Short sleeve weather and Elder Dube

Hey everyone!

It is so good to email you all today. To start, I just want to say good riddance to winter and HELLO SPRING! The snow and cold has all dissipated and now we relish in 65 to 85+ degree weather with beautiful sunshine beaming down upon us! This could be a wonderful gift from Heavenly Father and a sign that the rest of the year will be great.

Story Time:

This last weekend we were blessed to have Elder Edward Dube of the Quorum of the Seventy speak to us at Stake Conference. He is super funny; from Zimbabwe, Africa; and is an amazing man. He spoke about a lot of things, particularly the importance of the Book of Mormon, missionary work from EVERY member of God's church, and letting go of things that halt our progression. As he spoke with us Saturday evening (he led a discussion rather than a formal talk), he asked if any of the missionaries present had their Preach My Gospel books with them. He waited and all the missionaries looked at each other and realized their mistake, they had all forgot their books! I was eager to participate in the discussion and hadn't since no other missionaries had at that point.

Time to rewind:

As Elder Coles and I were preparing to be picked up to go to the Saturday Evening session, I felt prompted to grab my Preach My Gospel. I knew that sometimes (not very often though) that general authorities liked to read from it during their talks. So I put it into my bag and headed out.

Back to the story. As everyone looked around for someone to be prepared, I pulled out my Preach My Gospel and raised it high in the air and Elder Dube motioned for me to come up with him to the stand. I walked up the entire length of the chapel and rested my book on the podium. He then asked me to read from Section 1: Your Purpose, subsection A Successful Missionary. He pointed out a line and I read "Your success as a missionary is measured primarily by your commitment to find, teach, baptize, and confirm people and to help them become faithful members of the Church who enjoy the presence of the Holy Ghost" (emphasis added). He then told the congregation that the success of missionary work, for both members and missionaries alike, is based on the willingness and effort we give to spread the Gospel. It is not based on the success of someone being baptized. He then had me read "Avoid comparing yourself to other missionaries and measuring the outward results of your efforts against theirs" (emphasis added), to show that principle and reminding the congregation that people have agency to act for themselves. He then turned to me and asked how I would feel if I saw other missionaries having baptisms and if I had none. I responded and said that it wouldn't bother me since it is all God's work and effort is all that is required. He smiled and said "That's a good answer." The last thing he had me read was "When you have done your very best, you may still experience disappointments, but you will not be disappointed in yourself. You can feel certain that the Lord is pleased when you feel the Spirit working through you." He then thanked me and I went back to my seat. I was on Cloud 9 and I just felt the spirit so strongly as I reflected upon this experience I had just had. After the meeting, I was able to shake his hand and he again thanked me for being prepared. He said he almost used his phone, which he doesn't like to do, until I raised my book. It will be an experience I will never forget.

I encourage us all to take up Elder Dube's invitation he gave to us at conference. He committed us to read the Book of Mormon every day, even if it is just a verse; and to also help bring a friend, member or non-member, to church and help them feel the love God has for them in the next 6 months. I know that God places us in positions where we can bless our fellow brothers and sisters with a message of the Gospel. I bear my witness and testimony that God has truly and fully restored His church here upon the earth in our day, and that this church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, is that church. I love you all and I pray that you may feel God's love for you as I did this weekend. In the name of our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, amen.

Elder Melanson

Below:

1) The district I've been the District leader for the last month and a half

2) Temple picture from last week

3-4) Pictures of the glorious weather we are having!

Conference and Temple

Hey Everyone!

I hope you all were able to enjoy General Conference! Although some of you are not members of the Church, I would still highly recommend you go to:

https://www.lds.org/general-conference?cid=HP_SU_2-4-2017_dPFD_fGC_xLIDyL1-B_&lang=eng

There were some great discussions given by the leaders of the church and some of my personal favorites came from Yoon Hwan Choi, Joaquin E. Costa, and Dieter F. Uchtdorf (priesthood session). All the talks from these inspired men of God gave me such great strength and knowledge to continue onward in the mission. I pray that everyone who receives this email will take some time and listen to at least one talk that was spoken over these last two days.

The only other major thing that happened this last week was the opportunity to also go to the temple once again. I have pictures, but I will have to send them next week, sorry. I was so happy to go again to the wonderful house of the Lord and to reside in a place of peace. I went with a question in mind, and I was able to receive an answer. I am so grateful that God has restored His true church here on the earth and that we, His children, have the ability to speak to Him.

