Week 60: Kingwood 2 Ward, Kingwood Stake; Companion Elder Dodge

HAPPY HALLOWEEN 

     I love Halloween! I love the creative decorations people set up and the fun costumes that kids are always so excited to wear . On Saturday we got to go to our ward's Trunk or Treak activity at the church. It was so much fun! It started with a chili cook-off, so I ate very well. Then there were games set up around the church and people with their trunks decorated outside. The only thing that killed the mood was the Sisters showing up "dressed as Elders." They were totally mocking us! I guess it was kind of funny, but I won't tell them that. They already thought they were hilarious  I'll put a picture down below. What was really fun was that the kids in the ward seemed to remember who I am, so they would come up and talk to me. I mean this in the most normal way I can, but I love kids. I don't know if it's just cause I miss the 30+ little cousins I have or if it's just because kids are hilarious. But it was so fun watching all the crazy kids in their weird costumes running around like tornadoes . Elder Dodge accidently bumped into a kid dressed up as SWAT and the kid proceeded to pull out his baton and poke him in the stomach with an angry face. Then he marched away. We were laughing so hard at that. Everyone kept asking why we didn't dress up and I just kept telling them we were FBI. I wish I had brought my aviators... that would have been perfect. A guy suggested we dress up as the sisters since they dressed up as us. I laughed, and then realized he wasn't really kidding. I said "fat chance" and then got some more chili.

     It was a super fun night and I'm glad we got to go. We had invited some of the people we're teaching, but none of them showed up. I understand though, I'm sure everyone had parties they were going to.

     Not much (besides that party) has happened since I last wrote. Elder Dodge and I have been walking all over the area trying to find people that will talk to us. We haven't had much success yet, but I've got faith it'll turn around. God has put people in my path before, I know He can do it again.

     We met with Linda the other night, I think Wednesday night maybe. We talked with her and we all felt that now wasn't the best time for her to take the next step. Her husband has agreed to start going to church with her again, though not this church. But we are all very hopeful at the fact that he's opening up more to going with her. We feel that it's best that she follows his lead for now, so as not to risk driving any kind of wedge in their relationship. I know that the Lord will work something out and eventually circumstances will allow them to progress towards the Covenant path. I am very grateful for getting to know Linda so much. The hope that the Gospel has brought her makes her shine like a beacon and I'm so grateful to have been an instrument in God's hand to bring that hope and peace to her. I just pray that she'll be able to continue with it in the future. 

      I'm not sure if I explained all that very well or if it makes much sense, but I know I feel peace in what we've decided. I know Linda will be given the opportunity again.

     We shared our testimonies with her before leaving and I shared this verse with her as part of my testimony.

     "I glory in plainness; I glory in truth; I glory in my Jesus, for he hath redeemed my soul from hell.

      I have charity for my people, and great faith in Christ that I shall meet many souls spotless at his judgment-seat" (2 Nephi 33: 6-7).

     

        Jesus Christ means everything to me. Without Him there would be no hope for the future. But because of Him, I have all hope for the future. I echo the words of Nephi in this scripture in that I also have great hope and great faith for that day. I know my Redeemer lives, and I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is His kingdom on the earth. The Atonement of Jesus Christ is real and it is sufficient for all of us if we simply give Him our all. Joseph Smith is the prophet of the Restoration and the Book of Mormon is the word of God. Russell M. Nelson is a prophet of God called to lead His church today. 

     I do not just believe these things, I know them to be true. This knowledge came by my study and prayer and I testify that any person can receive this witness if they experiment upon Moroni's words in the last chapter of the Book of Mormon. 

God lives and loves.

Have a great week, don't have too much fun today !

-Elder Peterson 

The Robertson's had us over for donuts last night. They were gooood.

Pictures October 1-31

 

Week 59: Kingwood 2 Ward, Kingwood Stake; Companion Elder Dodge

  I say long week not necessarily because it just felt long, but because it was long. Counting PDays as the beginning of weeks as we do, this last week was 9 days. But I've been okay with it because today we get to go to the temple! 

