Happy New Year!

My first white Christmas

Elder Butters and me on Christmas morning

 

 

It's so nice to feel love not only from my family back home, but also from the members here. They know that we're away from home and they have reached out to make us feel loved, especially during this holiday season. What a blessing this has been!

Christmas Day was certainly eventful. We were able to call home of course, and what a great experience that was. I don't think I ever truly realized how much I love my family until I came on this mission. I've gained a greater appreciation for them and a resolve to always strengthen the eternal ties we have to each other.

The four of us Elders here in Lowell were invited to three different homes for large meals that day - one for a big breakfast at 10:00 AM, another for dinner at 3:00 PM, and ANOTHER for dinner at 6:00 PM. We ate so much food...I don't know if I've ever felt so stuffed in my life. We walked around downtown Lowell between the dinners and caroled to try and spread some Christmas cheer (and burn some calories).

Our mission is putting together a musical fireside, and I've been asked to be part of it! The planning and rehearsing is officially underway, with our first performance on the 27th of January. This is going to be such a great opportunity for us to bear our testimonies through music and to help others feel the Spirit. I'm so grateful to be included in this project.

I had the wonderful privilege yesterday to sit in and translate for an elderly Cambodian member's tithing settlement interview. (For those of you former Elders who served here, it was Om Yoeuth!) It was an honor to be able to use the gift that God has given me to bless her life and to help out in such a special way. I was definitely humbled by that experience - the Lord is always finding new ways to ensure I'm "sufficiently humble" (Alma 5).

It's strange to think that today is the last day of the year. I've been a missionary during the entire year of 2012, and it's odd to know that I won't be a missionary for all of 2013; most of it, but not all. This has made me ponder and reflect over the past 13 months of my life and the service I've rendered. Of course, I've also been thinking about some New Year's resolutions, and I've resolved to give my all to the Lord every moment of every day. Sometimes I get so caught up in becoming the husband and father I need to be (especially with all these great talks from October's General Conference), and I focus too much on making the changes I need to make in my life. I just need to realize that as I serve my Savior with all my heart, might, mind, and strength, He will transform me into the man He wants me to be.

While reading Moroni 8 yesterday with Elder Butters in companionship study, verse 16 really stuck out to me:

"Behold, I speak with boldness, having authority from God; and I fear not what man can do; for perfect love casteth out all fear."

It's difficult to avoid discouragement, but I am a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, and if He be for me, who can be against me? No regrets, no fears - only His love shining through me to others as I serve Him.

Happy New Year!!!

Love,

Elder DeLong

Merry Christmas!

 

 

Christmas tree that is actually a smokestack on top of a building with lights

 

Well, we're all still here. I guess the world didn't end, after all. =P

Things were a lot better this week - our numbers in a few categories are the highest they've been since I've been serving in Lowell. Elder Butters and I are both really excited about that, and we're happy to report that the Lord is blessing us to turn this area around; slowly, but surely.

I think part of our beginnings of success has been our improved planning. This last week, our weekly planning session was MUCH more effective than any planning session I've had in my mission thus far. Not only were we able to figure out what would be best to teach the individuals and families we're working with, but we were able to truly determine what will help bring them closer unto Christ. We were more open to revelation and inspiration from our Heavenly Father through the Spirit, and after all, He's the one that knows them (and their needs) the best.
We have a very small handful of investigators who would be attending the Lowell ward but don't have much, if any, real intent to change their lives. Elder Butters and I have decided (after counseling with Elder Maldonado, our district leader) that we should shift our focus to the Heritage Park YSA ward. Our efforts there are going well, and while no "harvesting" has yet occured, we feel that we're on the verge of something incredible.
I truly feel like the Lord has been humbling me these past few weeks. Serving in Lowell has been a trial of my faith, and I realized that I was not "sufficiently humble" for the Lord to work through me. I then asked Him to help in humbling me, and He definitely delivered. Through this I have come to trust Him in an even deeper manner than before, and I've also developed a greater determination to work hard and give Him my all each and every moment as I serve Him.