I pray that God will continue to lead us all to where He wants us to be and that we will all be able to feel joy and peace as we continue to walk with Jesus Christ.

Elder Melanson

Rain is better than snow

Hey Everyone!

Let me just start out by saying that I am so done with winter. Last year was fine, but this year was too cold and had too much snow. Thankfully my friend since I was little, Rain, has been clearing up the mess "Stella" left and now I feel more like I am in Oregon.

This week has been rather slow. We did get fed more this week and some miracles did occur. Lets start with those. We had been asked by Bishop to go and contact some less active members of the ward. We drove up to Redfield to see one of the families and they welcomed us in with open arms! Sister Williams (the member who is becoming more active) said she wished we had called so she could give us some food. We got to know them and they told us their conversion stories. That's a good sign that they still have a belief and faith in Jesus Christ. We then returned home after discussing the Restoration with them.

Next, we were trying to see the Shaughnessy family but they weren't home. So we decided to try the other member Bishop had given us. We drove up and knocked on her door. Her parents were trying to figure out who we were and then the member we were sent to find saw us and calmed down her parents and dogs. She let us in and we exchanged pleasantries. She explained that she had lost contact with the church and that she was looking to return soon. She told us her conversion story and also said how much the church has helped her through her life. She continued to explain her past, with her going through a divorce and having a new fiance. She wants her fiance (who's Catholic) to meet with us. She has been going to church with him, but says that she doesn't feel the same spirit there as with our church. She is super sweet and hopefully we will start meeting with both of them soon.

That is my grand message this week, but I guess I will throw in a scripture too:

26 But behold, my beloved brethren, we came into the wilderness not with the intent to destroy our brethren, but with the intent that perhaps we might save some few of their souls.

27 Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back, behold, the Lord comforted us, and said: Go amongst thy brethren, the Lamanites, and bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give unto you success.

28 And now behold, we have come, and been forth amongst them; and we have been patient in our sufferings, and we have suffered every privation; yea, we have traveled from house to house, relying upon the mercies of the world—not upon the mercies of the world alone but upon the mercies of God.

29 And we have entered into their houses and taught them, and we have taught them in their streets; yea, and we have taught them upon their hills... and we have been cast out, and mocked, and spit upon, and smote upon our cheeks; and we have been stoned, and taken and bound with strong cords, and cast into prison; and through the power and wisdom of God we have been delivered again.

30 And we have suffered all manner of afflictions, and all this, that perhaps we might be the means of saving some soul; and we supposed that our joy would be full if perhaps we could be the means of saving some.

35 Now have we not reason to rejoice? Yea, I say unto you, there never were men that had so great reason to rejoice as we, since the world began; yea, and my joy is carried away, even unto boasting in my God; for he has all power, all wisdom, and all understanding; he comprehendeth all things, and he is a merciful Being, even unto salvation, to those who will repent and believe on his name.

Alma 26:26-39,35

I hope you all have a great week and that the Spirit of God will guide you to the places where you are needed.

Elder Melanson

What a Nor'easter looks like...

So everyone knows what I have had to sit through...

Hey Everyone!

To start off, yes, I survived the largest Nor'easter to hit the area in some years! Here is part of the message President Rogers sent to us today recounting the events of last weeks storm:

"Winter Storm Stella hit the East Coast, New England, Pennsylvania, and Central New York in a big way. We had 24-36 inches of snow on Tuesday in much of the mission particularly the Albany area and the southern Owego corridor. Utica and points central and west had 20-30 inches as did most of the mission. Wednesday the storm continued with more wind but just 3 to 6 more inches of snow. This was a true Nor’easter."

"A Nor’easter is a storm that mainly affects the northeastern part of the United States. These storms, technically cyclones, occur along the East coast as warm air from over the Atlantic Ocean clashes with artic cold air from the polar jet stream to the north and west. They nearly always bring heavy rain or snow as well as gale force winds directed from the northeast. This one, named Stella, was the biggest storm in several years. There were blizzard conditions in NYC and the surf surged 3-6 feet above normal. All of our fellow missionaries in NYC and Boston had it worse than we did."

It was crazy! We had to stay inside for the entire day and then couldn't drive on Wednesday! I have never before seen so much snow in my life! After the news that we were released from our "house arrest," we went and helped shovel some people out. Providing service, despite the cold weather and heavy snow (I never knew snow could be so freaking heavy!), helped quicken our day and made us feel good. Below are some pictures of "Stella" beating New York silly! I will send a follow up email with the rest of the service we did.

