Yello! 10/22/2012

Hey Family!

Hope your week went well.

Our week was very different, but went very well. This week I got sick for 5 days. I got the flu. I felt a sore throat last Sunday, but I thought nothing of it because I get little sore throats every so often. But, in the evening, after our p-day and dinner, we went out with Bro. Wood, our Ward Mission Leader. We contacted P.I.'s (potential investigators) and L.A.'s (less active members) 'til 9:00. We had our rain jackets on, but even still we got soaking wet because it started pouring rain. When I got back to the apartment, my whole body was shivering. I took a hot shower and after I got out, I knew I was sick. All week I had headaches, sore throat, dizziness, nausea, super, super tired and such.

But we didn't let that stop the work from continuing. Every day we coordinated with our W.M.L. (Ward Mission Leader) to go on splits so that our lessons could continue. The ward really helped us out when we needed help. Instead of canceling our dinners they brought us food, they came with Elder Bishop to lessons while I was "babysat". The members wanted me to feel better.

I watched all A LOT of church movies. We have a DVD player in our apartment and we are allowed to watch all church produced movies. So we went to the church building and we took A LOT of movies. The problem is, I have already watched most of them...but I watched them again. I still think my favorite is Joseph Smith: The Prophet of the Restoration.

I thought I was feeling better Thursday night so I told our WML and Elder Bishop that I would go to a lesson that night. The lesson was with one of our investigators and it went well, but by the end of that lesson I was drained. I was kinda bummed because I was really hoping I was done being sick so that I could go do the work (missionary work). I missed being a part of it, but I knew that even if I wasn't there the work was still continuing.

By Saturday I got better and I was able to do the work, and it was awesome because on Sunday we were able to have a whole part member family, the Munoz Family, come to church! We even had 2 other investigators come to church as well. It was a great Sunday.

If you guys could pray for one of our investigators that would be great. We are teaching her son, who is totally ready to be baptized. But she is less active (Her mom, the son's g-ma, is super active). The boys mom has always put off her son's baptism because that means she has to be a little more active. At one point, she said her son could be baptized this weekend, but now she wants to have it pushed back. Can you pray that her heart can be softened and that her son can be baptized in the Lord's timing? That would be great. Can you also pray for another fellow and his sister, that we can set a baptismal date with him? Thank you.

Thank you for your prayers.

And thanks for that new mission calendar Meghan! It's AWESOME!

Love,

Elder Morgan

Mom note: On this blog, names of investigators, less active members and others, may be removed to respect their privacy.

Yellooo from BEAUTIFUL Oregon! 10/15/2012

Howdy Family.

So, sorry about not writing you guys last week. I was at the Oregon Coast! It was awesome! It was so nice to see the ocean. I have now been officially coast to coast in the United States. I will be sending pictures soon. We went from Pacific City all the way to Astoria. The sites and views on the coast were beautiful. The Morris Family took us. Sister Morris works at the post office and they had Monday off, due to Columbus Day, so a few weeks before they asked us if we wanted to go to the Coast. We of course said yes. We have a rule that missionaries can only go to the coast after October General Conference until April General Conference...we went the first day we could! The Coast it about 2 hours away so we had to get permission, not just from our DL, ZL, but from President Morby as well.

It was cool because we went to Pacific City where there is this huge rock in the ocean...we took some pictures so you'll be able to see it. That rock was actually in the movie "The Goonies". We also went to the "Goonies" house they were trying to save. It was funny because not only was it "The Goonies House" but there was someone living in the house with a "Star of David" flag and a "Mitt Romney" sign!

We then went to Seaside and visited the ocean there too. Seaside is actually the end of Lewis and Clarke's expedition, and Elder Bishop and I took a picture there right next to the statue saying "This is the end" or something like that. 

We went to a few other places, but there are two more places I want to talk about. We first went to Ft. Stevens, the first place America was attacked after Pearl Harbor by the Japanese. This military fort was cool. This structure was built on the side of a hill in the early 1900's and was HUGE! I felt like this place would be a CRAZY game of "Call of Duty" or a sweet game of paintball. It was really neat. 

We then went to Astoria where there is this "column that you go up 164(or so) stairs that leads to the look out. The Astoria Column was already on the top of the hill. We could see FOREVER! It was cool because Astoria is where the Columbia River hits the Pacific Ocean. I have pictures that I'll give to you of that as well.  

We have had the longest "dry spell" in Oregon in a LONG TIME. But it is over now. It's raining and its awesome! I almost missed the rain. ALMOST, but not quite. I am super grateful we are in a car though. It makes rain a lot easier to handle.

Right now though, I think I got the Flu. I think I got it yesterday. Yesterday I got a sore throat, a headache, dizziness and so on. Right now I am feeling the same way. Today I have been trying to take it easy, but we had to go to downtown Portland, walk around, take the max back home, go run errands, email and such. Even though I don't want to, I think I am going to take it very easy tomorrow. We have some lessons but I night have Elder Bishop go on splits with one of the men in our ward.

Today is transfers so that marks 13 months (and 1 day) as missionary for The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints!

All is well.

Thank you for praying for a few of my investigators a few weeks ago. I know that helped.