On a side note, I had REAL maple syrup for the first time this week. That "Aunt Jemima" and "Mrs. Buttersworth" stuff is all fake! I had no idea what I've been missing out on my whole life. I feel like I've been cheated. I've since gotten over it and have come to appreciate the enlightenment. =]

We had a great experience the other night at Chili's - one of the members gave us gift cards for a Christmas present to feed us on one of the nights when we didn't have dinner on the calendar. So the four of us went, and naturally, four young men in suits and nametags is going to raise questions. We had a few really great conversations with our waiter. Needless to say, we left him a mormon.org card with his tip. =D

I don't think it hit me until yesterday that Christmas is coming so soon. Elder Butters and I sang in BOTH ward choirs as part of the Christmas programs in their sacrament meetings, and that was really great. For the Heritage Park ward, in addition to being in the choir, I sang a duet of "O Holy Night" with the sister who was coordinating the program, and got a lot of compliments. I'm so glad that by me bearing my testimony through music and using the talents God has given me, I can bless the lives of others. Both programs turned out well, and the Spirit was so strong yesterday during both blocks of meetings. I'm so grateful for this beautiful season and wonderful time of the year, and I'm even more grateful to be serving Him of whose birth we celebrate.
Merry Christmas!!!
With love,
Elder DeLong

The 2 CPs: Christmas Parties and Choir Practices

Picture before end of transfer

 

This past week wasn't a very good week for teaching. We haven't had much luck in that department recently, but we're doing the Lord's work and we're loving it! Things are also pretty busy this holiday season, and I'm sure it's the same for each of you. The Lowell ward had their Christmas party this last weekend, and we actually had 2 investigators come to that, which was great! Neither of them came to church the next day...but that's alright. One step at a time, right?

Last night, we were at a member's home for dinner, and the father of the family was quizzing us on all these obscure doctrinal questions and early Church history stories. His kids knew the answers, but they were things that I didn't know. He was very surprised that we didn't know these things, and quite honestly, I felt pretty unintelligent. He said his intent wasn't to embarrass us, but that's definitely what I felt like. Our lesson with them after dinner went very well, so hopefully this brother bases my worth as a missionary from that and not from my lack of knowledge pertaining to things I've never heard of before. Even if he doesn't, I know that I'm of worth to my Father in Heaven, and it doesn't matter what any person thinks of me as long as I'm doing what He would have me do. I don't need to know about seer stones or what's been written on the sword of Laban or what's in the sealed portion of the Book of Mormon to be an effective missionary, or even to receive eternal life and exaltation. It was interesting to hear about, but it's also not something I should be concerned about. I just haven't ever had the chance to learn or study any of that information.

We're singing in both the Lowell ward choir and the Heritage Park ward choir, and that's been fun. It's given me a great opportunity to both sing and play the piano, for which I am thankful. One of my favorite parts about the Christmas season is the music, but I'm sure any one of you could have guessed that on your own.

We had our mission Christmas party this last week as well! We went to the temple, had a powerful and inspiring devotional, and then had much joy and merriment afterwards. Each zone performed a skit, and also a musical number. We also watched the 2012 Massachusetts Boston Mission DVD (a 30-minute slideshow of pictures from the year set to music), which was awesome, and generally enjoyed each others' company. I had a really great time, and at the end of the day, I felt so GOOD about everything; spiritually refreshed, happy, and filled with a love of God, my fellow missionaries, and the people I'm serving here in New England.

Transfer texts also came this weekend - Elder Butters and I will be together for another transfer! This will take us to the beginning of February, I believe. We're happy and excited, and loving every day as servants of the Lord!

Merry Christmas!!!

Love,
Elder Justin DeLong

As we teach, we learn

I realized today that this is my last Christmas on my mission...which is a weird thought. Speaking of which, this last Friday, I hit one year of serving as a missionary. It's a strange thing to consider, but I'm loving being here and serving. I want it to last as long as possible - I have a year left, and I plan to magnify my calling as long as I'm privileged to wear this name tag.

