Green Day

Oi Familia e Amigos!

 

Elder Hougaard and I are a simple companionship again. Jacob Beck, our mini-missionary left our fold on Thursday and will be submitting his mission papers soon. I am so excited to see where the lord wants him to go. If it's Curitiba, I may punch a hole through the wall, like Jacob did when Texas University beat USC in a football game a few long years ago. It was a pleasure to work with someone so eager to learn. He is very talented with music as well. I look forward to the days when I can bring my children to his concerts and wear his band shirts. I've attached a picture of him so all can see how cute he really is.

 

I haven't had the chance of seeing any leprechauns or 4 leaf clovers this St. Patrick's Day, but I did get to see another pot of golden miracles as I do weekly. Albany is known for holding a Gigantic annual St. Patrick's parade and festival, so we had to lay low this weekend. Both New Yorkers and Irishmen share a liking for alcoholic beverages, so there were many drunk people walking around town in this area, but the work didn't stop from moving nobly, boldly, and independent.

 

Elder Hougaard and I made a St. Patrick's resolution to contact EVERY less-active member in this area by weeks end, so we are both very excited about that. We are trying to work more with less-active members because many of them are unaware that there is a new building and haven't been contacted by anyone from the church for a very long time. This past week we were finally able to have a lesson with a less-active member named Georgette Tillman. She had become muslim after being a member when she married her husband. Her husband and her split and now she isn't practicing in that faith. We were able to re-kindle the faith she felt when meeting with missionaries so long ago. She desired to come to church, but when she walked out the door she slipped a couple of times on the frozen roads and got pretty bruised up. In the 5 months I've walked through these frozen plains, I have only slipped once. Some people just aren't so lucky. We hope to see her back at church this upcoming Sunday!

 

I realize that I failed to mention last week that Eileen Johnson is officially a non-smoker! After a lifelong habit of smoking 7 cigarettes a day, she was able to cleanse her body of toxins in just 7 days. Dreams really do come true. She is so dedicated to join the church, it's inspiring. She has been pretty stressed lately with the kids and work, so we weren't able to meet with her this week. She is currently praying for the opportunity to find a new job that doesn't have her working on Sundays. Since she has only been able to come to church once, we have dropped their baptismal date. I am so hopeful that she will be able to come soon. God will provide for her needs and she will be right back on date.

 

Christian is still reading and praying daily! We are reading the Book of Mormon with him from where he is at and answering his questions. He too, is dedicated. He wants to bump his baptismal date a week earlier, on May 3rd, which means he has faith that he will understand the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith, and the Church. Yes.

Remember Jareth and Susanna, the couple from Ecuador? Susanna is investigating and Jareth is becoming re-activated. We had a spiritual meeting with them this week and talked about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (Faith, Repentance, Baptism, Recieving the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and Enduring to the End). At the end of it, Susanna gave a very sincere spanish prayer and began to cry as she expressed gratitude for having good men coming into her life when she needs them most. It was very touching. We really look forward to seeing her progression and the changes she is making in her life.

 

I love being a missionary, I really do, even though I say that every week. It's such a blessing to have been raised with a gospel of happiness. Many people don't have what we have. Many families and individuals are living in difficult circumstances and don't know how to find peace. It is such a pleasure to help these people, no matter where I am. I am just so grateful to have what I have. The lord has me here in New York for so long for a reason. My calling is inspired.

 

Each one of you is in my prayers. Have a happy spring!

 

Be blessed,

 

Elder Kunzler

O Evangelho Abencoa as Familias

Hey Family!

 

I would really like to catch up on replying to some of your emails, so this one may be a bit shorter than most. Please forgive me.

 

I began my week on an exchange in Troy, New York. This is where Uncle Sam was invented. I have been there before on an exchange, but it was really great to help out Elder Koga with his work over there and get to know some of the members of the Albany ward. I had a very enjoyable experience because I love Elder Koga and I love exchanges. We found a graet potential who looks like Mace Windu. Maybe I'll name my firstborn Mace.

 

Currently we are in a tri-panionship. Jake Beck, an 18 year old youth from Elmira is assisting us in the work. He is EXACTLY like Alec Scott, in fact, it is him, in a different body. Jake Beck is an indie who is on a lifelong pusuit to follow his dreams. But really it has been a great opportunity for me to teach someone a few tricks with missionary work. He is very eager to learn things that will help help for his real mission. He goes home on Thursday.

 

A couple months ago we met a guy named Kenneth sitting on a bench who seemed really depressed, so we talked to him. He expressed that he had been going through a lot in his life, with the recent dramatic death of his wife. We were able to finally able to meet with him this week after months of trying to contact him. We gave him a message of hope including parts of the Plan of Salvation. It was easy to feel the spirit. He committed to being baptized, and we will follow up with him on a date this week.