Love,

Elder Trevor A. Morgan

Howdy! 10/1//2012

I want to start off by saying that I have really appreciated the opportunity to be a trainer. I really feel the Lord is helping me grow as a person and a missionary. I have really appreciated Elder Bishop' s "greenie fire". This is not to say that I don't have that "fire" in my to do missionary work. Lately I have been even thinking about missionary work when I am eating, resting, and even dreaming about missionary work and my investigators and less actives I am working with. I just know that being with Elder Bishop, he and I are ready to do the Lord's work and do whatever it takes to make it happen. Through doing the hard things and doing the Lord's work Elder Bishop and I have been able to see the blessing that come from giving are all. Just this week we were able to set another baptismal date for September 27 for Riley Zink. We have a few other investigators with a date or close to it and we are really exited to see the work progressing.

With that being said, there is opposition in all things. While being on my mission I have not seen the adversary work any harder than he is doing right now. People become busy, or sick, addicted to drugs, or even hit by cars. Its sad to see this happen to people, but I know that these things will happen where the gospel is being taught and accepted. To quote Joseph Smith, "persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, and calamy may defame, but the truth of God will go forth nobly, boldly , and independent,". This is so true. The truth of God is going forth in Oregon City 3rd ward area.

Elder Bishop is doing great. He knows alot about the gospel and what missionaries are supposed to teach. But he is havcing a problem being a simple and clear teacher. Also I feel like sometimes our investigators and less actives feel awkward when he is teaching. In our companion studies we are working on our 12 week program and PMG, but we are really focusing on teaching clearly and simple and even more doing it with love. Love is the most important thing that we can have for an investigator. I know Elder Bishop loves the people we are teaching, but sometimes I dont know if always the people we are teaching can feel that love. Even with this being said, Elder Bishop is doing great. He is kinda slow to do things, but he is getting used to the missionary schedule more and more every week. I am glad to be serving with him.

Love,

Elder Morgan

Helloooo 9/24/2012

Howdy Family! 

This week has been a great week for Elder Bishop and I in the Oregon City 3rd Ward! That being said this week was just another crazy week in the OC.

I don't know if in this email I will be able to portray my feelings about "opposition in all things", but this week was full of opposition, both good and bad. This week Elder Bishop and I were able to pick up 2 new investigators!...all from tracting! This transfer Elder Bishop and I have been able to have a lot of success in finding people. We haven't taught as many lessons as Elder Quinton and I (not for lack of trying, they just cancel). I know the Lord is playing a major role in preparing us and preparing those we find. This transfer we have found 3 super solid new investigators. We also got 9 referrals from the ward members as well! We have been able to gain the trust of the ward, and really have been able to gain the trust of the Bishop. He gives us names of people he would like us to go see about once a week.

If you could pray for the investigators Elder Bishop and I are working with, that would be great. I know that extra prayers for them would really help them in their struggles and as well in the strengths.

We have an investigator who is a great guy. He knows the restored gospel is true. He is 21 and has been taught the gospel his whole life, but only on a very simple level. His parents are less active members, and in fact both of his brothers have become members. His older brother (22) has become less active and now has reverted to smoking, but his other brother is the most stalwart kid I have ever met. He comes out to teach lessons with us all the time. At first, he didn't want to go to mutual and now he loves it, he felt the same way about early morning seminary and now he even goes to that too. This brother will never smoke, even though his whole family does, but they all know they shouldn't.

Our investigator wants to quit smoking. That is the only thing holding him back from becoming a member. Actually that and church attendance. He hasn't come to church for the last few weeks because it is at 9:00 in the morning. We had a discussion on how important church is and why we go to church.

Pray for our investigator that he will come to church and quit smoking so that he may be baptized.

Elder Bishop and I tracked into another great investigator. I think I told you a little bit about him in my last emails. He has a baptismal date set for Oct. 13 but, here is where opposition come in...I have two experiences to share.

1. He really wanted to come to church and we told him we would text him the address to the church building. Elder Bishop and I sent him the text and on our phone it said it "sent". Well, that Sunday he wasn't at church. We were wondering why he wasn't there because he really wanted to come. Well, we had a lesson on the following Tuesday with him. In the middle of the lesson he asked us why we didn't text him the address to the church. We told him and we SHOWED him that we did send it to him. He showed US that he didn't receive it! AHHH. What was cool though, is that he bought a tie to wear to church and he asked us if we could teach him how to tie a tie. So...we showed him after the lesson! That was pretty neat. The spirit was at the lesson, he knew why the Book of Mormon is so important and he was going to read, ponder and pray to know if it is true. He said he felt like everything that we had told him is true.

2. HE GOT HIT BY A CAR WHILE HE WAS WALKING. It has been about 2 weeks since we have met with him. He is on a lot of pain meds so he has been unavailable. No broken bones, no nothing except a lot of hurt.

Please pray for our new investigator that he will have a speedy recovery and that the Lord will answer his prayers so that he may be baptized.