Tomorrow, we'll be going to the temple, and then gathering as a mission (well, half of the mission) for our Christmas party. Each zone made a video, and we'll be watching those, performing musical numbers (I'm playing piano for a couple of Elders from our zone who are singing), and enjoying each others' company. It should be an awesome day!

This last Tuesday, we went on exchanges with our zone leaders, Elder Winegar and Elder McQueen. Elder Winegar came here to Lowell to serve with me for the day and Elder Butters went up to their area in Nashua, NH. Elder Winegar and I planned out and organized the "rescue effort" for the YSAs of the stake. We cover the YSA ward in the stake, the Heritage Park ward, as well as the Lowell ward, and so we'll be heading out this effort. I'm really excited - ever since I got here, I've felt the prompting to do something to help this ward, but I haven't known what to do. Now, we have a plan of action, and I feel like we'll finally be able to accomplish something!

If you haven't had a chance to check out the new youth material on lds.org, do so! It's fantastic. The new theme song and video are great, and even more so, the new curriculum is going to do amazing things to help the youth of the Church prepare to serve missions. What an exciting time to be living in! I'm so glad to be serving a mission right now.

I had an interesting experience with my prayers this week. I've felt like I've needed to improve them for a while, and I haven't really known what to do. One night during this last week, I had what I felt like was a "real" prayer - it was from the deepest part of my soul, and I didn't have to struggle with what to say. I didn't have "vain repetitions" and I felt like I was able to truly commune with my Heavenly Father. It was such a wonderful feeling, and I want to have prayers like that every day. This morning, I studied Preach My Gospel and the scriptures, and found ways to keep my prayers on that higher plane of communication with God. It's been an enlightening experience for me, for sure.

I also learned a lot about charity recently - the best way to learn is to teach, and that's what we did. The Sunday School teacher for the Heritage Park ward was unable to make it to church yesterday, and we found out early Sunday morning. She asked us to teach her lesson that day from the Gospel Principles manual on charity. We were happy to take over the class and fill in, but it became a more special experience for me than I had anticipated. We've been struggling in the work, and I've been down about it the past couple of days. However, we went in to teach Sunday School, and a quote from Pres. Monson really stuck out to me: “Let us ask ourselves the questions: ‘Have I done any good in the world today? Have I helped anyone in need?’ What a formula for happiness! What a prescription for contentment, for inner peace." That's my problem - I've been too focused on myself and my needs and desires, when I should be focusing on serving others and having that true, Christlike love. I was also reminded of Pres. Hinckley's father, who told him to "forget [himself] and go to work." So, that's my plan. To my surprise, that small attitude adjustment cheered me up before I expected it. I know that helping others and developing charity is the way to true happiness in this life and in this great work. May we each have an "attitude of gratitude" an a focus on the needs of others this holiday season.

Merry Christmas!

Love,
Elder Justin DeLong

"It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...."

The first day of December also brought us the first "real" snow of the winter here in Lowell! It "stuck" as they say, but it's mostly melted by now. There's another Elder here from Gilbert, Arizona - he's never seen snow until this last Saturday. He's been having a hard time coming to terms with the fact that the half-inch we got was hardly anything. I'm glad I got a bit of cold weather experience at NAU before this!

We got a couple of new investigators this week - one was a referral of a YSA from the Portuguese Elders, and the other was this lady named Bernadette who we found about a month ago. We were finally able to sit down with her and talk about the Restoration this last week, and she seemed really excited. We'll see where that goes! There's a lot of potential in this area, and I'm determined to work hard and make it happen. Also, Sam (one of our investigators) came to church this week for the first time! He and his son Peter loved it and said they'd come again next week. I'm really happy for them, but it's also kind of a bummer - he's moving back to Cambodia in January. Turns out he's running for congressman for one of the provinces there. It's awesome for him and I hope he does well, but he probably won't be baptized here. No worries, I've already informed Elder Ang to keep an eye out for him! Sam does want to keep learning though, and so we're going to get him in touch with the missionaries over there.

