Week 29 Hays

Olá Y'all!

This week was a pretty great week! The sisters had a surprise baptism this week that we got to help with! That was super awesome! And the spirit was super strong! That was definitely one of the best experiences of my mission to this point. 

It was also Christmas! Which was super fun! We got to open presents this year! Yay! I got some shirts, a pair of shoes, and some ties! And some dude wipes! That one is a treasure! 

And thank you all for your letters and emails for my Christmas Zone Conference. I am sorry if it takes me a minute to reply to them all, but I am working on it. So thank you! 

This week I was reading in Roman's 8:35-39, which says

      "35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."  

I love that scripture so much, nothing on Earth can separate us from the love of God. His love is eternal and reaches every person, no matter what they have done! 

I am unfortunately out of time, so it is time for pictures! Yay!

1. The entrance of a bunker that a member of our congregation lives in. This was unfortunately as far as we could go. But we had fun filling a 15'x5'x6' hole! 

 

 

2. My comp from Idaho tends to have only potatoes for whole meals.

 

 

 

 3-4. The pop up baptism we got to help with! 

 

5-6 Belnap and I rockin the Christmas jammies 

 

 

7. Playing volleyball in my Buccee's uniform. Thank you Schenky for the socks! 

 

 

8. Things get pretty heated sometimes 

This is all for now! Feel free to email me if you would like or if you have any questions! Hope y'all have a great week! 

Com muito amor, 

Elder Sant 

Acreditar. Amar. Fazer.

Mission Email

 

Dear Parents,

 

Christmas was wonderful in Kansas. The missionaries gathered on Christmas day and enjoyed good food and friendship. December has been a busy month and the people in Kansas, Colorado, and Oklahoma have been served, prayed for, caroled to, given hundreds of cookies, and many have been baptized.

 

2020 for all of us here in the mission field and for you at home has been a unique experience. Those original missionaries who stayed here in Kansas during the early months of Covid remember the days of hardship and confusion. Days and weeks of trying to figure out how missionary work could possibly go on in these circumstances.

 

Then there were those missionaries who were sent home from all over the world. There surely must have been hard questions and frustrating days. Then there was lots of waiting.

 

During those months we would never have thought that we would all be together here in Kansas and looking at such a bright present and future. Sure, there are challenges in the work. There have always been challenges in the work. But the successes and miracles far outweigh the challenges, and with those challenges we are learning, growing, and seeing the hand of God in the gathering of Israel.

 

So, we invite you to join us in looking forward to 2021 and what it will bring as the work accelerates and we continue to prepare the world for the second coming of our Savior.

 

One such evidence that the missionaries are adjusting to current circumstances is a change in the communication policy from the Missionary Department. When Covid began missionaries were allowed to call home on Friday in the hope that additional conversations and encouragement from home would help them get through the isolation and frustration of Covid. It was a blessing to many. That policy has been updated. Here is an email we received from the Missionary Department.

 

Dear Parents,

 

Missionaries are blessed to have weekly communication with you through letters, emails, text messages, online messaging, phone calls, and video chat. With love and gratitude for your flexibility, we are now reemphasizing the standard of weekly communication found in Missionary Standards for Disciples of Jesus Christ. As noted in the handbook, your missionary should initiate all text message conversations, online messaging, phone calls, and video chats on his or her preparation day. Should you need to contact your missionary first, however, please contact the mission president beforehand. We are deeply thankful for you and the wonderful support you give your missionary.

 

We shared this return to p-day only calls with the missionaries last Saturday. Please help them follow the policy with exactness and joy. We encourage you to speak positively of the change and help your missionary see the blessings and benefits of focusing our calls on p-days.

 

In addition, there has been a change in the policy of missionaries teaching families and friends. They are currently allowed to teach only immediate family including grandparents in weekly video lessons. If they have others outside of immediate family that they want to teach, that must be cleared by President Ernst.

 

Thank you for your support in these adjustments. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.

 

This week we say goodbye to Sister Camryn Adams, Sister Kellie Fitzpatrick, Sister Brieann Ingles, Elder Jack Holmes, Elder Jacob Peterson, Elder Benjamin Williams, and Elder Jackson Hill.

 

We are grateful for the consecrated service of these wonderful missionaries.

 

Happy New Year,

Sister Ernst

316-308-7245

Week 28 Hays

Olá Y'all!

This week was a wild week! It flew by so fast! It seemed like a regular week, but then at the end of the week we got a lesson out of the blue with someone who hadn't talked to us for almost a month and we felt we needed to bring up Mosiah 18, which talks a lot about baptism! And he said he wanted to enter the fokd of God through baptism, so we set a goal of being prepared by the 15th of January, so keep Neil in your prayers! 

We took some long road trips to the very edges of our mission! We visited a town of less than 100 people this week! It was so small and everyone watched us from their porch as we drove into town! It was pretty great. 

