the baptism of sister Linda G. on Thursday we were excited to finally bring to a close the finding experience and at the same time embark on a new beginning for sister Linda's life that will continue to bless her through eternity. She has a wonderful personal story and journey. Sister Linda has been meeting with missionaries for 2 years being found the old fashion way, tracting. Though her journey has been challenging with many trials and tribulations, the Baptism Thursday night marked an important step in her personal quest for peace. The spirit was incredible!! She was introduced to a ton of members who have welcomed and love her with open arms. Y'all can imagine the happiness this has brought to the Whitewater ward. 

The members of the Whitewater ward have been so excited about the work since last Sunday's Leadership broadcast. Yesterday for the 3rd hour combined-meeting we talked about missionary work. Elder Perez and I talked about our purpose as missionaries, and not just as full-time missionaries. The Fayetteville stake is totally on board with missionary work especially after last month where the stake witnessed 16 wonderful souls here in the Zone enter the waters of baptism entering the gate to the path that points to eternal life; something that hasn't happened in this stake and mission in 3 years. Although it's not about the numbers; each number reflects an individual who we didn't miss and the goals in which we set is a reflection of the desires of our hearts! Yes, it so incredible to see the work moving forward!

Busy as always, but wanted to make sure you got an email to know that I love y'all! This work is true and will continue to move forward with or without us....so we might as well get on board..Hoorah for Israel!!  

Love Elder Gautavai