We had a "Return and Report" meeting with all the trainers and new missionaries this last week as well, which was really great. We talked about what's working, what's not working, and how things are going in general. We also received training on better ways to plan and help people progress in the gospel. I love hearing from Pres. Packard - he's an incredible man and I'm so thankful to have him as my mission president. He has truly inspired me to be the best I can be.

Yesterday, we were at the church for 10 and a half hours: ward council for the Lowell ward, the Lowell ward meetings, choir practice for the Lowell ward Christmas program, Heritage Park ward meetings, and a potluck "Break the Fast" dinner for the Heritage Park ward. It was crazy!

The First Presidency Christmas Devotional was wonderful last night. I love hearing from our modern-day prophets, seers, and revelators. I really like Pres. Uchtdorf's message on receiving graciously and with gratitude and enthusiasm, and of course, the music from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square was beautiful (especially that version of "What Child is This?" - I loved that). If you weren't able to watch it, go to LDS.org and be sure to do so!

Not a whole lot to say this week, except that I love being out here and I love what I'm doing! Merry Christmas!

Love,

Elder Justin DeLong

Happy Thanksgiving!

My apartment is on the middle floor just to the left of the green awning.

 



Did you know I have a twin in the Boston area?

 



I hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving, and that things are going well with each of you in the beginning of this holiday season. This is such a great time of year, and I'm excited to be part of the Lord's work as Christmas fast approaches! It's strange to think that I've been a missionary for almost a year - I want to be sure to give my all for this next year as I serve!

We had a nice Thanksgiving dinner with a family in the Lowell ward - they invited 2 or 3 other couples to join us as well. Quote from Elder Butters: "Tight like unto a dish...with turkey and mashed potatoes on it!" I thought that was hilarious (brother of Jared reference). =D

That morning, we volunteered at a local Presbyterian church that was making a meal for the homeless/poor people of Lowell who couldn't afford Thanksgiving this year. It was a great opportunity to help out in the community, even though it was for another faith. I'm sure that our Heavenly Father recognizes and appreciates their service and sacrifices just as much as ours.

We got our car back (and got new hubcaps for it!) this last Tuesday. What a luxury it is to have a car in the mission field. I'll never take that thing for granted ever again.

This week, the office elders came to our apartment, took the extra bed and chairs that we had, and gave us a dresser and some weights! Some other elders in our area gave us their bench-press thing...I'm not sure what to call it. I'm just so glad to have the exercise equipment in our apartment! I've been missing it. Elder Langford really got me into working out, and I'm glad that I now have the materials again to do so. Hopefully I'll get in better shape and loose some of this extra weight I've gained since being on my mission.

Danny (our ward mission leader for the Heritage Park ward) took us out to lunch at Outback Steakhouse on Saturday, and then spent the afternoon with us trying to visit some of the members of the singles' ward. No success, but we're grateful for his time, effort, support, and money (for lunch)! He's a great guy and a fantastic ward mission leader. As I mentioned last week, we're focusing more on the Heritage Park ward now, and I'm excited for the potential there. I gave a talk in sacrament meeting yesterday, which went well, and I think it helped. We're going to be talking to more of the members and going to the activities, including the upcoming ward variety show, designed to be more fun-based than talent-based...needless to say, I'll be performing something to make people laugh! No worries Mom, I'll be sure that Elder Butters records it. =]

Not a whole lot to say this week. It's tough to battle discouragement when you're struggling in the work, but I love being a missionary no matter what's happening. We're working hard, getting along well, and having a blast. This past week has been tough, trying to find new people to teach, but the Lord is blessing us and opening doors for us in unexpected places. I'm thrilled to be here and I'm looking forward to the many miracles I have yet to see.

