On the up and up!

Sergio's baptism in Lynn, MA

Happy birthday to a couple of my good friends from back home, Alison and Will - I would have sent you guys something but I don't have either of your current addresses. =/

Good news for Dale, the inactive man we've brought back into activity - he's coming to church every single week, he quit smoking after 40 years (with the help of the Stop Smoking Workshop we taught), AND he has a home teaching assignment now. We're really excited for him!

My companionship with Elder Langford is better than ever. We're really getting along well, and I'm so glad to have a friend in him. He's driving the car now, which We've had a lot of progress in the work recently, too. Ginnette and her son Roberto are doing SO well and have a lot of faith, which is inspiring to see. We also had dinner with a part-member family last night - both the mother (LDS) and the father (Evangelical) are firmly rooted in their faiths, and they're raising their kids in both faiths. None of the 5 kids are baptized. The father is very supportive of the Church and of us missionaries. It was really interesting to see how they've worked together in their marriage and as they raise their kids with both of them very active and very strong in their respective religions. There was an atmosphere of total respect and trust in that home, unlike any other part-member family I've ever seen. I wonder what's going to happen there.

Yesterday, we were able to attend the baptism of a 9-year-old boy named Sergio who we started teaching a couple months ago - we had to hand him off to the Spanish Elders though. His mother speaks mostly Spanish, and his dad (who's actually an inactive member) was hardly ever around when we were there. We knew that in order for Sergio to progress, he would need to have his family on board as well, and in order to get the family on board, we'd need to be able to communicate in Spanish. Plus, he lives in Lynn, and the Lynn Spanish Branch is closer to their home than the Revere Ward is. It was an all-around better fit...then lo and behold, they taught him and he was baptized yesterday! It was so great to be there, and to know that we helped to plant that seed in him. His parents were really happy to have us there as well. =]

I got to have an interview with Pres. Packard this week as well. I feel so good about everything right now! I've been having a hard time with some things recently, but his advice, encouragement, support, and prayers have really lifted me up. It was definitely a mission-defining experience for me. Pres. Packard is an incredible man, and I'm so grateful to have him as my mission president! I feel closer to our Savior than ever before, and I feel His hand working within me to change my life. I love being here, and I love what I'm doing! It's truly amazing to be a part of this great work.

Love,
Elder DeLong

Well, it's official.....

Boston temple trip Sept. 2012

Boston temple trip Sept. 2012

The Cambodian program of the Massachusetts Boston Mission has officially been closed. Actually, I'm not sure what it takes to "officially" close a language program...but we found out that the Church will no longer be sending Cambodian-speaking missionaries to this mission. Elder Cannon, the newest Cambodian Elder, was transferred to Cambodia and left a couple weeks ago. This means that Elder Langford will be the very last Cambodian Elder to ever serve here, making me the second-to-last, and his trainer. It's pretty crazy to think about. They'll keep us here in this mission, but no more will be called here. It's going to be interesting...by the end of this year, there will only be 3 of us left (add in my trainer, Elder Wayne). I'm not exactly sure what's going to happen to us...only time will tell.

The weather here has been cooling down, and it's absolutely beautiful! This is the kind of weather that I love the best - high 60s, low 70s. Summer's over, and it seemed to go by really REALLY fast! I'm getting scared for this winter...this last winter was very mild, and according to natives, this winter should be pretty intense. I'm trying not to think about it!

Ginnette and her son Roberto are our two newest progressing investigators! They're solid, and we're really excited to be working with them. Roberto is 12 and he really loves coming to church and going to Young Men's activities. He AND his mom accepted a baptismal invitation this week! Also, another one of our current investigators, Rob (not to be confused with Roberto) came to serve with us at the soup kitchen in Lynn this week! It's really cool to see how getting people to serve WITH us rather than just serving them helps them to learn more. As people serve alongside us, they are able to feel the Spirit testifying to them of their kind actions and good deeds in a unique way that they wouldn't be able to feel from anything else.