Anyhow, hope you are all staying warmer than I am and that despite the "storms" that rage around you day by day, you may and will make it through all times of trial as you turn to our loving Heavenly Father who will always provide a way for us to not only survive, but to conquer in a most brilliant way!

Elder Melanson

What is freezing and white?

To answer my own question, it has two answers: snow and me!

Hey Everyone!

Glad to be able to email you all this week! Sorry to those who are receiving this email in Bennington, I forgot to add you to last week's email. But hey, now you are with all of us here!

Anyhow, this week has been a frozen nightmare that I was hoping to avoid. My parents must be laughing or extremely worried considering I guess I asked God to send me to a cold mission. I am definitely paying for it now! The last few days have remained under 20 degrees and each morning when we wake up at 6:30, the temperature is either in the negatives or around 3 degrees! That is cold!

I was able to have two exchanges with the elders in my district and the major points that I focused on was diligence, despite horrible conditions, and understanding what a great missionary looks like. It is more than just going through the motions and being strictly obedient, but it is also making sure that whoever you are is not lost; but rather used for the strengthening and progress of the Lord's work. We all have our quirks and things we are good at. For some, it's sports; others, it's video games. Regardless of our backgrounds, hobbies, talents, etc; we are qualified to do God's work here on earth.

The moment of largest importance this last week was the lesson we had last night with a part member family. The father is a recent convert of about 2 or so years and his wife and children are not members. We have been teaching them and just yesterday, they accepted to be baptized on April 8th! The two whom we have been teaching (wife and son) have been eating up the gospel. It is absolutely incredible how quickly they have progressed! They have been to church the last two weeks despite the weather and we didn't even have to invite them! They love it and the son (Logan) volunteered to give a talk in Primary! (Reminder: Primary is the part of Church where the children under the age of 12 go to learn). It is incredible to be a missionary and to be a part of this wonderful work.

Before I close today, below is a picture of a three piece suit that was left by missionaries a long time ago. I want to see how many responses I can get. Does this suit look good on me?

Anyhow, I hope everyone has a wonderful week! I know I will be freezing for most of it! Haha!

A week with a miracle

Hey Everyone!

Glad to see that everyone is doing awesome! This week has been a frozen terror when we had to walk. The winds would howl and the layers I would wear would do little to nothing since the wind would cut right through me like a knife to butter. Anyhow, this week has been a fantastic week of both miracles and growth. I am noticing the change in the day when you CHOOSE to be positive and not complain. I only recently learned that I can be happy despite hard circumstances. Because of my personal attitude adjustment, I feel more invigorated to work hard and to never quit. I wish I had learned this lesson when I was younger, then maybe some things that I thought were hard or dumb or that caused me to become miserable to be around wouldn't have happened. I could've learned more in Arizona, I maybe would've made more friends or been more fun to be around; but the benefit of me learning and applying it out here is that I can look back and say "Yes, I could've learned something here, but I will move on and surely God will still lead me to where I need to go."

The largest miracle this week was when Elder Coles and I went out finding. We decided to stop by a potential that Elder Richards and Elder Coles had found and see if she was home. She was and was extremely surprised that we were walking around on a night like that (it was somewhere around 14 degrees plus wind chill) and she let us in. We sat down and started to discuss the Restoration of God's gospel. She agreed with all we said and then we got to the Great Apostasy (after Christ died and was resurrected). I gave the analogy of a beautiful glass table (since we were sitting around one) and explained that Christ's church was like the table: the glass tabletop was the truth and all of Christ's teachings and the legs were the apostles. As each of the apostles were killed, banished, or in other ways removed, there was nothing left to uphold Christ's church. And so, like a table with no legs, the church fell and the truth was scattered abroad. That's why we have so many churches today. Each church found a little "glass shard" of truth from Christ's original church (the table) and made "clay plates and vessels" with a small shred of gospel truth. But since God loves us all and is an unchangeable God; He knew that the earth would be ready for a restoration, or bringing back to its original form, of His church. That is why He called and ordained Joseph Smith as the Prophet to bring back the Priesthood authority (or ability to act in God's name) and Christ's church upon the earth once more. She understood this completely and told us it made so much sense to her now. We gave her a Book of Mormon and she committed herself to read it all and said she would challenge our knowledge of it when she was done. She is so excited and I know she truly is ready for this change to happen in her life. I love to see the joy the gospel message brings to those who are seeking for truth and are able to feel the Holy Ghost when he is present. I pray that we may all again have that desire to seek out God and to know what His will is for each and every one of us. This I know will bring us all happiness and peace in a world full of challenges and turmoil. With God, all things are possible. I bear you this witness in the name of our Savior, even Jesus Christ, amen.