     I'm also doing an exchange tonight... it's gonna be a crazy day.

     This past week has also been long because it's a been a little slow. We've been losing our teaching pool lately and we barely have anyone left to talk to. This isn't bad though, all the people who aren't talking to us anymore weren't very interested, so it's good to move on from them. Because of the lack of people to talk to, we've been doing a lot of street contacting. I'm honestly surprised we weren't able to set up a lesson with anyone new. Kingwood is being more stubborn than usual lately. 

     We did get in contact with Austin again, after not talking to him in two weeks. He accidently gave us the wrong number, so none of our texts went through to him. We caught him on Sunday though and fixed it up. We also had a cool conversation about why there's sin in the world and what would happen if everyone was just perfect. It was an interesting question and we had a good conversation. He also scheduled to meet with us at the church on Sunday, so that's sweet. He's a cool kid and he says he has lots of questions, so I'm excited to meet with him again.

     Linda has been super busy all of last week up until now, so we haven't been able to meet with her at all. She has read a little bit, but yesterday she told us she hasn't read at all over the weekend. We asked if she's noticed a difference on the days she does and doesn't read and she said yes. She noticed that the days she does read on are typically a better day because of it. That was when I threw my hands up and, in my head, said "then why don't you read everyday!?" I was about to say this, but she kinda said it for me. She's understanding the importance, that makes me happy. We also gave her some advice about bringing up baptism to her husband and she jokingly said "you're too young to have good advice!" She did like what we suggested though, and agreed to try it. 

     We did a blitz with the Zone Leaders this past week and it was fun. Elder Jackson and I went to the top of our area and talked to EVERYONE. But no one cares to strenghten their faith in Jesus Christ I guess. All we got was a bunch of "no"s and lame exuses. Those will come back to bite you eventually! At one house Elder Jackson complimented the guy's mustache. The guy and myself laughed and Elder Jackson was a little confused, cause he was totally genuine. Funny guy. 

     I can't think of anything else that happened that is interesting enough to put here... I'll share a scripture I liked from my studies. Alma 37:46

"O my son, do not let us be slothful because of the easiness of the way; for so was it with our fathers; for so was it prepared for them, that if they would look they might live; even so it is with us. The way is prepared, and if we will look we may live forever.

     This verse got me thinking about something I've noticed with members of the church (myself included sometimes). We often get comfortable in the way life is going and forget that there is always stuff for us to do. 2 Nephi 31:20 teaches us that we are not ever done. There is always something to improve and ways we can show greater faith and dedication to God. We know the way and because of that I think we get a little slothful sometimes. We must focus on the little things as well as the great, because it is by small and simple things that great things are brought to pass. Let's avoid getting carried away by the fact that we have the truth and the restored gospel. There is still much to do and God does not tolerate slothfulness. Look forward to the goal and never lean from it.

     I often wonder how many people get this email... My mother does the distribution for me, so I really don't know. I assume more than just my grandparents and siblings (I doubt my siblings even read these anyway). 

     Have a good week!

-Elder Peterson

Our apartment had a pupkin carving contest yesterday. We don't know who won yet, but we feel pretty good about ours.

I'm not doing very good with the photos... I'll do better.

Week 58: Kingwood 2 Ward, Kingwood Stake; Companion Elder Dodge

 On Wednesday Elder Dodge, Elder Simpson, and I fasted with Linda to help her receive revelation as to what she should do. She wants to be baptized, but she fears that doing so would create a rift between her and her husband (who, if you don't remember, is very against our church). The next day she told us that she really enjoyed the fast and that she would do it again sometime. I kept asking if it helped her with her questions and I didn't really get an solid answers. I think it has though, She told us that she brought up baptism to her husband. He pretty much did what I expected. He said she can do whatever she wants, but he won't support her in joining the church. That really bugged all of us, but it is what it is. We just keep praying for Mel and Linda. 