We also found another great family. They are two young parents and they both want to learn more. Their only kid is Brayden and he is awesome. Right now we can only teach the wife because the husband is working very long work hours, usually graveyard hours. He is putting all the Christmas lights up in downtown Portland. Anyway, they are both very interested, but last Sunday we had the opportunity to teach the wife. The family she grew up in was never really religious, but she always knew there was a God. It was a great first lesson about the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She told us she had questions answered that she had always wondered about. The Spirit was testifying of truth. She really loved the idea of Joseph going to ask God what church to join, and our invitation to read the Book of Mormon, and to ask God if it is true. She has the real intent, a sincere heart, and faith in Christ. God is not going to lead anyone astray from the truth. She knew that. She accepted a soft baptismal invitation. She knows that she needs to be baptized.

I love sharing Alma 7:11-16 and talking about what the Savior did for us, and then what the Savior asks us to do for ourselves; to use his atoning power to its fullest capacity.

Please pray for this woman that she can receive an answer as she prays to know that the Book of Mormon is true, and that she may choose to be baptized.

Elder Bishop and I are lucky to have as many investigators as we do now. We have about 15 investigators which is truly a blessing. If you could focus on these 3 in your prayers that would be appreciated

I love you guys. Thanks for your prayers for me and Elder Bishop.

Love,

Elder Trevor Morgan

Miracle, 9/10/12

This week has been a very great week in the Oregon City 3rd ward.

Getting to serve with Elder Bishop is truly a blessing. He is a very obedient missionary. He tries to follow all the standards in the missionary handbook which is great. We talked about how these are not mission "rules" but that they are missionary "standards". Doing or not doing other things aren't required at all, but the sacrifice can enable us to grow more spiritually. One thing that he proposed was that we only listen to music on preparation day. I know that he felt we could both grow spiritually more because of this sacrifice. Now, I LOVE music. The funny thing is I LOVE the mission approved music, specifically classical music. I really only listen to music during my studies and in the car. Obeying mission music rules was not a problem for me, but with that being said I knew that I could get distracted from listening to music because I truly appreciate every little rhythm and notes in the music. When Elder Bishop asked if we should sacrifice music, I knew it would be hard, but it would be the right thing to do.

With that being said he does follow things that are a little odd. I guess in the MTC they talk about how missionaries should always drink purified water. He really tries not to drink even our sink water because it has fluoride and such. He'll boil the water and then let it cool down before he drinks it. Everyone is different so I just accept it as it is.

But this week Elder Bishop and I tried to stay as busy as we could. Even with all the "greenie" (new missionary) things we had to do, we were able to still teach and find a lot. We had a great blessing happen this week and the rest of my letter will be about this wonderful experience.

Elder Bishop and I had a less active member cancel a lesson on Tuesday, and so we decided we should go tracting (knocking on doors) by that house because Elder Bishop hadn't gone tracting yet. Elder Bishop felt that we should go down this side road and tract. Nobody was interested, or no one was home. Now, because of the experience with Elder Quinton I wasn't doubting that he received a prompting from the spirit, but I knew it was possible that his prompting may just be for a different reason. We then decided we would tract down the road right next to us. The last "house" we knocked on was a duplex. Not being uncommon, we knocked on one of the doors of the duplex and the other one opened up. 

We did our door approach and the lady looked inside and she said we could come on in. It was really her husband or boyfriend who was interested. He started asking us about the *Word of Wisdom and we helped him understand it a little more. We then started talking about the "most important thing" being the Atonement of Jesus Christ. First off, I know that he was prepared to meet us just as much as we were prepared to meet him. He wanted to know if he could be forgiven of some very serious sins that he had committed. The answer was yes. We talked about the Atonement and how it worked and what we need to do to fully access the Atonement, We read Alma 7:11-16 which told us exactly what we need to do. We then talked about the restoration and how the authority was back on the earth to baptize. He accepted a soft baptismal invitation and we set up another time to meet with him on Friday. The Holy Ghost really testified of the truth in that lesson.

Friday came along and at 3:00 (the time that we set up to meet with him), but he wasn't home. We called him later, and he told us that he actually went to the E.R. because he had a super bad migraine. The awesome thing was that when he wasn't at his home, I didn't feel worried. I knew that there was some important reason that he wasn't at his home I just didn't know what.

The next day we went on exchanges with the A.P's because Elder Lawrence and I were invited to go to a sealing. Elder Peterson and Elder Bishop were in our area for the day. Well, they stopped by the man's home and shared a lesson with him and the they set a baptismal date!! When they called and told me that I was so happy!

This week was a miracle. We were able to find, teach, and set a baptismal date with this man. I know that the Lord played a major role in this miracle. I am grateful we acted on the promptings we received on Tuesday and when we taught him. We haven't taught him everything (obviously) but he said he believes everything that we are saying is true.

A crazy thing. The reason he asked about the Word of Wisdom is because he lives Kosher because he feels that the Old Testament is the most correct scripture. (We didn't learn that until the second time we were with him)

We only talked briefly with him about the Book of Mormon, but I know he'll love it. I never made the connection with the Book of Mormon and the Old testament until yesterday when someone told me that the Book of Mormon is just like an extension of the Old Testament with Jesus Christ appearing. It is so much more than that, but I know that he will love the Book of Mormon because it is 100% correct.

Miracles can happen. We just need to have the faith that they can.

Love,

Elder Morgan

Mom note:

*Word of Wisdom: The name of the health code based on scripture, practiced by members of The LDS church.

