Mark's Homecoming

Friends and Family,

Mark's plane arrives in St. George on Saturday, September 3rd at 12:20 p.m.  


Mark will report his mission on September 11th at 1:00 p.m.  Our church is on Brigham Road.  

We appreciate all the support you have given Mark while he was on his mission.  It seems that those two years just flown by.  He totally embraced his mission and would stay forever if he could.  We are so excited to have him home!


We hope to see you there!


The Metcalf Family

The Grand Finale!

Dearest Family,

I am extremely excited admist all the usual missionary post partum depression.

This week was great even knowing we had many moments full of some adminstrative business. One day in particular we had a member take us out to lunch and afterwords we had to take care of some planning at the apartment. Brother Glenn decided to draw an 8 foot tall picture of Christ on our while that is quite a nice addition. I think it ups the value of our apartment. Last night we stayed at another missionaries apartment who is going home this transfer as well and our talking kept us up a little bit...

ok now on to the goods.

So this area I have done very little tracting in comparsin to all my other areas. We have so many part member families its awesome. Considering it is not a zone leader area the ward lists had yet to really be dived into. We spent many hours actually inside the apartment making phone calls which proved to be really effective. One call we had was a lady who was happy to here from us, then she offered a free haircut which we of course accepted (yes mother, my hair was cut by a pro this time). During the hair cut she told us to come over and baptize her atheist husband and she then signed up for dinner. We went over Monday night and her husband cooked for several hours some amazing ribs which gave a better introduction to my young trainee of what Texas has to offer. During the course of the conversation he explained how he was born catholic, wants to die catholic but does not like the catholic church. One reason is because of how closed off the people tend to be. The spirit bore witness to him throughout the meeting that there is something good coming. Following the dinner I considered who would be good to follow up and meet with them. In ward council on Sunday, Bishop accepted the assignment readily. This catholic man wont stand a chance with that kind of fellowshipper.

We had another dinner wednesday evening with another part member family. We texted them way too late the night before asking if we could eat with them the following night to which she replied "we actually just took a whole turkey out of the freezer for some reason so that works perfect." They ended up feeding 4 missionaries a great meal but again, the spirit was there bearing witness of good things to come.

Tuesday night I gave Sister Harty a call in Allen and we talked awhile because lates face it, she's awesome. Something unique she brought up was a friend of hers that just had a stroke and has been in the hospital for several days. The comment she had was that no priests or people from her church had visited. Sister Harty's observation was that if she had a stroke the ward would probably fill the whole building and always be at their side. For some reason, that story stuck with me out of our 45 minute phone call. Well the next day we had zone conference, while we were there we had a break out that involved some role playing. In one role play a missionary that I used to have in my zone took the part of one of his own investigators who was not coming to church. As we went through the role play he gave me the concerns while pretending to be this investigator. Come to find out she is getting back surgery and is worried about being alone, she wasn't coming to church because she was consulting doctors on a Sunday. The Spirit took over and I bore my witness that when she came to church the members would immediately love her and help her out and be at her side during her times in the hospital so she would feel loved and companionship. That was divine!

Another big highlight was Sunday. We only had a couple investigators show up for sacrament but in between sacrament and gospel principles I somehow ended up on the other side of the church. A member approached me and said "hey someone is here wanting to investigate the church." So I met Jean from Rhwanda. He came to gospel principles and I changed the entire lesson to teaching the Restoration. Following which he recieved a Book of Mormon with a warm grasp of the binding. I was impressed with the member who he sat next to who guided him throughout his whole church experience. They hit it off really well. In priesthood he introduced himself and he had a great story to tell. He is moving from Indiana to Dallas and has come to find a job and prepare the way for the rest of his family. Sunday morning he woke up and felt he needed to go to church. He prayed then did a google search and miraculasly ended up in the Dallas 6th ward and is now investigating. Glorious.

Well dear family, this is the final sign off. The last "y'all"

Top lessons:

Follow the Spirit.

Know that you are a child of God.

Relationships are the things that matter most.

Sure do love y'all

Elder Metcalf

2nd to last email

Thank you for all of your wonderful, yet TRUNKY emails. Yes it is quite fantastic and yes I am excited. I have my trunky moments but mostly I am just nervous half to death. There is some sleep lost over the harsh reality that my perfect world of no work, no school, just complete and total focus on the work of the Savior to invite others to receive the restored Gospel, is about to take a most dramatic turn.