 

Thank you all for always beginning my Mondays bright with a plenthora of all your emails. I can really feel a closeness to you and I really enjoy reading how you all are doing. I have no idea who I would be without the amount of support I have.

 

Tem um otimo semana,

 

Elder Kunzler

Os Dons Espirituais

My dearests,

I am so excited to share with you a few really cool things that are going on here in downtown Albany. I am engulfed in miracles each and every week.

On Wednesday, Eileen Johnson will officially be a non-smoker! We will be celebrating at their home with a large array of snacks, surprises, and even the movie "Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration," the film they play at Temple Square. Eileen has been so dedicated. She deserves this satisfaction from her father in heaven. We gave her the mission's stop smoking program, which includes drinking Unsweetened Grapefruit Juice after every meal and washing her mouth with strong cinnamon mouthwash, as well as several other strange yet useful tactics to quit smoking. She has really developed a close relationship with her father in heaven through sincere prayer in the process. We are so excited for her new life as a clean temple.

Christian Yarleque has chosen to be baptized on May 10th, Maritza's Birthday. I cannot express how much excitement I have for him and his progression. The missionaries have been teaching him for about 7 months, so the only thing he really needs between now and his date is a strong testimony of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. We have been meeting with him twice a week, just feasting upon the words of Christ with him. The more he reads the Book of Mormon, the more excitement he has about it. I love love it!

Something cool you might enjoying is that a youth from Elmira, New York will be joining the companionship of Elder Hougaard and Elder Kunzler this Wednesday for a week. President Wirthlin is encouraging mini-missions throughout the mission to give the future missionaries of the church a glimpse of what missionary life is like. While Elder Hougaard was in Elmira, his companion had to be emergency transferred out and was replaced with this same young man for a week. Elder Hougaard loves him with a fiery passion, so I am excited to serve with him.

This week we met a man on the streets named David Ventura who expressed gratitude in finally bumping into some missionaries, and said he loves what our church teaches as opposed to other churches. We met with him in a coffee shop later in the week and talked about the restoration. He wanted us to convince him that the church is true without him trying to find out for himself, it was very weird. He really wanted to know deep things like the nature of God and how we will one day become Gods. All we told him was that the answers to our questions come through sincere desire, faith leading to action, and diligence in studying the scriptures. We told him that the answers to our difficult questions are much more simple than we think. He accepted to read the Book of Mormon and pray about it to gain a testimony of it, Joseph Smith, and that this church is true.

Then, Sunday morning, when I was filling out a record of people we met with this week, I perused through the branch directory and found the name "David Cats Ventura." The branch had lost contact with this guy for like 8 years. In Branch council, we talked about our meeting with him, and President McGreevy asked if he fit a certain description, and he fit it perfectly, born in Miami, Florida and all. We were shocked. Either there are two David Venturas meandering through the cold plains of New York, or there is one who doesn't have any recollection of his baptism, with the middle name of CATS. There is one way to find out, we have to ask David if his middle name is Cats somehow this week. The story will continue next week, I'm sure.

Something very valuable I learned about this week through spiritual study is that we all have been blessed with spiritual gifts. These gifts can be found in D&C 46, 1 Corinthians 12, or even the hymn "More Holiness Give Me." Each of us has been given many or few of these gifts for the use of edifying and lifting those around us, bringing them and us closer to Christ. Jacob might be a scholar, able to exceed any test far above the standards that top rated schools might have set, or even be very sociable, being very friendly with everyone he comes into contact with. Josh might have the ability to make any member of the opposite sex fall in love with him without him even talking to them, and have a remarkable Christlike love for those around him. I might be very organized and able to remember things that happened deep into the past. Jonah might be diligent in doing those things that are most important and filling himself with good things that strengthen his testimony. Jaden might be able to lighten the mood when others are upset, and attract others around him to his kindness and firmness to doing what's right.

The main tactic Satan uses to make us lose sight of these things is the feeling of inadequacy. The adversary wants us to lose our self-confidence by comparing ourselves to others who receive plaudits or have different gifts, something destructive that can make us lose sight that we are children of God. We have weaknesses too, which are good to have. After all, we all need to have things to improve at on this road to perfection we are all on.

I love you all so much, and I thank the lord every single day for the Christlike examples I have been blessed with in my life. Life is so much more enjoyable with all you in my life.

Com muito amor,

Elder Kunzler

A Reuniao de Siao

My pal Elder J-Ohnson 'bout to leave

'ey!

Boy oh boy do I love life right now. Christian Yarleque has FINALMENTE committed to being baptized. Christian Yarleque is the wonderful Peruvian man whom I write about weekly, in case you've forgotten. His wife was baptized on the 15th of February.