One Year (almost) 9/4/2012

Hey FAMILY!!!

The last week Elder Quinton and I had to do missionary work together in the Oregon City 3rd ward was a great week. Elder Quinton and I both got transferred. He went whitewash training and I got assigned to be a trainer for the next 3 months. My new "greenie" (new missionary) is Elder Bishop...great name, right? I want to highlight a principle that I learned this week-- the reason we receive revelation and then I'll talk about training.

It was a Tuesday morning and Elder Quinton and I had planned to go street contacting for about 2 hours to find more and to teach more. This was a long two hours. We tried to talk to as many people as we could, but no one was out. Even though we were street contacting there were houses on this (usually) busy road that missionaries would be less likely to hit. I got the prompting to go knock on the doors. We weren't just limited to street contacting...we were FINDING. At first, I ignored it. Then, there was a second driveway entrance to this house. I got the prompting again and I decided to act on it. Well, no was at the door. In fact no one was at ANY of the doors. Elder Quinton only talked to about 2 people very briefly and had no responses at the doors. It seemed like we were just almost wasting our time. ( Even though I know we weren't....even if we didn't have this cool experience at the end.)

Well, somehow it was 12:00. That is when we wanted to eat lunch but we weren't even close to home yet. We were gonna call someone to pick us up, but right when we talked about it a car drove up and this 20 something year old driver. He asked if we wanted a ride. We said "sure!"He was telling us he was up here for work but he lives in Canby and he was driving home. We figured he was an *RM but his car smelled like cigarette smoke. No matter, he was super nice.

He asked us all about how the work was going in our area and how he served a mission about 3 years ago. He told us he got married 5 weeks later...and then got divorced 2 years later. He told us he wasn't really into to the whole religion thing right now, but he told us he loved his mission and whenever we talked about the work in Oregon City he was happy. It was his 24th birthday the day he picked us up and he didn't look at his birthday as a happy thing, but more as a depressing day. He told us he was a returned missionary and he served in the Denver Colorado South mission. I then thought (before I said it) "That's where MY SISTER served her mission" I then asked if he knew a Sister Morgan. His face lit up and said "yeah, I was her District leader!"

I then told him that that was my sister. We started laughing at how cool this situation was. I told him that think of the statistical probability of us meeting. I didn't tell him about the prompting that I had about knocking on the doors where there was no at home (or at least answering the door.) I didn't feel it was appropriate under the circumstances to tell him that it was God's will that we met, but I know he was thinking that.

I know that is where Elder Quinton and I were to be and he was the one we were to talk to. I don't know if our visit will have a life changing impact it will have, but I know that is where the Lord wanted us to be and that is who He wanted us to meet. We all need to act on the revelation or inspiration we receive in life because sometimes, even when it seems like it was a pointless thing to do, it has a purpose.

I am grateful for the opportunity to be a trainer. It's a blessing because I know that I am always learning. I know this won't be easy and it will be a challenge for me, but I know that when I ask for the guidance from the Lord on how to be a good trainer. He will help me. Elder Bishop is a great Elder. We are very different, but I strive to look at all the positives and not the negatives. He is very spiritual and that is very appreciated. He also thinks a lot which is a lot better that a missionary who doesn't put the effort of thinking about anything. I know that with the help of the Lord that he can grow from this experience and so can I. I know that this is a big task and I know that I need to have that perfect obedience, hardworking attitude, and become a master teacher. I strive to do those things every day. I know that if I give it my best, that the Lord will make all the difference. He will make Elder Bishop's and my own weaknesses strong if we humble ourselves and get lost in the work.

Thank you for all that you do.

Love,

Elder Morgan

Mom note:
*RM: returned missionary; someone who served a missionary for the LDS church.

Let the Holy Spirit Guide 8/27/12

Hey there family!

This week was another great week for missionary work in Oregon City, even when we basically had to take two days out. I guess it is just that time of year, but this week we had Elder Corbridge of the *Seventy come visit our mission for two days. (The person who wrote "The 4th Missionary" talk.) Elder Corbridge (with much love and appreciation) ripped us to shreds and said missionaries think they know how to teach....but they really don't. He basically tore us down and then built us back up. It was funny because when we had our break for lunch, we all kinda felt a little depressed cause he kinda left us in a spot where it felt like we just had no idea WHAT we were teaching and no idea HOW to teach.

With that being said, I really enjoyed his visit to the OPM (Oregon Portland Mission). He talked A LOT about "What is the M.I.T." (most important thing) when we teach in Lesson 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Now, we're missionaries. We KNOW what's in the lessons. But I guess not as well as we should. We went lesson by lesson talking about what the most important thing was in each lesson. I'll just talk about lesson 1 (The Restoration) right now.

What do you guys think it is?....well it wasn't what any of us missionaries said but at the same time we were all SUPER close. We would just raise our hand and Elder Corbridge would write in on the whiteboard. I raised my hand and said that "the blessings of the gospel were on the earth". I thought that was a good answer....and it's kinda the correct answer too, but only kinda. My answer was dang close. The most important thing is "THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST." The reason that we teach people is so that they will understand that "When we are baptized unto repentance, we can be redeemed of our sins, be endowed with power from on high, and have eternal life and joy today." That is the most important thing. No matter what lesson, what topic, or anything. I am here to invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel thought faith in Jesus Christ, and His atonement. All people can achieve this by repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end.

