I'm Back... sorry it's been so long.

*Note to readers,

Elder Morgan began his mission in Oregon with Elder Rowley as his first companion, and the two of them quickly became peas in a pod. They were a great team with common interests, common life goals, common energy, and a shared vision for their work as missionaries. They set high goals for themselves, and worked hard to achieve them. Elder Rowley was a great missionary, who trained Elder Morgan in a manner that was well suited for him.

Elder Morgan got a new companion in early February and quickly learned that the two of them share a very different approach to missionary work. The second companionship is often an adjustment for new missionaries because just when you thought you were getting the hang of everything, you are surprised to find that missionaries come in all varieties and can be very different from you, and yet, you still share the same purpose. It has been a good learning experience for Elder Morgan to have his eyes opened to a different approach, a different perspective, and as the junior companion, he is learning how to follow and support a leader who's enthusiasm and drive are calmer and more slowly paced than Elder Morgan is used to. (Go figure, he's from Northern Virginia.) It has been a journey, but he is learning great things in life that will certainly help him in future relationships as a husband, father and in working with people in his career etc. We are so proud of him! 
--MOM

Hey there family!

This week has been a much calmer week. Still, the week is filled with ups and with downs, but one thing I have learned is that patience really is a virtue. Patience is a Christ-like attribute. Christ was the most patient man who ever walked the earth. As a member of His Church, we need to follow His example. Everyone needs to exercise patience.

This week has been a good week. I have had to lessen some "external" goals (lessons taught, finding hours, progressing investigators) and set them aside in order to achieve more important "internal" goals (peace, companion unity (and success), being a successful missionary, and true happiness). Goal setting is important because through goals one can judge how well he or she did and what they need to improve upon. As a missionary we ALWAYS have goals. We have daily goals, weekly goals, and monthly goals. Sometimes we can get lost in all the goals we set. The most important thing to realize is that all these goals are helping us fulfill our duty, our calling, to help others come unto Christ. "OTHERS" means everyone...our investigators, less active members, members, other missionaries, even my companion and I. I don't think I have ever gotten lost in the "stats" of the mission (focusing on numbers rather than people), but I strive to really do my best. I'm learning that maybe I need to readjust my "external goals" depending on who I am working with, but always keep my "internal" goals in my mind and my heart and always strive to do my best.

A few weeks ago one of my zone leaders told me that as missionaries most of us, if not all of us are here to do the same work...but there are 1000 different ways to accomplish it. I have figured that out the hard way. Now, when I refine what I think should be done, I look at what was done previously. I look for what has worked and what has not worked. I look at my leaders and see what works for them. I do my best to follow the instructions that we have been given as missionaries.... but not everyone seems to think the exact same way I do...go figure. BUT, that's okay. I truly do appreciate when others endeavor to do their best, but when others don't match up to the potential I think they can, or when they just go through the motions and don't actually do them...that's one place where I have to exercise my patience.

Maybe others have different "internal goals" than I do. Why I might not agree with their goals, I still try to respect them as much as I can. They want to do the same thing I want to do. They want to bring others to come unto Christ. I really try hard not to be judgmental, or disrespectful. I strive to work together. I really try. I need to look INWARD before looking OUTWARD. I'm not perfect...at all. I strive to be perfect. I strive to be a great missionary, one who is striving to follow God's will...trying to be Christ-like. The chapter in "Preach my Gospel" titled "Christ-like attributes" is an amazing chapter. I love that chapter, but I need to read it more. I'm making a goal to read one section from it every day.

I know that when I focus my life on Jesus Christ and His teaching, I WILL be able to get through whatever trials I face in my life. I will be able to have joy in whatever I do. That's why I love to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ. I know it will bless others lives just like it has mine.

I love you!

Love,

Elder Trevor A Morgan

A Snail Mail Letter. It is from my days with Elder Rowley.

Hey there all!

Things in Troutdale are going great! Missionary work is going strong. Last Thursday our zone had a zone conference which really enlightened me. I think the biggest thing or idea I learned there was that everything in the Gospel of Jesus Christ can be tied back to the restoration. As a missionary, I am helping others receive the restored gospel. Families are so important in our church, and the Lord will bless families when they obey God's commandments. I know this because His gospel has been restored on the earth today, and this is part of His message. Today, we have prophets to lead and to guide us. This is because the gospel has been restored today. Those are just a couple of examples. I also love that we have the Book of Mormon. I know it is physical proof that the restoration of the gospel has happened. Others can read it and pray for themselves to know if it is true.

On lesser gospel topics, Troutdale has been really fun! I have really learned to enjoy and get better at... disc golf! No, it's not "Frolf" ("Frisbee Golf"). Apparently, Frisbees are different than discs. But about every other week, Elder Rowley and I go with Brother Semlotti. He actually knows there is a disc golf course in Centerville or Manassas. It's at Bull Run Park. You guys should totally get some discs and try it out. I don't know about Virginia, but in Oregon disc golfing is a sport where you meet a lot of interesting characters. Basically, in Oregon it's the poor man's, pot smoking, hippy sport. :) The sweet thing is that Brother Semlotti is really none of those, but he is one of the best disc golfers in the area. He enters competitions and he always ranks 4th or higher. Disc golfing is awesome!

