Last night I attended a stake missionary fireside with Carter, Ty, and my Young Women from the Washington Field's 9th Ward. It was so inspiring. It was presented by President and Sister Ashton - former mission president and wife, and President Ashton is also the son of Elder Marvin J. Ashton a former apostle. He said that during his initial interview with each newly arrived missionary he would ask them three questions: 1. Can you be exactly obedient to the mission rules? 2. Can you love the people here? 3. Can you have fun? He then would tell them that the most fun thing they will ever do is stand in a baptismal font next to someone they have grown to love and had the privilege of bringing them unto Christ. Of course I thought of Aldste Milne through the entire meeting as well as his two younger brothers. It will be fun to see where Carter and Ty will end up serving. Can you believe that President and Sister Ashton had eight children - four boys and then four girls - and they each served a full-time mission? Wow! That is incredible!
Here is Natalie's letter to Aldste Milne this week:
In 3rd Ne 17:7 Jesus says, “Have ye any that are sick among you? Bring them hither. Have ye any that are lame, or blind, or halt, or maimed or leprous, or that are withered, or that are deaf, or afflicted in any manner? Bring them hither and I will heal them, for I have compassion upon you; my bowels are filled with mercy…I see that your faith is sufficient that I should heal you.” And it came to pass that when he had thus spoken, all the multitude, with one accord, did go forth with their sick and their afflicted, and their lame, and with their blind, and with their dumb, and with all them that were afflicted in any manner; and he did heal them every one as they were brought forth unto him. And they did all, both they who had been healed and they who were whole, bow down at his feet, and did worship him; and as many as could come for the multitude did kiss his feet, insomuch that they did bathe his feet with their tears.
Dear Aldste Milne,
I pray you have had a better week! Last week sounded pretty rough with the exception of the baptismal commitment. What is her name? How is she progressing? Thank you for answering all of those questions. So very interesting! Karlskrona looks beautiful! Is the dialect a little different down South? How do you like it compared to Umea? Does your companion speak fluent English, Finnish, and Swedish? You have been fortunate to have already had two companions from Finland.
This week was eventful. It was "live like a missionary week" for the Stake. So of course I was really busy. The boys did a wonderful job - Carter and Ty. They were companions and went to the Johnstons for dinner. They had quite the day together. They started off gathering fast offerings together, and then Carter bore his testimony during sacrament meeting, and it was amazing. He had all of us in tears. He cried a bit as well, especially when he mentioned you, and what an incredible influence you have been in his life. Ty became quite emotional as well. Tonight after the boys taught their lesson on the Book of Mormon and ate dinner with the Johnston's we all headed to the stake center for a stake fireside on missionary work. They started the meeting with a video of all the current and soon to be missionaries from our stake. You were included! The remainder of the program was given by President and Sister Ashton former mission president and wife. President Ashton is the son of Apostle Marvin J. Ashton. They gave incredible testimonies on missionary work and service, and they strongly emphasized the importance of testifying while teaching because that is when the Spirit is the strongest. President Bangerter concluded the meeting with his testimony and a few really neat experiences from his mission.
I loaded up my car with young women to take them home after the fireside and only made it about a block and discovered that I had a flat tire. Amazingly Bishop Burke Staheli and YM's president Russ Nelson both showed up one after the other to help. They were like angels. Carter came and took the girls home and then dad joined Burke, Russ Nelson, and Russel Todd in changing the tire. Isn't it amazing that dad's two Little League State Championship coaches showed up to help. They really are great guys! Dad sure loves them! I am going to take them gift certificates tomorrow for a free dry cleaning (they were both in their Sunday suits) along with some sort of other treat.
I started my book interviews this week. It was incredible. They were so emotional and draining, but the Spirit was so strong. They are turning out to be 2-3 hour interviews each. These stories are absolutely amazing. Pornography is the most addictive and destructive thing out there. It is rampant, both inside and outside of the church. There is hope, however, there is healing and comfort, but it is a long and arduous journey for all involved. The atonement is the only way through it, coupled with professional help. The interesting part is that those who become addicted always have an underlying problem such as an anxiety disorder that they treat with porn. It becomes their drug of choice, and most of them have been addicted for years. Most start their viewing when they are very young. The scripture I shared this week was one that was referred to during one of my interviews. Surely it applies to each one of us though. We all need healing in one form or another.
Well Dal, dad has told me I should end my novel. I miss you, and no one else really cares to listen to me, so sorry, you are forced to read my nonsense. Take care of yourself son and stay safe! You are amazing! Keep working hard and stay positive. I can't wait to hear from you.