We've been doing a LOT of "detective work" for our Bishop these last 2 or 3 weeks, and it's going really well. We met with him this week and he was very impressed with our efforts. We've also been meeting with the presidents of the priesthood quorums and auxiliaries to see how we can help each of them in their missionary work and in their callings. The results from our push with the members of the ward here to do more missionary work and to have us over to teach these "Member Missionary Lessons" has been pretty incredible! I really love this ward, and Elder Langford and I are having a blast helping these members as they strive to share the gospel with others.

On Saturday, our ward had a temple trip for the youth and recent converts to do baptisms for the dead, and our zone leaders gave us permission to go. It was amazing! We had 7 recent converts there, 3 of which haven't even been members for a month yet! They all loved it, as did we. Elder Langford and I got to help out by doing confirmations. I really, really love the temple. Even though we didn't get to do an endowment session, we still felt the indescribable Spirit that is always present in the House of the Lord.

This last Friday, I hit my 9-month mark. I can't believe I've been a missionary for that long already! What's even more crazy is that if I was a sister missionary, I'd be halfway done now. Time is going by so quickly, much faster than I'd like. I hope to learn everything I'm supposed to learn and become who I need to be in the time I'm here. I love our Savior and I am so thankful to Him for the changes that He is making in me.

Godspeed, everyone!

Elder DeLong

Yes, this email is coming on a Tuesday...

The libraries were closed yesterday, and we aren't allowed to use members' computers...so we were given permission to write emails today. It'll be short, since I don't have much time, but I'm grateful that I get to have email time nonetheless!!! =D

Speaking of Labor Day, though, we had an AWESOME ward BBQ yesterday! We helped out a lot, and had a really great time! Elder Langford actually grilled all the burgers for everyone! He was right at home in front of that thing. He later got to toss a football around with a few guys, so he's a happy camper. =]

Since getting a gym membership with my apartment of missionaries a couple weeks ago, I feel like I've actually been getting good workouts in each morning! Along with that, my muscles have been really sore...but all is well! Hopefully I'll be able to make my fitness goals!

I saw a great quote on a billboard this week - "Sooner or later, we all quote our mother." It really made me smile. I thought of my own mother, and then I thought of the army of Helaman - "they did not doubt their mothers knew it." =]

Things are cooling down out here on the east coast...not chilly yet, but the heat is definitely less. The mornings and evenings are really nice now!

This last month, we had zone conference, visited Frank (a recent convert) in Bedford (a 45-minute drive), AND went to Lowell for the Water Festival...but somehow, we managed to stay under our allotted mileage for the month! Not sure how we did that...but I'd say that's an accomplishment. =D

I've been learning so much out here as I serve. I've said it before and I'll say it again - I wouldn't trade this for ANYTHING. I'm so thankful for this chance I have to learn and grow, to be an instrument in the hands of the Lord, and then to allow myself to be changed by those same hands. It's incredible to see the lives of others change, but it's just as incredible to feel the same changes taking place within yourself. There's a lot that I'm trying to work on, but with the Lord by my side, I know I'll succeed. I'm doing my best to be the righteous Melchizedek Priesthood holder, husband, father, and man that He needs me to be.

That probably wasn't all that interesting...more of a random compilation of thoughts and occurrences. Just know that all is well, and I love being a missionary!

Godspeed!

Elder Justin DeLong

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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has 3 new members! =D

Cool shirt I got from the Water Festival

Our district before transfers last week- I am standing right next to Elder Langford who is still my companion

Elder Hanberg is gone, serving in Nashua now. Elder Castellano is training now, and his new companion's name is Elder Croft. He's from Vancouver, WA - he's a really nice guy, and guess what? He has a sister with cerebral palsy, like my own sister. It's been cool to talk to him and share experiences. His sister's condition is different (and arguably better) than Keira's, but it's still CP nonetheless. It's really awesome to have someone who has been through a lot of the same things I have in that regard. Elder Croft also happens to be the oldest in his family, like me.