 

I have had some rather unusual experiences this week that have, quite frankly, tried my patience. We have a companionship in my district (one of which is going home with me) that can not get along! I do not intend to make this a negative report but it is somewhat disturbing how bad they really are. The missionary that is going home is wasting the last few precious moments in anger, jealousy, etc... This is definitely some of the more poignant moments of my mission, so I haven't quite understood why they cant work it out. The zone leaders and I are working with the President to make sure they are mostly separated for the final week of the transfer. It is a rather excellent learning opportunity for me to realize just how much I really need to forget myself to be happy. It is a lesson that I have been learning for 2 years, the more work of the Lord's that I do without my selfish intentions, the more blessed and happy I become. It is just that natural man that we have to fight off.

 

We had to do a few exchanges this week with this companionship and we had an interesting experience with the one I went with. We were getting food at Braum's and the man in line behind us started to ask us how hot it was doing our work. He then proceeded to do something that even astounded me with boldness. He begin to tell us we weren't Christian and believed in a false Christ. This is an occasional experience being a Texas missionary but it still irritates me. Although my blood boiled a bit I ultimately ended the conversation. I asked myself a few times, why is this church and its missionaries so bombarded? The answers are obvious but I heard a better one the previous evening at a Stake Priesthood meeting. The stake president, while on his mission, had President Faust address him and the missionaries of that particular mission. One missionary asked the same question I had "what are we supposed to do with all this anti garbage?" President Faust responded something like this 'these people continue to shovel manure on the little sapling of our church which will only cause it to grow faster, so let them shovel!' Most excellent.

 

Wednesday was great, we had some appointments fall through early on in the day and the zone leaders were going to the temple. So hey, we went with them. It was a rather powerful experience. As things progressed, I could feel the power in the room change. The things you do as the endowment continues seem to enable you with more power. The only thing I could think of comparing it to was putting a missionary name tag on. It was awesome.

 

We had a unique meeting with a less active this week. The spirit was powerful. His wife has separated from him and there were a few tears given as we talked about following the spirit. It is so important to live the Gospel. We got dropped off at the lesson and didn't have any bikes or transportation to get home, which was about 3 miles away so we just started to walk. As we did a man walked out and sat on his door step as we walked past him. We initiated a conversation and it was something that felt like it was straight out of Preach My Gospel. He was asking "why are there so many churches?" "Where is the truth?" "how can I know what the truth is?" and so on. It was fantastic, especially since the missionary I was with was a convert of about 3 years and bore a power house testimony about joining the church.

 

Another interesting event this week was getting asked to help with a primary class. The teacher gave all the 6 year olds a badge to wear around their neck that read "Jesus Christ loves me." At first I was like, 'oh that's nice' then there was some pretty sweet meaning attached to it. I started a 'church journal' a couple of months ago and  so I started taking note of impressions I had as I watched these kids with their badge. The first was "how much different would the world be if everyone wore a badge that said that?" and then I asked, "How much different would I be?" One of the most important lessons I have learned as a missionary is that I am a son of God. How awesome is that?

 

I love this work.

 

Sure do love y'all

Elder Metcalf

Why is the Lord transferring me to a different department of service at the peak of my effectiveness?

 

Thursday night we had an incredible exchange. First of all I did a baptismal interview for a man who had a stroke in recent years and has to use a mobile device that he types on to communicate with others around him. What makes this so significant was about a week earlier a Bihsop in the stake went teaching with the Elders to this man. He felt a strong impression at the end of the lesson to promise that he will be healed after his baptism and confirmation. The Bishop told him and the missionaries that whoever confirms him must rebuke the sickness and disabilities at the time of confirmation. Needless to say, it was a great interview and the whole zone is awaiting the confirmation which is scheduled for this coming Sunday

Following the interview we had a decision to make. Bike the long distance to their home to have dinner or grab something quick to eat. We chose to bike the few miles. It was a good thing too because during the course of dinner, the missionary I was with got a text that a member was coming by to take us to an appointment... that we didnt have. A scheduling conflict was made earlier in the week. The missionary grabbed the phone and texted a former investigator who said yes to us coming over that evening on short notice. We were picked up and headed over. When we got there, I waited for the Spirit's promptings as the member and the investigator shot the breeze. Finally it came...strong. The member we were with began talking about his father who is going to pass away soon due to stomach cancer and how grateful he was for the plan of salvation. We said a prayer and begin teaching this plan of salvation that he was speaking about. After teaching the principle of the Atonement the investigator said "I just want to find a good group of people that I can follow." I asked him to read 2nd Nephi 31:10 and immediately after ask "will you follow the example of the Savior Jesus Christ and be baptized by someone holding the proper priesthood authority of God?" His delayed response brought the Spirit in stronger and he replied "yes." I continued "Will you prepare to be baptized on September 10?" another spiritual awakening and another yes. I asked how he felt and he described the spirit in his own way, then the promise came that as you read and pray daily you will have that spirit with you leading you up to your baptism.