Elder Melanson

Back to the door grind

Hey Everyone,

This has been a long week so far. I got transferred to Rome and we are back to the finding grind with door to door and street contacting. I am happy though with my new companion, Elder Coles. He is a hard worker and also loves to have a good time while working and when we take our meal breaks. He is from Utah and the new apartment is okay; but my first day there since Elder Coles and his previous companion were tracting there, we got a call saying to not tract since that was in the agreement for the Church to continue to rent. So you could say I had a very rough intro into the area.

Since all we have done is finding, there is nothing really to report this week. We have a giant area and we have like two or three real investigators. Looks like I will be planting seeds for this transfer. God will see me do his work and reward us for it. I am also the District Leader, so that makes a huge change to what I have been doing. I now prepare discussions for District meeting, I continue to exchange, and I do the Sunday night calls to get numbers and baptism dates. I look forward to working my best and to not let negativity get in the way of God's children progressing.

I miss you all and I hope you all have a great week!

Elder Melanson

When in ROME! ... New York...

Well folks, my time in Vermont has come to an end.

Hello Everyone!

I am excited to email you all today. This week has been a riot! Not only have we been working hard, but we also had two, yes two, baptisms!

To start the week, we saw a bunch of people and had a ton of great lessons. As we progressed through the week, we kept on finding more people to try and saw many miracles; most of which were in myself. I have gone through the mission only half-heartily. I have enjoyed helping the Lord in his work with his children, but I always held something back from giving my all. Elder Baker helped me to see that. As much of a challenge as it was working with him, this is probably the transfer that has changed my mission and my outlook on life. 

We got special permission from President Rogers to baptize one of our investigators who had given up smoking and then found out that she was going to go through lung cancer for the third time! President heard of this and told us that she would be baptized Sunday. So we saw her every day to finish preparing her for baptism and then our other investigator who has a trike in his throat finally got baptized with the other sister by his son! It isn't often that you get to see a father be baptized by his son. It was an emotional day for everyone.

Before this, however, we received transfer calls from President Rogers. He told Elder Baker that he would be training a new missionary the next transfer and that I would be going to Rome as the new District Leader. What's funny about this is that I finally let go of the want to be in leadership because it is nothing more than another way of serving and all of a sudden I get it! I am glad, but now I don't have a big head about it. I am just glad that I will be able to help other missionaries in another way than what I have been able to do for the last year. What is also funny is that in my new district, I have President Rogers and his wife, the office couples, the APs (Assistants to the President), Zone Leaders and only a few regular missionaries. This is going to be an interesting transfer.

I am so grateful that I am on a mission and that I continue to see many of God's children coming back into the fold and into his Church. I hope you are all having a good time back at home and are remaining healthy!

Elder Melanson

 Walking through the snow, on two flat frozen shoes 

 Door to door we go, teaching two by twos! Hahaha! 

 Books of Mormon seen, making spirits bright 

 What joy it is to baptize Dean, a super priest tonight!

Before anyone asks; yes, I know it's not Christmas, and no, there is no baptism coming up with a guy named Dean.

Hello Everyone,

This has been a cold week. We have been working exceptionally hard and we are starting to see the fruits of our labors. Larry, one of our favorite investigators will be baptized by his son this Sunday and we have found two families that are super solid and many potential families we will try to teach! I am learning so much from this companionship, as hard as it has been; but when we have trials, it just means God wants us to learn something. I know that God knows what we need to learn and how we need to learn those things. I guess that is my testimony on trials. Haha!

Anyhow, as shown by the photos below, we are seeing a winter wonderland finally. I know I already sent pictures from November or December on snow; but this makes those pictures look like a breeze to take care of. We are currently in about 8-10 inches we shovel/walk in. I have also discovered that I am in no way compatible with extreme temperatures on either end of the scale. Either I feel too hot like in Arizona, or I feel like I am freezing here in Vermont! But to close things up, I know that regardless of our problems, trials, or situations; God will be there to lead and help us through all things.