So now we missionaries know WHAT to teach. Next he taught us HOW to teach. I'm gonna give you the notes that I think were the most important.

1.Destination (Doctrine) [Why?]

2.Route (Principles) [How?]

3.Conclusion (Application) [What?]

This is what stood out to me the most.

This is what I am now trying to implement into my teaching. I am sorry if I am bad at explaining this, but I'll give it a try. If  I'm teaching "The Restoration" or "Eternal Marriage" my goal is to use this teaching method. The words I say and the way I say it will not be the same because I am teaching different topics, but the method by which I can teach can be used with any lesson. I need to always let the Holy Ghost guide my thoughts and words, but sometimes missionaries (including myself) "say" a lot of extra things. In the end the person we are teaching gets the point, but it could have been done much more efficiently, effectively and successfully.

Yes, what a missionary says can bring the spirit in, but the ideas Elder Corbridge talked about showed us how to teach logically, clearly, simply, and powerfully. Missionaries need to get out of the way and let the Holy Ghost teach powerfully, logically, simply, and clearly. Once the missionaries get out the the way, we can really "Let the Holy Spirit Guide," and if missionaries can connect the "Doctrine" with the "Principles" people can understand our purpose even more.

I hope this was clear and not to complicated. I loved what Elder Corbridge taught us and each day I am trying to get better and better at teaching with the Holy Ghost as my guide. With clear, simple, powerful logic and most importantly the Holy Ghost testifying of truth, one can come to know that the "most important thing" which is Jesus Christ and His Gospel.

Love,

Elder Morgan

*Seventy: This is a priesthood office in the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Traditionally, a Latter-day Saint holding this priesthood office is a "traveling minister" and an "especial witness" of Jesus Christ, charged with the mission of preaching the gospel to the world under the direction of the twelve apostles. Anciently, the office of seventy was conferred upon the seventy disciples mentioned in the Gospel of Luke 10:1-2.

August 20, 2012 - Hey, Familia!

Hey, Familia!

This week has been a great week in the Oregon Portland Mission – and especially in the Oregon City 3rd ward area!

Let’s see... This week has been great! I'll go over some high points; and then I’ll go into more detail.

1. Our district CREAMED the other district in our "zone kickball" p-day (score:16-4);
2.  I went into downtown Portland on Tuesday; and then, stopped by "Voodoo Donuts" for some yummy donuts to break my fast! (I have to fast before I go into every dermatologist appointment); 
3. Elder Quinton learned, this week, that he has to get a....COLONOSCOPY!!!;
4.  I got heat stroke, this week, and, later, felt fine; and 
5. Our whole mission had a meeting with Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles!

So, the other district in our zone challenged us to a kickball match. They were talking trash to us. (Not really though, they just wanted to joke around and create some rivalry) We were scheduled to start at 12:30 on Monday...but like always, everyone got there late. But guess which whole district showed up before any other companionship of the other district showed up...my district!! (I am not district leader, but I will refer to the district I am in as "my" district) Now, I haven't been on a baseball field in forever, but when I walked on to field...I was ready to play some kickball! Actual "kicking" isn't my favorite. I can kick pretty well, but using my feet to play a sport isn't my thing. But I LOVED playing outfield! When you catch a ball that was kicked super high and super far....it feels GREAT! We were behind in the beginning, but we eventually made our comeback. The innings where they were kicking were pretty short because we had good outfielders and a good first baseman. That was a great p-day.

Tuesday, Elder Quinton and I, BOTH, had doctor appointments at the same time...in totally different places. We kind of planned this on accident, but everything worked out well in the end because we just went on exchanges with the District leader and his companion that day. Brother Wood, our WML, is also really good at asking the ward to give us rides to the doctors. (My area used to be a bike area; and so, in a "perfect world" with missionary work, the WML is supposed to coordinate missionary lessons with members, which would include giving the missionaries rides to those lessons because our area is huge! So, our ward is super willing to give us rides whenever we need it because they were so used to doing it before our area became a “car” area bout six months ago. 

Whenever I go to downtown Portland, I ALWAYS have to stop by Voodoo Donuts and get some donuts for me and my companion. Sometimes the line is too long outside of Voodoo Donuts so we don't go; but, this time it wasn't! The donuts were great!! They have some donuts with chunky Oreo crumbles, some with Captain Crunch on it and some filled with jelly, bubble gum, cotton candy and grape-flavored soda. SO MANY CHOICES! Here’s a crazy thing about Voodoo Donuts:  People can even get married in Voodoo Donuts! Apparently, they had a special about it on the Food Network Channel.

Note: Elder Morgan goes on to give some details of the doctor appointments. These details are being edited out of the blog post.