Also, on one p-day, Elder Rowley and I went exploring on the banks/forested area near Sandy River. It was really neat because there were sand art paths that we rode our bikes on. We had no idea where we were going, but the good thing was when it was time to return, we found our way back. When we were on the river's beach, we took some pictures of us nest to the "I love Mormon.org" that we drew in the sand. I'll send you a picture.

This week's Bible study class was on "The Good Samaritan" (Luke 10). I would encourage you as a family and as individuals to try and be a "good Samaritan" this week and try and help others by doing service for them. The Samaritan had compassion on the "half-dead" Jew. The priest and the Levite (both "men of God") passed by the Jew. I have been thinking what it means to have compassion for others. As a missionary I try to love everyone I see. I want to share with them the gospel, but sometimes the most that I can do for them is to move their trash cans out of the road and back to their driveway. They might not even see it or notice it, but I know that I am serving the Lord when I do service. That is exactly what the good Samaritan did. He served the Jew, but he was also serving the Lord. "When ye are in the service of you fellow beings, ye are only in the service of your God." Mosiah 2:17

I love you guys!
Elder Trevor A. Morgan

New Companion!

Hello familia!

Yes, you were right! I did get a new companion. His name is Elder Auwen. He is from Mesa Arizona and he has been out for 7 and 1/2 months. He came from a place in the mission called Newburg. He is a very nice person and I know he knows the Lord has called him on a mission to Portland for a reason. But he's no Elder Rowley... which is not a huge problem, but presents some new opportunities.

When Elder Rowley transferred, Elder Rowley became a Zone Leader in the Keizer Zone down in Salem, Oregon. Elder Rowley really taught me what it means to be a great missionary. He taught me how to work effectively, efficiently, and with the spirit. For 4 months we taught 20+ lessons a week. We always were doing something that needed to be done. We visited, found less active members, tracted (knocked on doors), taught lessons, obeyed the mission rules, ate and slept. He told me if all the mission would do this that we would have an amazing mission. I had no idea other missionaries didn't do what we did. Our district was amazing too. They did the same things Elder Rowley and I did. Elder Rowley was a great District Leader too.

Now I might be setting this up too much, cause Elder Auwen is a good guy. But apparently, he and his last companion only taught about 6 lessons a week, his companion was the one who really taught the lessons, they listened to music that wasn't quite mission approved, and they NEVER went tracting....I'm not saying that I'm not looking forward to working with Elder Auwen cause I am, but...he's not Elder Rowley.  Also, Elder Awuen is now our district leader. He was so nervous when he found out he was DL. He said he wasn't even thinking he would be a DL.

Now I still know I'm imperfect but I try to be the best missionary I can be. I really feel President Morby put Elder Auwen with me so that I can learn from him, but also that he can learn from me and learn from our district how to be a great/successful missionary. Being successful doesn't mean baptisms, but it does mean putting in your best effort, and doing the best you can do each and every day.

I pray for Elder Auwen every night. I pray for our companionship every night. I pray for the missionary work to progress in our area every night. I'm excited to work with him! He just doesn't seem like his focus is in the right areas. BUT, it really makes me think about how I need to be as a missionary. I know I need to talk about the gospel with enthusiasm and I need to say my prayers like I mean them, because I do. I need to read scriptures like I want to gain knowledge and wisdom from them, because I do. I realize I need to be a good example.

Elder Auwen is not mean, rude, or anything like that, but maybe his whole heart just isn't in the work yet...

Prayers would be great!

I LOVE missionary work! I really do love waking up every day at 6:30, putting on a shirt and tie and my missionary name tag. I can really tell that I have changed. I love it. It was a definite change for the better.

I pray every day for all of you. I love you and thank you for your prayers!

Love,

Elder Trevor A. Morgan

The Book of Mormon... Have you ever wanted to know more about it?

If you would like to learn more about the Book of Mormon, check out this link:
http://mormon.org/book-of-mormon/

It's Cold and Rainy, but AWESOME!

Hey there familia!

So I have been thinking about the challenges that face our family and everything. It has actually been really good to think about it. I've been thinking about how our family, and really how everyone, gets through the trials in life, no matter how big or how small they may be.

Really, it's all about trusting in the Lord and what he has planned for us. The atonement of Jesus Christ is real. He suffered for our sins, sicknesses, affliction, pains, sufferings, and even more than I think we can comprehend. I know that through the atonement our burdens can be eased. I would suggest you read *Mosiah 24. It really shows how the atonement can give us strength to overcome our burdens.