We had dinner with a woman named Dolly (nicknamed Lala) this week, who is not a member but loves the Church and really loves missionaries. She's a sweet elderly woman, and being in her home reminded me of my own grandmothers. She fed us very well, and we got to talk to her for a while. She considers herself a "dry Mormon" - a member in word, thought, and deed, just hasn't been baptized. She claims that she will join the Church when she decides to of her own accord, and that we won't convince her otherwise. She had missionaries living in the apartment that is the floor above her in her home for over 18 years, and 3 or 4 years ago the mission office changed the apartment, and last year changed it to the apartment where we are now. Lala is really a wonderful person, and I truly think she'll join the Church someday...if not in this life, then definitely in the next.

We had a couple from the Avalon Ward in the Citrus Heights stake visiting in our ward...that's my home stake!!! It was cool to meet them, even though I didn't recognize them at all. Also at church yesterday, Hans gave a GREAT talk, and last but certainly not least, Atong, Arnold, and Esther were confirmed members of the Church and received the Gift of the Holy Ghost. I'm so happy and excited for them! They also had interviews for temple recommends to go and do baptisms - our ward is having a temple trip in a couple Saturdays, so they'll be able to go to that! The best part? Our zone leaders have given us permission to go to the temple with them (along with all of our other recent converts)!!! I'm beyond thrilled. =]

I know it's short today, but it's only been a few days since I last wrote, since P-day was on Wednesday last week. No need to worry about me - I love this work, I love this area, I love this ward, I love these people, I love what I'm doing, I love who I'm becoming, and I love my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and my Father in Heaven, who leads and guides me each and every day.

Godspeed! =D

Elder Justin DeLong

Drumroll please....

All the Cambodian missionaries in the mission at Water Festival

Baptisms on August 19, 2012

me, Arnold, Esther, Elder Langford, Atong, and Bro. Mangelson

Well, I assume everyone wants to know about transfers first, so I'll hit on that topic right off the bat. Our district leader (him and his companion share our apartment), Elder Castellano, played a trick on me - he pretended like he was talking to the APs on the phone about me and my language-learning capabilities. When I walked in the room, he asked me how my Cambodian is doing, and then asked if I felt confident learning new languages. He then left the room and I later overheard him "talking on the phone" about Haitian-Creole. He totally had me fooled though, and for a whole week I was worried and stressed about leaving Revere and having to learn a new language. I was excited for the idea, and I had even told some people about it in preparation to leave. Elder Castellano waited until right before transfer texts came to tell me that he had been pulling my leg the whole time. He had me going for the whole week, thinking that I was getting transferred into the Creole program! Anyway, I'll be honest, I really was prepared and ready to get transferred this time. I had written down the addresses and phone numbers of all the members I wanted to keep in contact with, told people, had some people sign in my journal (sort of like a yearbook for missionaries!)...and then the transfer texts came - I'm staying here in Revere 2nd for another transfer, with Elder Langford! I was ready and willing to go wherever the Lord sent me, and He decided to keep me here for a little while longer. We've got some awesome investigators that we've started teaching, and Elder Langford and I have set some goals for what we're going to get done this transfer. I'm pretty stoked. =D

Elder Hanberg is getting transferred to one of the wards in Nashua, and Elder Castellano is staying here and will be training a new missionary!

Zone conference was this last week, which was pretty great! Pres. Packard has been helping us a ton as we strive to work more with the members and find the best way to do so. He gave some really awesome trainings on that, and he also talked about the Book of Mormon for a while - where it comes from, how all the different peoples and populations relate to each other in location and time, and how all the different plates fit together. It was really cool!

The Water Festival this last weekend was a great success - we had many contacts and referrals that came from it, and it was really great to be immersed in the Cambodian culture for a whole day! We had a really great time, and I feel privileged to be called as a representative of Christ and of the Church to these people. It was so fun - our booth had a huge sign with the name of the Church in Cambodian, and also two GIANT wooden books: the Bible and the Book of Mormon. It was pretty legit! I sent my mom some pictures, so hopefully one of those will make it up on the blog!