And, yes, this week (without going to the doctors, but by talking to a few people), I worked myself too hard and didn't drink enough water. I got heat stroke (or something like that). I didn’t want to go to the doctor because we have been to the doctor SOOO many times within the last 3 weeks. But, Elder Quinton and I were in the sun ALOT at the beginning of the week and it was SUPER HOT. Even people in Oregon City said it was unusually hot. Anyway, the medicine I take dries out my whole body; so we guessed because of that, and the lack of water, that I got heat stroke. My stomach was killing me, too. I felt so uncomfortable and I couldn't really concentrate. I told Elder Quinton one day that I just had to take a nap...I took a 3 hour nap! I didn't feel tired, but my mind could not concentrate; and I knew my body was exhausted. Sleeping during the last few nights included a lot of tossing and turning. But, I think I am through it because I had a great sleep, last night. I prayed for a really good sleep last night, too; so I knew that would help as well. But, I am back to normal, so there is no need to worry! Really, don't worry about it because I am now fine.

This week, we had the privilege of having an Apostle of the Lord come to our mission and speak to us. I even got to shake his hand. Russell M. Nelson and I have a really close connection. He doesn't know it, but I do. Haha. He is the Apostle that I have seen face-to-face the most (not including general conference on TV). He spoke at the BYU-I center dedication, he spoke at the MTC when I was there, and now, he came to the OPM! I do not recall exactly what he talked about in Rexburg, but at the MTC he talked about the importance of the Book of Mormon. He talked about the changes that it went through as well. We were supposed to familiarize ourselves with the October 2011 Ensign about the Book of Mormon. I am really glad I did that. In fact, that is still one of my favorite Ensigns to read. 

When he was at the Lake Oswego Stake center with all the missionaries of the OPM, it was a wonderful meeting. When he walked into the room, you could feel the power and authority that he holds. The Elder Clayton, of the Presidency of the Seventy, spoke before Elder Nelson and he told us that, in this very room, all of the keys of this dispensation were here. What a powerful statement. This was really a spirit-filled meeting. 

When Elder Nelson spoke, the first thing he said (after being built up by Elder Clayton) was that he was just an ordinary man...with an extraordinary calling. He spoke for a bit, telling stories and such; but, what really hit me the most was one of the questions an Elder asked during a Q/A session. The Elder asked something to the effect of "Why does the Lord make us find answers, even after we have prayed and fasted and searched and pondered?" Elder Nelson talked about the need to do our part for the Lord to give us knowledge. The more we study, the more we can know the mysteries of God. He, then, talked with us about studying by topic; and the power that that brings into study. He talked with us, a bit, about the topic of the atonement. Did you know the word "atonement" only appears in the Bible only once? Really… I found that to be a sad thing. He continued to talk to us about what the atonement means, both spiritually and literally, (like what words in different languages made up the word “atonement” in the English language). I enjoyed the meeting very much. I have more notes written in my journal, but I do not have that with me; so, I can’t give you all the amazing points that stood out to me. I know he is an Apostle of the Lord. 

I am grateful to be on a mission where I can help others know that the gospel has been restored and that we have a living prophet and living apostles on the earth today.

Love,

Elder Trevor A. Morgan

August 13, 2012 - Catch Up Post

Preface from Elder Morgan's father: Time passed quickly since the last post, so I thought catching up would be in order for those following Elder Morgan's doings. So, here we go...

August 13, 2012

Hello Family,

This week has been another great week in the OC!

I could talk about many wonderful miracles and about the tender mercies that the Lord has given Elder Quinton and me, but I want to talk about the wonderful experience I had last night.

I think the highlight of this week was last night at my stake's "The Rescue" (Trek Youth Conference) fireside. This is a regular fireside that takes place after the Trek Youth Conference to talk about the great experiences each had and to listen to a few talks; and then, to watch some videos which summarize "The Rescue" Experience.

[Note from Elder Morgan’s father – Here’s the background information for those not members of the LDS church and who may be unfamiliar with what the “The Rescue” means: In the early fall of 1856, two groups of LDS emigrants left the vicinity of Omaha, NE bound for Salt Lake City, UT. The Saints piled all of their possessions into handcarts, primarily, with the intent of arriving in the Salt Lake City valley before winter set in. Unfortunately, a particularly strong early-fall snow storm stranded these Saints in the high plains of Wyoming. They were ill prepared for what the weather brought. Struggling with the severe weather was a challenge; and many succumbed to the effects of the strong storms.  Brigham Young learned, on the morning of a day full of meetings called a "General Conference , about the struggles these pioneers were facing.  Brigham Young changed the planned proceedings of the General Conference and spoke of the need to rescue these destitute travelers. Later that afternoon, teams of wagons loaded with supplies left Salt lake City bound for the rescue of these stranded saints, not knowing if their efforts would find many travelers still alive. The rescuers found the struggling pioneers and, in fact, rescued them from a certain death. The stories told by the pioneers about their struggles and their rescue are heart wrenching and miraculous. This rescue is an important part of LDS history; and it serves as a reminder of our modern-day duty to others to help save them from circumstances that challenge their lives, whether those needing rescue are LDS or not. We have an obligation to our brothers and sisters since we are children of God.]

This fireside was such a spiritual high for me. Elder Quinton and I were the only missionaries invited to attend. I’ll tell you about that in a moment. This fireside made me reflect upon all the powerful feelings that I had during my youth conference experiences – especially my last one to Kirtland, Ohio.

Youth Conferences are a sacred thing. It seems that the real lives of today’s youth just stops so that youth conference can begin. But really, it is the opposite. Their real lives START when a youth goes to youth conference. Youth Conference bolsters youth so that the challenges they face in other aspects of life can be overcome by their testimonies which are strengthened (and, some, even gained) from being a part of youth conference.