     That same day we began an exchange with our Zone Leaders, Elder Smith and Jackson. I went with Elder Smith, which was awesome for several reasons. One, because we were in the same group of new missionaries and we even sat in the same row on the airplane (Elder Nestripke between us). But it was even cooler because he is from Boise! He went to Centennial High School, if that sounds familiar to any of you. I'm also not sure if I spelled it right, but I don't care too much. He and I had a great exchange and we talked about places back home almost the entire time. Roaring Springs, Wahooz, Eagle Bike Park, Tablerock, Little Gem Cycle Park, etc. He was a mountain biker, so we've also been to a lot of the same trails, at least the ones I rode my dirtbike on. It was a conversation I didn't know I needed. It didn't make me homesick at all, it just brought back a waterfall of good memories. He's also got an envelope with some sage brush in it and he had me smell it. I tell you, when I sniffed that stuff I was immediately taken back to coyote hunting with Grandpa. That one did make me miss home a bit. I didn't realize I haven't smelled sage brush in over a year. The whole exchange was a trip down memory lane. We also had some good contacts. We were supposed to have a couple of lessons, but they both fell through, so we did a lot of walking. We knocked on one door and a little girl opens the door and goes "We aren't interested, you can go now." And then she shut the door. It was pretty funny. 

     On Friday we had district council and it was great. I have been so busy with meetings and phone calls every morning and night that I barely had any time to prepare for DC. It turned out alright though, I actually ran out of time before I could get to everything I wanted to. We had a great discussion about faith and what it truly is. One of the scriptures we discussed that stood out to me a lot was Jacob 4:6. I love how getting faith is explained as well as the power that come from faith in God. Great stuff.

     I'm not sure why I made the car show a part of the subject for this email, but I'm not going to bother changing it. The car show was yesterday afternoon. There were some REALLY cool cars that I could have stared at all day. We also ran into Elder and Sister Robertson looking at all of them. They are a senior couple that works in the mission office. We all walked around and admired the cars for a while. I'll put some pictures of my favorite ones down below. 

     We had a cool experience on Saturday. We stopped by the house of a guy who had been a referral when I first got to the area (about 3+ months ago). Elder Simpson and I were never able to get a hold of him. Elder Dodge and I were able to on Saturday though! Turns out he's a high schooler and a very big one at that. He's probably about 6'8" (at least) and 300lbs (at least). HUGE kid. I've never felt so small while sharing the restoration. Which, he took very well I might add. He told us he'd like to learn more and that we can come by on Thursday. It was awesome, he has so many good questions that I wish everyone would ask. Like, why are there so many churches in the world? Why do we need a Savior? Why do pregnant women die, without their child having an opportunity to even have a life? GREAT questions, we are very excited to meet with this kid. This goliath of a kid.

     So my week has been pretty good, how has yours been? I know my sister went to Disneyland, which is cool. I guess. I hope you are all doing well. I'm not sure exactly who gets these emails and who actually reads them, but I'm sure I really do hope you're doing well. I have very few enemies, no need to worry. Anyway... Bye.

-Elder Peterson

Some cool cars and then Elder Smith trying on a weird hat from a gas station.

Week 57: Kingwood 2 Ward, Kingwood Stake; Companion Elder Dodge

 Isn't that wild? It doesn't feal real. I've been out here for 13 months but it only feels like it's been maybe one or two months (sometimes it also feels like I've lived here my whole life, it's weird). Time is FLYING. 

     This week has been fun and a little bit overwhelming. This is my first time being district leader, and I'm leading the area, and training Elder Dodge on how to be a technology specialist, and I'm the district social media representative (that last one is pretty funny cause I am not great with social media). But it's going great! Friday was the first time I've led a district council, it was awesome. We talked about what it means to be diligent, why diligence is important, and how to be a diligent missionary. Everyone had great insights and we all learned a lot about the importance of being obedient and diligent in our work. 