On Sunday, Esther, Arnold, and Atong were baptized! It was a wonderful service, and it was so special to see them making this sacred covenant with our Heavenly Father. They asked me to sing for it, and I did so. It went well, and I'm honored to have been asked to sing! I also personally baptized Arnold; Elder Langford baptized Esther, and one of my favorite members here, Bro. Mangelson, baptized Atong. I'm so happy and excited for them! Esther described it as like she had a heavy weight lifted from her back - she feels so light and free, and loves being a new person, with a new slate. When we talked to Arnold yesterday over the phone, he said that they are doing very well. I forget his exact quote, but it was something to the effect of "wonderfully amazing" or "amazingly wonderful" - that's so great to hear. We saw Atong yesterday, and she said she feels the same way as Esther does. It's life-changing for me to be able to be a part of these individuals' lives as they change! There's still more to teach them and a long way for them to go, and we get to be here for the beginning of that as well. =]

Much love and Godspeed!

Elder Justin DeLong

Water, water, everywhere

This upcoming weekend is the yearly Cambodian event known as the Water Festival! It's a huge cultural gathering of Cambodians from across the nation that takes place each August in Lowell, MA. Needless to say, all the Cambodian-speaking missionaries in the mission go and help out! I'm pretty stoked. We'll be heading up Friday afternoon/evening and spending all day Saturday at the Festival. We're going to help set up, take down, and do everything in between. Plus, we have our own booth to help spread the gospel! It's going to be awesome!

Also dealing with water - we have not one, not two, but THREE baptisms this Sunday!!! Esther, Arnold, and Atong are all getting baptized. We showed them the baptismal font yesterday after church, and they were getting all excited. I'm beyond thrilled. It's truly amazing to see people's lives change as they come unto Christ. I've said it many times and I'll say it again - being a missionary is the BEST!

We had a total of 29 lessons this week - 16 to investigators, 13 to members. That's the most I've ever had in one week on my mission! This week will be pretty high as well. We're just so busy...I count myself extremely blessed to be here. Serving here is such an honor. Not only that, but the ward is fantastic - I will forever love the Revere 2nd ward. I'm scared, because we'll find out about transfers this Saturday. I've been serving here for 6 months, and I really don't want to leave!!! I know the Lord has a plan, though, and I'll go where He wants me to go with a willing heart. We got a new Cambodian-speaking elder this last week, which none of us expected, but he's going to be trained in Lowell...that shook a few things up, so maybe I'll be staying here for another transfer. I certainly hope so!

We've been doing some detective work for our Bishop during our few moments of free time between appointments. It's fun to track down inactive members or members that have recently moved into the ward and haven't shown up to church after several months. I feel like a special agent of some sort - we stop at nothing to find out if these people are still living there!

We've taken on another weekly service project - we now serve at a soup kitchen in Lynn for the homeless. It was a great experience the first time we went this last week.

There's this guy named Rob who showed up at church yesterday - we've taught him once, and it was a totally random, unexpected lesson. We were waiting for Sergio, another investigator, and his mom to get home (he's 9 years old, and they were late for a lesson), and this 19- or 20-year-old guy named Rob walks by. We stopped him and talked to him a bit, and invited him to the lesson. He agreed! We watched The Restoration movie with him and Sergio, but the funny thing is, Sergio fell asleep and didn't remember much afterwards, but Rob loved it. I firmly believe that lesson was for Rob, not Sergio! Talk about being in the right place at the right time. We invited Rob to church, and he came! We also taught a couple of new investigators named Theresa and Howard - they're married, and they're about as ready for the gospel as anyone I've seen! They're excited, and they want to learn more and come closer to God. Good thing that that's our job!!!