We also had a funny and pretty embarrassing thing happen this week. A member(named ray) asked us to give him a priesthood blessing(if you have any questions about what this is just email me). And when we knocked we said we wanted to give Ray a blessing. They let us walk in and we noticed Ray was not the guy on the couch. And well long story short we almost gave a blessing to this nonmember who was probably super confused as to what these two young men were doing in his house and what the metal thing was in his hand. but we found the right member next door and we were able to help him out. We brought over some cookies later, so it's all good now! But why did they let us in their house if they did not know a ray! I am still confused but I'll leave it at that! 

And I encourage you all to read the story of Christ birth found in Luke this week! It is truly inspiring!  And please read Mosiah 18! It teaches about the gospel of Jesus Christ so well! 

I am unfortunately out of time, so it is time for pictures! Yay! 

1. A cool Catholic church we visited this week! 

 

2. Some of our district with a nativity! 

 

3. Some cool Christmas decorations 

 

4. The nativity from number 2

 

5. More christmas decorations 

 

6. A member in our ward made me a nice scoody and big blanket! Poor boy from lousiana is freezing here in Kansas! 

 

7. A nice photobombing! This was just outside of the town of 100 people! It was great! 

This is all for now! Feel free to email me if you would like or if you have any questions! Hope y'all have a great week! 

Com muito amor, 

Elder Sant 

Acreditar. Amar. Fazer.

Mission Email

 

Dear Parents,

 

We had a wonderful week with the Topeka Zone. They have powerful testimonies of Jesus Christ, His prophets, His Church, and His love and Atoning sacrifice for each of us.

We also learned that Elder Miles can jump and do the splits…in a suit!

 

Our last Conference is tomorrow with the Garden City Zone. Once this is completed, I’ll post zone photos on the KWM Family and Friends group page.

 

It’s been quite a month as the missionaries have been sharing “The Christ Child” video with as many people as they can. It is powerful and touches so many hearts.

 

They continue to serve. We got a photo the other day of the Elders in Wellington who were the Salvation Army bellringers! Many of the missionaries in the Wichita and Derby areas are serving with the HumanKind Ministries. Currently they have their Operation Holiday outreach which our missionaries are heavily involved in. They serve whenever and wherever they are needed.

Sister Missy from the Catholic church in Concordia wrote a note saying, “the young missionaries are so appreciated here”.

They are following the Savior’s example by going about doing good.

 

On Christmas day the missionaries will be able to gather as a District, similar to what they did on Thanksgiving. We also want them to take the opportunity to reach out to people who will be alone on Christmas. Naturally they are excited to share time with you.

 

Here are this week’s blitz videos. Thank you again for joining us in our Facebook efforts.

 

Lamar Colorado missionaries: “Christ’s Birth Told by Children” (This is really a great video)

https://www.facebook.com/103074604848556/posts/185281913294491/

 

Elder Walbom and Elder Zachary Peterson: “Escucha su Voz”

https://www.facebook.com/110435487291155/posts/196482012019835/

 

President Ernst and I are so grateful for the privilege of serving with your missionary.

Their willingness to leave everything for 18 months or 2 years so everyone else can have everything for eternity is remarkable and inspiring. We love them.

Thank you for your sacrifice and support for them.

 

Merry Christmas!!

Sister Ernst

Week 27 Hays

 

Olá Y'all!

This week was filled with ups and downs as most weeks are! We knocked again on that creepy house I mentioned a few weeks ago with some cookies! And a guy answered and he is awesome! He has been prepared and he was actually mailed a book of Mormon a week ago by some guy! And so many other experiences that have prepared him so well for our message! He said that he feels God put us in his live for a reason, and I completely agree with that! 

This week was also zone Conference! It was such a great week with that! The whole thing was focused on the savior. There was not a single comment that was not focused on Him at ZC! And it was one of the most powerful meetings I have been in! It was wonderful! 

And for all of those wanting to see our music video, it will be on the Church of Jesus Christ in Manhattan facebook page. It should be posted soon! So stay tuned on that page! If I get the video before it goes up I will send it in my email! 

A scripture that I really enjoyed this week was Mormoni 7:3, which says "Wherefore, I would speak unto you that are of the church, that are the peaceable followers of Christ, and that have obtained a sufficient hope by which ye can enter into the rest of the Lord, from this time henceforth until ye shall rest with him in heaven." I know that when we follow Christ in peace that we will be blessed! We will be blessed with comfort and rest! We can feel his peace and love now, here on the earth and then for an eternity after this life! 

I am unfortunately out of time, so it is time for pictures! Yay! 

1. Us at a service project we did earlier this week! 

 

2. The district in a downtown alley at the service project!

 

3. One of the biggest houses I have ever seen! It keeps going on either end of the picture

 

4. Another sneak peek of the music video! 

 

 

5. For those who dont know, this is tiwi. She is in our car and tells when we are driving aggressively and when we need to slow down. And she gives us and our leaders a report on how we drive. However, this is tiwi during an update. She is essentially turned off for 5-10 minutes and it is quite nice! It is often referred to as Celestial tiwi! 