I Love You,
Mom
Aldste Milne's Letter:
Dear Fam,
As always its good to hear from home. Sounds like you guys had quite the Sunday, Carter was telling me about it as well. That's awesome! I love that scripture that you added also. I just read that chapter a couple days ago in my BoM reading. President Newell challenged all the missionaries a couple months ago to start reading the BoM and finish it before he leaves in July. It'll be sad to see him go. On Wednesday we had a zone training in Malmö and we got to do interviews with Newell. He is such a spiritual giant. I wouldn't be surprised to see him go general authority. Anyways we had a pretty solid week. On Tuesday we took a train out to see a member who is struggling with cancer. We did some yard work for her and helped remodel her back wall. It almost felt like I was back working in the old house. She was super nice but so sick. It made me real sad and helped me realize how big of a blessing good health is. She made us some great food also which is always nice. I've really learned to appreciate a nice home cooked meal. I've also decided I need to start expanding my cooking abilities. I'm getting pretty sick of rice and meat everyday haha.
On Thursday, we went over to a members home who lives out on the countryside and helped them out with their farm and garden. Once again I felt like I was back working at the old house. It sure did feel good to do service early in the week but at the same time it made us scramble to get our numbers during the weekend because we didn't have much proselyting time early in the week. Me and Niems went super hard in the paint on friday, saturday, and sunday. We couldn't be denied either, ha I had never been let in so many doors on the spot. Its very rare for missionaries in Sweden to be let right in on a door knock. Usually if they are interested, they'll just give you a day and time when you can come back. But for some reason everyone wanted me and the Fin to come in and talk about Jesus haha. A lot of them were Muslims who just wanted to talk about what the Koran says and Muhammad and all that jazz but we did end up meeting a lot of really solid people too and picked up 2 more baptisimal dates also! One is an African lady from South Africa and the other is a man from Ghana. We met another really positive lady from Lebanon who came to church on Sunday and loved it. We should be getting a date with her soon as well. Yeah so we taught like crazy these last couple days. I had a really nice Sunday, fasting didn't seem to kill me like it usually does and we had a dinner at a member's home that night which was super good. Me and Nieminen are having a good time together, sometimes I worry because I don't know if we are having "too much fun" ha but we work hard and know how to get a job done.
Is the dialect a little different down South?
- A little bit, but its not as bad as I thought it would be. Its not as easy as it was for me up in Umeå but I'm starting to get the hang of it.
How do you like it compared to Umea?
- I like it just as much as Umeå. The weather is nicer down here though. Its hard to compare the two because they are both really good areas.
Does your companion speak fluent English, Finnish, and Swedish?
- yeah he is way good with all three. I have been really lucky to get 2 Finnish comps already.
Anyways thats all I got, love you guys, have a good week!
-Äldste Milne
Here is Blaine's Letter this week:
How are you today? I hope your enjoying your P day. It sounds like you have been working really hard and are having some success with your labors. I am so happy for you. Keep up the diligent work while you have the energy to do so. I think it goes like this. Thrust in your sickle with your might all the day long, so that you can treasure up in heaven while you rest.
I am happy to hear you have realized the importance of good health. You sure look healthy in your pictures. It looks good to see you out on that farm. I am so impressed to hear you feel reminded of working at the old house as you have helped people around their homes over there.
Dallin, keep up the good work. Continue to be aware that Satan wants to have you, and be careful. I admonish you to heed this advice and keep your guard up, especially in this time of happiness and success. Satan wants people to be as miserable as he is. So those people over there who see you as being happy and are following Satan will try to destroy your happiness. Be careful always.
Love,
Big Pappi Milne
I am happy to hear you have realized the importance of good health. You sure look healthy in your pictures. It looks good to see you out on that farm. I am so impressed to hear you feel reminded of working at the old house as you have helped people around their homes over there.
Dallin, keep up the good work. Continue to be aware that Satan wants to have you, and be careful. I admonish you to heed this advice and keep your guard up, especially in this time of happiness and success. Satan wants people to be as miserable as he is. So those people over there who see you as being happy and are following Satan will try to destroy your happiness. Be careful always.
Love,
Big Pappi Milne
Aldste Milne's response to Big Pappi Milne:
Sup Old Man?
We just finished up our ping pong tourney that we do every other monday with some members and non members here at the church. Thought I'd step in real quick and check my email. Good to hear from you dad. How is the garden panning out this year? How is Aunt Irene doing in the house? Carter is telling me that pvhs the only way to be is fighting to hold on to their playoff spot, that's exciting. Keep up the good work with the fam paps you've sure done a great job thus far. Thanks for the tips, I'll keep that stuff in mind.
Much Love,
Dallin Blaine Milne
Karlskrona.....
Zone Conference in Malmo
Malmo
Service on the Blomberg Family Farm
Cool Kids from the Primary Class I Teach Each Week
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