     Elder Dodge and I have been biking around all week. We've lost contact with a lot of people, so we are working on finding out who is actually interested or not. I'm used to riding a bike at this point and I keep forgetting that Elder Dodge is not. I look behind me sometimes and see him a ways behind me. I need to slow down and let him adjust, I have to keep apolgizing for going too fast. He's having a good time though, I think. He has the bike his dad used on his mission, so that's pretty cool. It seems to be a pretty nice bike as well. 

     Linda was going to come to curch on Sunday, but she got caught up with other things. She's doing great though. Last week we got her a copy of Come Follow Me (the Book of Mormon one) so she can have a better understanding of the Book of Mormon. We met with her yesterday and she's been using it! She can't find her copy of the Book of Mormon though. I'll be honest, I have a feeling her husband may have taken it. He is pretty against the "mormon cult." But we downloaded the Gospel Library app on her phone for her, so she now has a copy with her always. She has been struggling to know what she should do. She wants to be baptized, but she is scared to bring it up to her husband because she is worried of what it might do to her relationship with him. Which I understand. Towards the end of the discussion we were trying to think of what she should do. I got an impression that I'll admit I didn't completely want to act on. But I did anyway. I brought up fasting and explained what it is and why we do it. I suggested that we fast about it together and she loved the idea. The only reason I didn't completely want to suggest it was because we had just fasted this past Sunday. But helping Linda find her answer is more important than food to me, so I am happy to fast again.

     Oh yeah, fun story. The other day we were biking by a park and some kids who were playing basketball shouted at us to come play. So I did, of course. I join this game wearing a longsleeve white shirt, a tie, pants, and non-athletic shoes. It was so fun. There was a couple kids that were pretty good and they kept trying to pull moves on me. One kid got a little arrogant and started taunting me, so I stole the ball and made a layup. It was great, we were all laughing and having a good time. I got a picture with them that I'll put in here. It was actually two of the kids' birthday, so I hope playing with "white shirt" was a fun birthday experience.

     Studying Alma 32 this week helped me realize something. The word of God can be planted in our hearts in many ways. We know that other churches have truth, just not a fullness. So lots of people of other faiths have planted the seed in their heart, they just need help nourishing it and getting rid of the weeds. Kinda cool to think about. God loves all of His children, of course He'd allow other religions to teach parts of the true Gospel.

I'm gonna go shopping now. Have a good week!

-Elder Peterson

Here's the basketball kids. I know I look like a tomato, I was playing in a long sleeve shirt and pants!

We also came across a group of "bikers" that talked to us a little.

New assignment for Elder Peterson

THE CHURCH OF

JESUS CHRIST

OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

Texas Houston East Mission

19618 Atasca Oaks Dr.

Humble, TX 77346-2005

October 7, 2022

Dear Brother and Sister Peterson,

Your son, Elder Ryker Jeremy Peterson, has been assigned to serve as a District Leader in the

Kingwood Zone of the Texas Houston East Mission. I appreciate the diligent service he has

rendered in our Mission. He has distinguished himself as a fine missionary through his humility,

spirituality, and dedication. I know he will continue to use these Christ-like attributes as he

provides leadership in his district.

As a District Leader, he may have several companionships under his stewardship. It will be his

responsibility to direct the proselyting efforts of all the missionaries in his district. He will work

very closely with the Zone Leader to see that each missionary in his district learns more about

this sacred work, increases in faith and testimony and becomes a “Preach My Gospel

Missionary”.

This is a great responsibility. Please encourage him and exercise faith and prayers in his behalf

to help him achieve his full potential as a leader and as a missionary. May the Lord continue to

bless you as you support your missionary in the service of the Lord.