 

 

6. A video, elder Belnap dunking! Look at those hops! 

This is all for now! Feel free to email me if you would like or if you have any questions! Hope y'all have a great week! 

Com muito amor, 

Elder Sant 

Acreditar. Amar. Fazer.

Mission Email

 

Dear Parents,

 

We spent a wonderful week with the Salina Zone.

As part of our Zone Conference, we have an ugly sweater contest. I’ve never seen so many Elders wearing a Christmas turtleneck and quilted Christmas vest. I’m pretty sure that they didn’t buy them from the men’s section at the local thrift store!

 

We will be with the Topeka Zone this week.

 

Our devotional speakers last Saturday were Brother and Sister Swinton. She is the author of President Monson’s biography. She shared some incredible stories from the life of President Monson as they both taught the missionaries about receiving revelation.

 

The missionaries have shared The Christ Child video with 2250 people. They have given 7042 hours of service since November 1^st.

 

We’ve had snow. Some Elders posted on their local Facebook page to shovel snow. In 30 minutes, they had to turn off the ad because they had 61 people who asked for help.

 

We had some Sisters who had ward members donate the items they needed to be able to wrap Christmas presents. They were allowed to set up a table at the local grocery store and they offered free gift wrapping.

 

These acts of service allow missionaries to be able to talk with people, let them know who they are, and what they do.

 

Thank you again for your Christmas in Kansas letters. Please send all letters, cards, and Christmas packages directly to your missionary’s apartment. Verify their address today inasmuch as a few transfers have taken place this past weekend.

 

We want to thank the Wellington Elders for this week’s blitz video. Please watch it – it’s delightful and share it with all your friends on Facebook.

 

https://www.facebook.com/ChurchofJesusChristinWichita/videos/202288014726435/

 

We currently have no covid cases. Our teaching continues using technology. Missionaries are not allowed into homes to teach. Remind them to wear their masks, social distance, and sanitize their hands.

 

We love your missionary. They are blessing people’s lives.

 

Sister Ernst

 

Week 26 Hays

Olá Y'all!

This was one of the craziest week of my mission so far! Elder Belnap and I are having tons of fun! Hays is a great area! We have found 3 new people who are interested in learning more and one of our friends, named Tyler, has even set a goal of getting baptized on the 26! So keep him in your prayers! We are so excited for him! 

Also there was not a single normal day this week! There was always something going on that was different. It would take me too much time to explain everything. But it was a good week!  

This week a scripture from Helaman 5 stood out to me. In verse 5 it says "And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall." I know that when we build our foundation on Christ nothing can prevail against us. We will have trials. We will have things we struggle with. But with Christ as our foundation we will not lose! 

I am unfortunately I am out of time, so it is time for pictures! Yay!

1-2. Elder Belnap and I had to knock a scary house one night. It may not look it, but it was pitch black and we were spooked 

 

3. A sneak peek of the music video we are filming 

 

 

4. Some noice sunglasses I saw when we went mini golfing! 

 

 

5. Our district mini golfing today! 

 

 

6. One more sneak peek of our music video! 

This is all for now! Feel free to email me if you would like or if you have any questions! Hope y'all have a great week! 

Com muito amor, 

Elder Sant 

Acreditar. Amar. Fazer.

Mission Email

 

Dear Parents,

 

It has been a wonderful week as we have begun Christmas Zone Conferences.

The missionaries are so excited to get their envelopes of cards and letters. Thank you!!

 

If I might… please don’t continue to send any more letters to the mission office. If family and friends want to send letters, they will need to mail them directly to your missionary’s address.

 

If you are going to be sending packages to your son or daughter for Christmas, those packages must be mailed or shipped directly to them. Please check with your missionary to make sure that you have their current and correct address.

 

The work moves forward. December is a busy month for us. The missionaries  have shown “The Christ Child” video to 1954 people.  They have performed 5,519 hours of service to members of their communities. All the while they are finding, teaching, and baptizing the good people of Kansas and bring the true light of Christ into their lives.

 

It is a marvelous work, and your missionary is the wonder!!

 

We currently have no active cases of Covid.

Sister Cloe works hard to keep your missionary healthy.

 

Thanks to Elder Walker and his companions for this week’s blitz video. Share it to your Facebook pages please.

 

https://www.facebook.com/ChurchofJesusChristinWichita/videos/5227100683997396/

 

We will have Zone Conference in Salina tomorrow followed by two days of training and interviews.

 

We said goodbye last week to Elder Matsu who returned to Japan which was his original assignment. We have several others who will be leaving this month. This is so exciting for them, and so sad for us. The miracle of Covid is that we had a blending of so many missionaries from so many missions, and we have elevated each other, and the work has moved forward. Jacob 5 is the allegory of the grafting in of the branches of the olive trees. That is what we have experienced, and it has borne fruit.

 

Thank you for the privilege of serving with your missionary. We are grateful for them.

 

Sister Ernst

316-308-7245