Elder Castellano and Elder Hanberg have an investigator who's currently in jail. Elder Castellano was uncomfortable going to visit him, so we did an exchange and I went with Elder Hanberg to see the guy. It was an experience I'll never forget. I am so thankful for the gospel and for my Savior - He keeps me out of trouble and out of places like that! It was more sad and depressing than anything else, though. There was this one little girl, probably about 4 or 5 years old, who was visiting her father with her mom. She put her hand on the plexiglass window as she talked to him through the phone, and her father put his hand where hers was on the opposite side. I teared up as I realized that that's all she knows of her father. That's not how it should be, and that's not what I want to have happen in my family. Not that I was about to go and do something to put myself in prison, but all the same, it was a powerful moment.

We had an amazing lesson/conversation with Ed last night - it was a very special and emotional experience for me. Only the changes that Christ has been making in me can explain the amount of love I feel for this man and his family. Once you see someone the way our Heavenly Father sees them, you'll do anything to help them realize and achieve their eternal potential. It's truly an honor to be a servant of our Lord in this great work - Ammon in Alma 26 does a great job of describing how I feel right about now.

Godspeed!

Elder Justin DeLong

Count Your Many Blessings

We FINALLY got our car back this last Friday. What a sweet relief that was. I realized just how spoiled we are in comparison to other missionaries in other areas of the mission and other areas of the world. Riding a bike will humble you, it seems. We did rack up a nice amount of miles on bike, though. Oh, and this last Wednesday, we had a torrential downpour of rain, and guess who got stuck in it because they had no other choice? We did. That was really a great experience - once I got over the fact that I was soaked and sort of muddy, I had a fun time. Our dinner appointment was shocked when we showed up sopping wet, and made us put on other clothes while they put our waterlogged clothes in the dryer for a while. This is going to be a great story for my grandkids! Also, you get made fun of and ridiculed more often when you're on bikes than when you're walking. I love it though, because it means that they know who we are, and I rejoice to be counted worthy to suffer shame for the sake of Christ (see Acts 5:41). Being a missionary is the greatest thing that's ever happened to me!

We have 3 progressing investigators with baptismal dates for this month, and all 3 of them are opening up to us more and more. Trust is very important for us as missionaries, and it feels amazing when your investigators ask you for help in their personal lives and problems.

You know what else is an amazing feeling? Being led by the Spirit without even realizing it. Honestly, it happens so much more often than we realize, but I am honored and humbled during the times I do recognize it. We had one such event on Thursday, in where so many circumstances lined up perfectly to meet this one guy on the subway, who needed some questions answered. He lives out of our area, so we gave him the address and time for the ward he would have gone to. Hopefully he went or will go this next Sunday; either way though, it was an awesome experience when everything clicked together in my head to show how we had been led to that one specific moment.

Member missionary work here in the Revere 2nd ward continues to progress! Our bishop has now started giving us assignments of things to get done, people to find, etc. and it's a huge blessing to be gaining his trust as well. We're now on an ongoing expedition during whatever free time we have to find several of these recently-moved-in, less-active members!

Today I decided to be more fully committed to my morning workout schedule that Elder Langford and I put together. He says that in order to gain the muscle I want, then I need to be pushing myself to my limit each and every day. I did that this morning, and despite the soreness afterwards, I felt really really good about myself. I feel like I'll finally be able to make some progress here - that goes for every aspect of life and of this work, I think. A greater resolve leads to more things accomplished!

Yesterday, Darline bore her testimony in sacrament meeting. She and her son are my first recent converts for whom I've been privileged to be a part of the process from the beginning - from finding to baptism, and beyond! Hearing her testify of things she knows to be true brought tears to my eyes, because they're things I know to be true, and I had the honor of helping her come to know those things as well. It was an emotional moment for me. THAT'S what this work is all about: bringing others unto Christ. It's amazing to be part of this great work, to see lives change, and to feel of the love that our Heavenly Father has for each of His children. My own love for these people who I've taught continues to grow. I feel so indescribably and undeniably blessed.

Love,
Elder Justin DeLong