I know that the atonement can work for anyone who is willing to lean on the Lord. I have seen it work in people's lives, especially in Troutdale. As a missionary, I've found that even people on the other side of the United States have problems. In fact, the people I come in contact with have MANY more problems that I have ever had. I am so glad that I have the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life and that I can rely on the gospel.

I am so glad that I have the Book of Mormon to read and draw strength from. If you have the latest General Conference **Ensign look at * Richard G. Scott's talked called, "The Power of the Scriptures."  I might have mistaken the title, but it's in there. I think it's in the beginning of the Ensign. I know that while being a missionary, I have received the spiritual AND physical strength from reading the scriptures. I know that If I am telling people to read the scriptures, then that means I need to read the scriptures. I read the Book of Mormon for at least 30 minutes a day in personal study. I have seen the Book of Mormon give me strength to overcome the obstacles I face as a missionary. I know It can do the same for all of you!

I love you!  Hopefully, I'll be sending you my pants (with the hole) soon and Blake's hat I made for him!...oh, and I'll be sending some pictures home too!

Love,

Elder Trevor A Morgan

* The highlighted text above is linked to the scripture reference and talk reference mentioned.
** The Ensign is a monthly church publication. 


Note from MOM:
Twice a year (May, November) the Ensign magazine contains the talks given by General Authorities (leaders) at the semi-annual conferences of the church. These conferences are televised via satellite and can be viewed at home, or at a local church building. They are always held the first weekend in April and October, on Saturday and Sunday. There are four televised sessions. They are at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time on both Saturday and Sunday. On the east coast they can be viewed live at 12:00 p.m. (noon) and 4:00 p.m. 

New Year's Letter!

Hey Family!

This week has been another great week in Troutdale Oregon!

So, we have seen great progress in our Bible study class that we have started. Usually, we get about 3 or 4 youth to attend, but 2 weeks ago we had 12 youth. There were 3 non-members, 1 less active member, and 8 young men and young women who actively attend church. But what is really amazing is that for the last 5 weeks we have had a friend of a member in our ward, named Amber, coming to our Bible study class. She has asked a few questions and said she has really enjoyed the class. At church we were going to ask Nicole (the member) if Amber would be interested in meeting with the missionaries. BUT at church, Nicole came up to US and asked "How can I ask my friend if she wants to have formal discussions with you, the Elders?" That was truly a miracle. It might have been a small one, but hey, that went in my journal.

This week's lesson was about Lot and his wife. We called it "Look not behind thee". There was a video on mormon.org that came out I think about 2 years ago. This short video was in some diner, in New York City, asking people what they know about the story of Lot's wife. There were a lot of funny answers, but the story was explained and we started taking about how people have the power to change, to "look not behind thee."  And the most important part of this message was that when we change, the Savior needs to be in the center of our lives because it is through him that we can change. This lesson was fitting because it was soon to be the new year, and people often make resolutions to change and improve the quality of their lives at this time. That is why Elder Rowley and I took this video and made it into a lesson. We have done lessons from the Old Testament and the New Testament. Elder Rowley and I also look at this Bible study as a great opportunity for the youth to get more excited about missionary work and invite their friends to come to church and learn more. Who knows, maybe this experience will help one of the youth decide to go on a mission!

It has been great to work with Elder Rowley. By following his example, and by great companionship studies, we have both learned how to teach more simply an clearly. We have really tried to implement everything that Elder Grow has taught us. For example, we spend about half our time teaching and serving less active members, we use his goal setting plans, and we use an 8-step checklist to make sure that investigators are welcomed in church. I am learning that goal setting is important and I have really found the 13 daily planning steps that we do each night are the key to the success of our missionary work. Most of the time it takes more than 30 minutes to plan (we don't just plan for the next day, but we continuously plan for the week each night), but it is worth it. There is a lot to be said for writing down your goals and then accounting for them regularly.

Now, Elder Rowley and I haven't been converting thousands of *Lamanites, nor have Elder Rowley and I been baptizing thousands, but I know that the people we teach are getting closer and closer to becoming baptized members of the church. I was reading Alma chapter 26 today in personal study and it seems to fit how I have been feeling.

Ammon says in verse 12, " Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever."

I truly feel that Elder Rowley and I are just instruments in the Lord's hands. We have seen many miracles in Troutdale, Oregon. I know that I am weak. I have imperfections. BUT in HIS strength I can do all things. I know this without a doubt in my heart. I am grateful to be serving a mission, to bring others closer to Christ so that they can have his strength to overcome their weaknesses and find joy in this life and in the life to come.

Thank you for all your prayers. They have helped me so much on my mission!

If there is anything I can do for you, just let me know.

Love,

Elder Trevor A. Morgan

Mom note: *Lamanites - People who lived anciently in the Americas and many were converted to Christ by the efforts of a great missionary, Ammon, and his brothers. Their story is in the Book of Mormon.

Elder Rowley & Elder Morgan wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!