With love,
Elder Justin DeLong

The Legend of the First English-Speaking Elder to Serve in the Lowell Ward

Elder Butters, my new companion

The "greenie" cake

Okay, the title is a little more "epic sounding" than this email actually is, BUT things are going really well with my "greenie" here in Lowell. His name is Elder Dallin Butters, from Bountiful, UT - he's 6'5" (a whole half a foot taller than me!) and he's a really great guy. Easy-going, chill, hard working, and happy. We're getting along really well, and I'm excited to have him as my "son!" Aside from my deeply personal prayers, I don't think I've ever prayed so earnestly in my life as I have preparing for my new missionary to get here. I want to give my all and be the best companion and trainer I can be for him, while learning all that he has to offer and teach me as well. I so badly want him to be successful, almost as if he really is my own son. Training is a really special experience, and I'm grateful for the call to do so.

I baked a cake for Elder Butters the night before he got here, and dyed the batter green! I frosted it with choclate frosting, and surprised him after we had lunch on his first day. When he cut into it and got his piece out (the first piece, of course), he freaked out that it was green. Get it? He's a "greenie"...haha! I thought I was being terribly clever. It's crazy how I've only been with him for a few days and I already love the guy as a brother. I guess that sort of thing happens when you're serving the Lord and laboring with someone to serve other people. Powerful friendships are forged in the mission field, and I've made many friends with other missionaries here so far.

It's been a bit of an odd start to Elder Butters' mission, since we had to take the car down to the auto body shop that the mission uses in Natick (about an hour's drive or so from here). There's a dent from an unknown source in the front right side of the car (remember the story from about 3 weeks ago?), which is now getting fixed. It didn't impair the functioning of the car, but I guess the Church likes to keep its vehicles in good condition since they're constantly selling the "old" ones (I think the oldest car in the mission is either a 2009 or a 2010 model) and purchasing new ones. Despite not having a car, we've been working hard and having a good time. I took Elder Butters out tracting on Saturday afternoon - he did a pretty great job! We got a couple of potential investigators, including someone who let us in to start teaching him right then and there, so that was cool.

The work is always progressing, even if it's at a slower rate than other areas. One of our investigators' father passed away about a month ago, and she had the funeral and post-service luncheon this weekend. She had the funeral at her current church, and the luncheon at our church building, so we helped set up and clean up for that. Another one of our investigators committed to baptism - Elder Butters extended the invitation, of course, and did a much better job in the lesson than he gives himself credit for. In reality, we as the missionaries are merely the conduits for the teaching of the doctrine, but the real learning and testifying comes through the Spirit. It's such a privilege to be serving the Lord as instruments in His hands to bring to pass His will for this area.

All of that being said, I'm now the only Cambodian Elder here - translation of sacrament meeting each week falls to me, and only me. It's been a great opportunity for my language skills to grow, though, and it's actually getting to be kind of fun!

I had this feeling yesterday that we should be focusing more on the Heritage Park Ward (the singles' ward that we cover in addition to the Lowell Ward). I'm not sure how exactly we'd go about finding investigators specifically for the HP ward, but we're going to give it our best shot. The only thing that immediately occurs to my mind is to go and visit each member of the ward, but they live all over the stake, some as far as 2 hours from here, and we simply don't have the miles to accomplish that. Despite potential difficulties in this work, we're going to press forward, because I feel the Spirit urging us to do so. We have a fantastic ward mission leader who was just called a couple weeks ago, and he's been doing a fantastic job in his calling already. We're working closely with him to come up with ways to help build and strengthen the ward.

Soon, I'll be hitting the mark of one full year of missionary service. It's hard to believe that I've been a missionary for that long already; it seems like it's gone by so quickly. Knowing that, I'm sure my second year will pass all too quickly as well, which breaks my heart to think about. It also makes me want to get off of this computer and get out there and work even harder. I pray that the Lord will bless us as we seek those whom He has prepared to receive His gospel, and that we may be able to fulfill our purpose here in this area.

With much love,
Elder Justin DeLong