Here's the Historia:

Yesternight we had the divine opportunity to teach their family for the first time after Maritza's baptism, since they've been pretty busy moving to a new apartment complex. We both felt inspired to talk about baptism even though Maritza has already been baptized, and warm up the spirit until it was hot enough to invite Christian to be baptized. Just like Remigio from the District 2, Christian said, "I need.. more.. time." We were so sad, but we kept our faith and persistence and tried to resolve his concerns of being baptized without being too pushy, but he didn't seem to change his mind. At the end of the lesson, Elder Hougaard and I bore simple testimony of the Book of Mormon, then, Christian said, "Maybe a little push towards a date will be good for me." Then we set a date for April 12th. O EVANGELHO E VERDADEIRO!!

A couple days ago on the bus back to our apartment from teaching the Johnson family, we experienced a miracle. I really felt prompted to talk to the bus driver and begin proclaming the words of eternal life, so I was obedient. The lady's name was Mary Beth, and she was depressed. She told me that she had hoped that I would talk to her because we seemed to be happy people. She said that within the past 5 or so years, just about everything bad happened to her- it was very sad. She lives alone and her only family in Albany is her sister, who is married and has a life of her own, and Mary Beth is afraid to bother her. I gave her some words of comfort about the Plan of Salvation, we recieved her contact information, and we will be meeting with her this week. There is nothing that can fill an empty soul but the Gospel. I love being a conduit of the spirit.

On Tuesday we began teaching a language class with the sisters for those who can't speak English, to better our finding efforts, and guess who showed up? The Burmese couple that Elder LaCario and I helped shovel out of their driveway last week on an exchange. My heart was warmed at least 4 degrees. I was able to train the father, whose name I cannot pronounce or spell, how to say the words, "Hello" and "I am Excited." He tried with much earnest. They are now reading the Book of Mormon, and we'll see them again tomorrow night.

The State University of New York now wants Elder Hougaard and I to be involved with their interfaith program, where we teach classrooms who study religion about our religion. If we get permission from President Wirthlin, this will be an excellent opportunity to find, teach, and baptize. Apparently back when Romney was running for president, a lot of students were interested in our beliefs, and the Interfaith program director tried calling our church a couple times to get a couple of representatives to come teach them, but sadly nobody answers the phones at the church.

Yesterday I spoke to the Branch about conversion. My favorite part about giving a talk is the new knowledge I gain from preparing it. In Helaman 15: 7-8, Samuel the Lamanite outlines the process of conversion. In order to experience the mighty change of heart we must talk to our father in heaven with humility and repent. If we desire to change, we can through the atonement, but only if show godly sorrow, a sincere heart, and a contrite spirit. Only through this pattern can we remain firm and steadfast with faith until the end. I know this. It has happened to me. I am still becoming converted here in New York.

I love you all much, and think of you oft.

Muito amor para voces,

Elder Kunzler

Birthday Boi

O Batismo!

Hey!

 

Happy President's Day!

 

Maritza Yarleque's baptism was incredible! Half of the service was done in Spanish. I could probably understand about 30% of the spanish, which was a tender mercy. Regardless of the language, the spirit was felt very strongly. At the end, Elder Hougaard and I had the opportunity to share our testimonies to the Yarleque family. I was a great moment that I will remember for a very long time.

 

Elder Hougaard and I will be staying here another 6 weeks! We are going to be filled to the brim with miracles this transfer, I can feel it. We have many baptisms aligned to happen this transfer. I'm so so excited to be able to be at the Johnson family's baptism!

 

Eileen Johnson is beginning her adventure of the Stop Smoking Program that is used throughout the mission tonight! Elder Hougaard and I are going to work with her to remove these poisons from her life. We are each going to try to give up something we have bad habits with so she doesn't feel alone, even though they won't be as difficult to give up as stopping smoking. I am going to give up quoting too many movies and music! Cheer for us!

 

We have a new investigator! Her name is Shaquinta Lace. The sisters met her at the grocery store and she expressed many concerns about life that related perfectly with the Plan of Salvation. I began teaching her on an exchange with Elder Lacario at the Albany Public Library. We outlined the missionary visits and found out her questions, needs, concerns, etc. We briefly taught her about the Book of Mormon and its ability to provide peace in this life. She committed to being baptized!

 

Many people are coming unto Christ in this area. The amount of people we have been teaching here has really shot up these past few months because of our faith to find, teach, and baptize. I am so grateful to worthy to enjoy these blessings that are coming. I love being a missionary.

 

Enjoy life this week.

 

Love,

 

Elder Kunzler

 

P.S. Just so you are all aware, I do not know when the visa to Brazil will be processed. I applied for an FBI Clearance about 4 weeks ago, and it is about halfway through the process. This is the final document the embassy needs. I don't how long it will be until President Wirthlin will call, but I will be leaving for Brazil within a week from when I get that call.

