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