Elder Melanson

Another week in the cold

Not much to report I'm afraid...

Good morning everyone,

Hope you all either enjoyed the Super Bowl or did something fun because I have been working in the cold for the last week! 

Anyways, we have had a few good lessons throughout the week, but I can't say that we experienced a miracle this week. We have found a lot of potential people who may listen, but only time will tell if they are ready for the gospel. As for me, I bore my testimony at church and as I spoke, I recognized the changes that were coming from working with Elder Baker.

Other than all of that, I have nothing more to add. Hope you all have a great week and remain healthy this winter!

Elder Melanson

Another Birthday in the mission field.

Good Morning everyone!

This week has been a week of ups and downs. We were supposed to have one of our investigators baptized this Sunday, but we had to postpone because his daughter was worried about if any water got into his trike and into his lungs that he could either get pneumonia or drown. She is looking into some devices for him to wear so that his trike (tube in throat due to previous cancer to help with breathing) wont get any water in it.

Other than that, we found quite a few people and although Elder Baker and I have different views on things, we are starting to figure out how to work with each other.

My birthday is tomorrow and I am so excited to become 20 years old! I got one package from my family and one from my Nona (my dad's mom). My favorite gift is some sleepwear my family got me. I am so wearing them tonight!

Anyhow, I hope you all have a wonderful week and that our Heavenly Father will bless us all.

Elder Melanson

When the winter thaws but the wind gets colder.

Welcome to the January Thaw!

Hello everyone,

This week has been rather interesting. Transfers happened and now I am with Elder Baker who is constantly trying to do handstands. But he is a good guy. He has also helped the area get new people to start looking into the church. It may be a long transfer, but maybe I will be able to grow a bit.

Other than that, nothing much has happened. As stated in the subject box, the winter has ended the snow for now, but the wind is still freezing! Good thing I packed plenty of warm clothes for the winter. Anyhow, I wish you all the best and hope no one freezes!

Elder Melanson

Welcome to the 2017 Year!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! 

Well, nothing too much to report this week. Just that we watched Ephraim's Rescue with some people at the church and also have been teaching a lot of people. I wish I could say more, but this week has been pretty uneventful. But to make up for that, here are some pictures!

Hope everyone has a great new year in 2017.

Elder Melanson

Everything is in Connecticut

Good morning to all and to all a frozen wake up call!

This week has been a roller-coaster of emotion and activity. The entire week we have had to help our investigators and some of our recent converts to overcome some trials and to give them comfort in their sorrows. We gave a few blessings over the course of a few weeks and they all gave peace and instruction to those we blessed.

But the best part of the week was definitely Saturday when we went to the Hartford Connecticut Temple. I was actually able to be baptized and confirmed for an ancestor I found and we were only able to go because Shirley, one of the new members here in Bennington, decided to come. It is a beautiful temple and it was such a blessing to be able to not only go in and do work for the dead, but also be a part of the dedication I mentioned a few weeks ago. After this awesome experience, we went to Chick-fil-a for lunch and then helped our branch president shop at Costco! I am convinced that Connecticut is one of the best states out in the east. Not only does it have western shops and restaurants, the members who saw us in each place welcomed us and talked briefly with us! It was incredible!

Transfer calls came yesterday and I will be staying in Bennington and will be with Elder Baker. I have been told he is a hard worker, so I hope this will be a good transfer. I am so grateful for the temple and the blessings it brings to all those who are worthy of it. I hope that you all have a great week this week and that wherever you are, you don't freeze in the winds of winter.

Elder Melanson

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Hey Everyone!

Merry Christmas! I hope you all had a fantastic Christmas with your families and also remembered the true meaning of Christmas. My mom wants me to send more pictures and so I am sending some that happened over the last week. Hope you enjoy them!

This was my first Christmas away from home and although it was very different than what I am used to, it was probably one of my more spiritual Christmas' I've had. We got to go to a member's home and one of our recent converts also came to celebrate her first "big" Christmas. She got me an awesome tie that I will wear after the mission and all the gifts I received from home and other family filled me with happiness and joy to know that no matter where I am, I will always be able to connect back to home. I got to video call my family and catch up with all of them and I really look forward to the hugs and love I will get when I come home either next December or January of 2018.

May this new year be one of happiness and joy for us all.