We all have work. Let no one shirk

Oi.

 

What does the verb shirk mean? Does it mean to struggle?

 

So there's been a few blizzards in Oregon, huh? Does it look kind of like that scene from Mulan when the snowstorm buries all of the Huns into the snow except for the hairs on the tops of their heads? That reminds me of those times when I used to rejoice when school was cancelled because those were usually the days a giant paper was due. :)

 

If it brings any solace, we had a big snowstorm on Wednesday this week and were told by the assistants to stay in the apartment most of the day, being in one of the few walking areas of the mission. We spent most of the day deep cleaning the apartment.

 

So

 

Maritza Yarleque passed her baptismal interview with flying colors. I've never understood what flying colors are, but the bald man who signed my eagle scout certificate made me feel warm inside when he said that to 15 year old me. She was quite nervous, but is prepared to take this important step in her life. Elder Hougaard and I couldn't be more excited. I'll send pictures next week!

 

We have officially finished teaching the Johnson family about the Plan of Salvation. It takes us about 3-4 meetings to teach them each of the lessons, since we try to make sure each of the children understand what we teach them. We began using an old white board from our apartment to teach them this. Elder Hougaard bribed them with treats if they could guess each of the steps of the Plan of Salvation on the board, so they got really hyper and shouted answers and about tackled my companion off his chair. It was the best.

 

We had a very good Sunday this week. 8 of our investigators came, A NEWWW RECORD! Eileen Johnson was able to get off work this week to join us with her kids. I'm telling you, that family was meant to be members of our church. They love primary, young men's, and relief society. After church, Robert, the 13 year old, found me speaking in Portuguese to a member of our branch. He was curious why I could speak a different language until a friend he had made told him I was awaiting my visa to go to Brazil. He ran up to me and said, "Elder Kunzler, you can't go to Brazil! You gotta give us the gospel!" I chuckled.

 

This member I was talking to in Portuguese, Jairo Ruiz, from Ecuador, introduced us to his friends from Ecuador this week-Jareth and Susanna Gonzalez. Jareth is an inactive member but wants to come back to church. Susanna is not a member. We taught her about the Book of Mormon and it's role in conversion. She accepted to be baptized after she recieves her answer!

 

As you have read, there are many incredible things that are happening and will continue to happen in this extraordinary work. Being a missionary is a god given gift. I cannot describe how good I feel on a daily basis. Continue sharing the gospel with your friends, treasuring the scriptures, and praying with deep sincerity. By doing so you can experience the same level of joy and feel the heavens open to you.

 

With much love,

 

Elder Kunzler

Yew Nork

 

My beautiful family,

 

This week has been a grand one for missionary work in Albany, New York. I would like to share with you a couple of neat things that are going on here on the eastern front.

 

Maritza, the matriarch of the Yarleque family from Peru who I've been meeting with weekly for the past four months is getting baptized next week! We have been meeting with her about twice as much. On Friday we went over the baptismal interview questions with her, and she seemed exTREMEly nervous. She had studied the entire Book of Mormon, fearing that the Interview was a questionnaire of how well she knew the Book of Mormon. To her shock, she realized we weren't giving her a Book of Mormon multiple choice final. She will recieve many new blessings from studying the deep details of the Book of Mormon though. She is very prepared for baptism and loves the gospel. I'm excited to see her take this important step, and hopefully her husband will decide to be baptized from feeling the spirit at the service!

 

Eileen Johnson and her large family is progressing so fast! They all came to church yesterday and LOVED it. Sarahji (a boy), her nine year old son about went up to bear his testimony at the (tail) end of the testimony meeting, but President McGreevy walked up to the podium before witnessing little Sarahji struggling to make his way to the front. I wonder what he would have said, since he don't know much about the gospel quite yet. I'll keep you updated on their progression.

 

On Thursday, we spent a couple of hours sitting at a table at the State University of New York commons to share the gospel with some teens. It was probably the most fun finding activity I've done here in New York. It was very successful too! In the two hours we were there, we placed four Books of Mormon and picked up 6 potential 'gators. I had an interesting conversation with a Jewish man who was interesting in knowing our beliefs. I was able to learn a few new things about Judaism as well. He asked me why we proselyte as missionaries, since he said it is forbidden in his religion. I told him that Christ says several times in the New Testament that we are commanded to share the gospel.

 

Later that night, I thought a great deal about this, and how important it is to share the gospel. I realized I wouldn't have the happiness I have today if my ancestors hadn't responded to the missionaries. The gospel is meant to be shared. I am so grateful to be one worthy to share it. There very few things I love more.

 

Family, I know that as you prayerfully seek for opportunities to share the gospel, you too can feel that these "good tidings" bring "great joy." Being a missionary is the best.

 

Have an excellent week,

 

Elder Kunzler