Focusing on youth in the church should be (and I know it is) a big part of the Church. I don’t remember the exact part in the Book of Mormon (and I don’t have enough time to look it up online), but I think it is in Mosiah 20-something. The youth were not taught the ways of their parents; and so the youth did not continue in the faith of their fathers. That is not what the Church wants today; and the Church is doing all it can to make the current generation of youth the strongest generation, yet. The youth were prepared before the foundation of the world to come to the earth at this time of life. The Church depends on the youth.

This year’s message for the stake’s youth is "ARISE AND SHINE FORTH". What a great message. The big focus for "The Rescue" was "WE DO HARD THINGS". That is a missionary focus, as well.  Youth Conference prepares future Elder and Sister Missionaries more than anything else can. I know from personal experience. I know that the miracles and feelings of the Holy Ghost have literally changed my life. My last youth conference was when I REALLY decided to go on a mission. My life was changed – changed for the better. Youth conference literally started my life. Whenever I have hard times on my mission, whenever I have the feelings of doubt, I remember what I felt at Youth Conferences. I KNOW the gospel is true.

Now, to why Elder Quinton and I were the only missionaries who attended the fireside: The Stake Presidency asked me to sing and Elder Quinton to play at the Youth Conference fireside. This was truly a blessing for me. Not just singing at it, but being able to feel the Holy Ghost at this fireside. Elder Quinton played, on the piano, the song "Nearer My God to Thee" and I sang the melody, but using the words to Hymn 101 (“Guide Me To Thee”). I really enjoy singing those words.

Blake, never forget the feelings you had in the Sacred Grove. They are true. They are something you will treasure your whole life. You will be faced with opposition in life, but these feelings are what will get you through.

In missionary work, it’s not the missionaries that have the converting power, it’s the Holy Ghost. I am grateful for the reminder that I have had, this week, about the power of the Holy Ghost and about the importance it plays in everyone’s lives.

Love,

Elder Trevor A. Morgan

HELLOOO! 8/6/2012

Hey there family!

This week has been another great week in Oregon City!

This week was BUSY. We were able to get a lot done this week which was great!

We have been working with our investigator Debbie since about 3 weeks before I got to the OC. She has been progressing, but in her own time, which is okay! She has been gaining a testimony of so many things! She loves reading the Book of Mormon and she knows everything in there is good and for her benefit. She has been gaining a testimony of the gospel blessing her life. One of the fundamental things she has learned is that living the gospel makes a person positive. It doesn't mean that there aren't mountains to climb, or obstacles in our way, but that the gospel of Jesus Christ can make us have a positive outlook on our life and what is/was/ and will be going on in life. All this stems from following the example of our Savior and using his atonement for us. Her phrase that she uses a lot is, "I give this one to You, God." She is learning to put her trust in God rather than just talking about it. We had a opportunity to fast with her last week and that was great! Every since we discussed what "tender mercies of the Lord" have been with her, she has told us she has begun to recognize those tender mercies in her life. We actually fasted a few weeks after we talked about tender mercies, but she and we have seen the tender mercies of the Lord come from the fast...and there are more to come! She still has more learning to do as well, but she is a solid investigator!

We tried to find people, and to teach as much as could this week. Elder Quinton and I had set transfer goals as well as our weekly goals. Our goals are to get at least 30 working hours a week teaching lessons (not including dinners or member referral lessons) and finding (tracting or street contacting). Our first week we got 27 hours and this week we were able to get 33 hours. It is great that we always have something we can be doing.

This week as we began sacrament meeting, the attendance by our investigators was not the best at first, but then it turned out to be awesome! We were planning on having at least 4 investigators show up, but none of them did. THEN, Pablo Leon-Rodriguez (one of our investigators) showed up late! (like 50 minutes late) but he stayed for all the two other hours! And he said he really liked it.

We have been working with the Leon-Rodriguez family and they are doing great! They are a less active/ part member family that are definitely  making their way to becoming more active in the church and in the gospel!

The Young Men (YM: boys age 12 to 18) have really been a help in fellow shipping the Leon-Rodreiguez boys and many other less actives. We just recently got a new YM's pres and it so cool because he is kinda like a grown up version of me! He likes the same music, TV shows and he's pretty relaxed. He loves working with us (not cause we are similar) but because he knows how important missionary work is. Were trying to go on splits with the priests too, which is going pretty good. We want to help them gain a testimony just as much as the next person.

Thanks you guys for all you do for me!

Love,

Elder Trevor A. Morgan

Hello There!!! 7/30/2012

Hey there family!!!

This week has been another GREAT week in the Oregon City 3rd Ward.

Missionaries have many wonderful experiences happen to them, but his week just seemed to be an all around great week. This week Elder Quinton and I were able to reach a few of our goals and beat some as well.

Our opportunities to teach are growing. I know that comes from finding as much as we can when we have time. Elder Quinton and I have found success from our area book and prayerfully looking at who we should visit. We were able to pick up a new investigator from that. We also strive to "teach when we find and find when we teach". When we go to some lessons nearby, we will walk to those lessons because we know there will be some people on the streets.