Sincerely,

Troy D. Larkin

President, Texas Houston East Mission

Week 56: Kingwood 2 Ward, Kingwood Stake; Companion Elder Dodge

   I could write a very long email about all the stuff I learned and loved from General Conference, but I will instead just share one or two things I really liked.  

     

     Elder Renlund, Saturday morning, talked about personal revelation and revelation in general. I really liked when he talked about asking for something that has already been revealed. I wish I could put the actual quote here, but the talks don't seem to be on Gospel Library quite yet. He says something along these lines: When we pray about something God has already given clear direction on, we risk deceiving ourselves. He says that in this we may deceive ourselves into believing what we want to believe. I found this very interesting, I've wondered about this in the past. I think he gave an example about church going, which was also interesting to me because I know a lot of people that have deceived themselves into thinking they don't need to go to church or that working or playing is more important. Personal revelation is an amazing thing, I've gotten that "I've already answered this question" response many times actually. Another thing from his talk that is worth noting, ONLY the Prophet receives revelation for the church. "God's house is a house of order..."

     I also want to mention President Nelson's Sunday morning talk. He spoke a lot about overcoming the natural man and staying true to our covenants. What I liked was his message that this world cannot bring the true joy that Jesus Christ brings as we turn to Him. You'd be surprised if I told you how many athiests I've met in Texas. Only about 2 or 3 actually. The reason I mention that is because of a conversation I had with one this weekend. I think it was Sunday evening. We met a man named Raul who claimed to be an athiest. I don't know if I've gotten into this before, but I find atheists very frustrating sometimes. Do you remember the story of Korihor in Alma 30? Well, essentially it doesn't work. There is absolutely no way to claim God is not real. It is completely impossible to prove that He doesn't exist. While on the other hand, everything that we can perceive points to the existence of a supreme creator. I will resist ranting about that and get to the point. Raul has had a pretty good life. He says that he has great relationships with all of his family members and that none of his relatives really ever fight. He is living in Kingwood, so he is probably doing just fine financially as well. He is the first athiest I've ever tried really hard to talk to. They've always brushed us away when we come across them, but I wasn't having it this time. I testified to him that while I also have a fantastic family, it would not be nearly as great as it is without the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He told us that his family is very important to him, so I told him that what we have to share builds on that and brings families closer together. No matter how close you think your family is, the bond can always be strengthened. Remembering President Nelson's talk I also testified that true joy does not come from the things of this world. I told him that my family is amazing because we have the Gospel of Jesus Christ and we strive to live by it. The conversation went on for a minute and eventually he agreed to let us come by sometime to share a quick message. He still doesn't seem very interested, but who knows? Maybe he'll drop the Korihor act and reach for a better way of living.

     

     Oh yeah, Elder Simpson is getting transfered today, my new companion is Elder Dodge. I'll meet him later today. He's actually one of Elder Simpson's trainers. Another change is that I am now the District Leader. Along with District Social Media Representative and Technology Specialist. Lots of responsibility, this will be a fun transfer. As is custom, we were driving around the ward yesterday so Elder Simpson could say his goodbyes (he's been here for almost 5 months!). We also stopped by Linda and it turned into a little lesson. She asked some great questions about baptism and about some points of doctrine. We have a Come Follow Me manual for the Book of Mormon and she is really excited to have it, she has a hard time understanding the scriptures. She also said she wants to watch some General Conference as well. She didn't get to this weekend because she had a lot of family in town. But she wants to watch some since it is recorded. Elder Simpson shared his testimony with her and held nothing back since he's out of here. I really think she felt the Spirit, it was a powerful testimony. They got a picture and then we headed off. Elder Simpson will be missed by a lot of people, me included. We've had a lot of fun working together.

     

     I think that's about all I've got right now. I hope you all have a good week. I'm excited to study the talks from conference this week, I hope ya'll are as well.

-Elder Peterson

I tried cooking a pound of ground beef into a patty... it didn't work very well...

And Elder Simpson totally broke the door frame