A few weeks ago we were street contacting and we ran into this man named Ryan. We shared our message and he was interested. Even more so he said he thinks he was a member and he wanted to come back to church, but he wasn't quite sure if he was a member or not because he thinks his parents left the church. We gave him the missionaries phone number for the area he lived in and I'm not sure if he was a member or not, but now the missionaries are teaching him! I have a personal testimony that street contacting and tracting is worth our time, even more than just that story.

We also have found a few less active members who were not on record that we are beginning to teach due to tracting, even "country tracting". Elder Quinton and I decided we would tract out in Beaver Creek. It is a lot more open and has farms, but we were able to find a new family to teach. The husband is a L.A. member but is eager to meet with us. The wife and kids are not members and we don't know too much about them, but we are excited to work with the whole family.

This week Elder Quinton, Debbie (our investigator), Bro. Westover (member) , and myself fasted for Debbie knowing what to do with her job situation. I know the adversary wanted us not have this fast. In just one day Elder Quinton and I were given 24 oatmeal raisin cookies, 20 dollars for lunch, and 48 eggs and 2 loaves of bread! We never get offered that much food in one day, especially when fasting!

The day previous we had a lesson with Debbie and she was talking about how she didn't know what to do with her job situation. Interestingly enough Bro. Westover asked us if we all would like to fast for Debbie (Debbie being included in this fast) and then meet the next day and conclude it. At the first lesson we of course talked about what a fast is and then we talked about how fasting and prayer go right along with each other. Elder Quinton and I actually prepared to talk about prayer that day. The Lord works in mysterious (but amazing) ways. At the last lesson, we talked about Alma 17, and how fasting and prayer (among others things) was how the Lord blessed them and gave them courage to face whatever trials they went through. It was a great fast. We all grew spiritually from it and we know God will bless Debbie is her job situation. He already is beginning to.

Thanks for all that you guys do for me!

Love,

Elder Trevor A. Morgan

HOWDY! 7/23/2012

Hey family!

This week has been a other great week in the OC! (not Orange County, but OREGON CITY!) Elder Quinton and I have been working really hard to try and teach as many as possible. Missionary work is missionary work. It doesn't matter if we are bringing less actives back to church or inviting anyone into the fold. We have been promised from C.Scott Grow a member of the Quorum of the Seventy, if we spend 50% of our time working with less active members and 50% of our time with investigators, we will have more baptisms. While we haven't seen any baptisms, Elder Quinton and I are positive the work that we are doing is showing our faith to get those baptisms. They might not come at the time I'm here, but they totally could though. As long as we are doing all that we can, we are doing what the Lord asks of us. Elder Quinton, and I were at a meeting with other missionaries, the stake presidency and President Ward (one of Pres. Morby's counselors). President Ward asked Elder Quinton and I what our secret was in teaching so many lessons. We told them it was the coordination the ward had with their missionaries (us).

The ward is 100% behind us. We did have to earn the wards trust, but once the ward is behind missionaries, they give us referrals, (less active and non member), they treat us nice, give us great dinners and the work increases! Elder Quinton and I do work very hard, but it is partly because of the ward too that we are teaching and having success. We haven't had any baptisms, but there are some we are teaching who are close. (We even have one with a date right now).

Missionary work is hard. I'm not perfect, I make mistakes. I strive to be obedient, but I'm not always. I want to be, but sometimes I let the my body win instead of my spirit. A common phrase in missionary work is, "Do the hard things". I'm really learning what that means. Self mastery, it's hard, but everyday I'm working on it. Life is about progressing, but not at the rate we want, but the rate our Heavenly Father wants us to be at. I know I can always do better. But I am glad for all the hard work Elder Quinton and I put in. Right now Elder Quinton and I are leading the numbers in our zone. That's great, but we always can be doing better. Missionaries never want to plateau. Once we think were good enough, or we know everything, that's where pride kicks in.

Missionaries teach and testify, not bash. (this is how I'll start my story)

Elder Quinton and I picked up 2 new investigators, Sacha and Jeffery, who live in our apartment complex (well, Sacha does, Jeffery is just friends with him.) We have got to know them pretty well. They are both music majors at Clackamas Community College (C.C.C.). Sacha is Evangelical and Jeffery is Nazarene. They have shown us around the music building (it's cool cause the college is in our area) and we have talked about missionary work and more gospel topics. They want to hear the discussions, They are kinda familiar with the Book of Mormon. They have read a bit of it. We asked Sacha at C.C.C. if he had any questions about our religion so that we can focus on those. He went off on how we can't hold the priesthood and about Melchizedek and the Aaronic Priesthood. He did it as nicely as he could but you could tell he had some passion behind what he was saying. We told him very nicely that we could totally talk about that at the next lesson. He had some interesting questions that, at that time, I didn't know the answers too. I never really thought about exactly what he was saying, I just knew that the Priesthood was restored and it was true.
I am grateful for the scriptures. I am grateful for the Bible, Book of Mormon, and Doctrine and Covenants. They all explain the priesthood so well. They all witness of the truth. We just have to find it through scripture study and prayer. I know the Priesthood was restored to the Prophet Joseph Smith.

Love,

Elder Morgan