We walked out of that lesson fired up but we still had one more. This family that we were about to teach was contacted by another missionary in a parking lot. He said "is it alright if I just give you this mormon.org card?" The man looked back and asked "can I just have that Book of Mormon in your hand?" So they set up an appointment earlier in the week which for some reason fell through. This lesson we were about to have would be their first. We walked in with a strong spirit and began with no 'chewing the fat' conversation. We taught a flawless restoration that went right along perfectly with the questions they were asking. The spirit was awesome. At the end of the lesson the husband felt inclined to tell us that his 8 month pregnant wife was diagnosed with Lupus and she was seeing a few high risk doctors during the pregnancy... Following that statement I felt the impression... give her a blessing of healing. My heart was racing, I have seen almost instant recoverys from the flu and double ear infections, but Lupus? I asked the couple "Do you have faith that Jesus Christ performed miracles?" Their immediate response was yes. I explained a blessing, they accepted the offer and we acted with the power of the priesthood. I will hold off on the details at this point. Following the blessing we invited them to baptism, set a date and left.

 

The other huge highlight this week was the baptism of the Garpa sons. I dont really need to say much because the picture holds it all that I'll attach. What was great about this was my companion being chose to peform one of the ordinances. He was so excited. I was so happy for him. It was a fantastic thing to see him in white getting ready to step into the font, something I'll never forget my trainer arranging for me some 2 years ago. He only needed to have one try and he did it perfectly. The font was perfect and we gave each other a very wet and heartfelt hug following the ordinances we had just performed. The 2 sons were equally excited as well. The service was perfect. 

 

It was interesting last week and this week when we helped a recent convert water some of his brand new fruit trees in his front yard. I'll never forget when he said "Elder, just think of how grateful future missionaries will be when they are able to eat the fruit of these trees." Then it hit me that although I will only have 6 weeks in this area and take off, by doing the Lord's work I can help this area for the future missionaries that will come through. An example of this was when we were told on Monday that a less active woman and her boyfriend that lives with her were moving in. We worked it out, which they accepted to have dinner by Wednesday. They were wondering why they had bought 4 steaks that day... During the dinner I felt impressed to ask "When are you getting baptized?" He responded after some silence... "as soon as I get the red tape out of the way." Meaning finalizing a divorce and marrying his member girlfriend. That was a fun one to report on Sunday.

 

I sure do love this work. I nearly had a melt down during dinner when my mind couldnt get the harsh reality of 'life as I know it' is about to take a dramatic turn to some different dimmension. I am excited to continue the missionary experience beyond...

 

Sure do love y'all

Elder Metcalf

Well this week had its miracles.

 

One night we split up and I sent Elder Eklund out with a member.  I had another member with me just to cover more ground and do some drop bys. My GPS was about to die and I only had a minute to select what member to visit so I chose one nearby, memorized the route and we took off. The funny thing was that I didn't have my master ward list with me with all the notes of people we had already talked to. This member in particular had already told us over the phone that she moved to San Antonio. She had been living with her boyfriend here in the Dallas 6th ward and when we did knock, she just happened to be visiting at that time. Her boyfriend invited us to come in. We shot the breeze for a few moments and come to find out, he is a Navy Seal. We taught an inspired Restoration - quick, clear and attended by the Spirit. It just so happens that he grew up Catholic but wasn't feeling spiritually satisfied. Turns out the member I was with joined the church less then 2 years ago with the same Catholic background, they connected very well.

 

That night it was so awesome to reconnect with Elder Eklund and close the evening out. He taught a couple lessons, one to a returning inactive family who has 2 sons that will be baptized this coming Saturday and another young man we found 'on a prayer.' The night before we only had an hour to go finding so Elder Eklund offered a prayer to find a new investigator. Before we could make one full pedal of the bicycle we were teaching a 17 year old on his apartment stairs in our same complex. While we were teaching him, the young man who Elder Eklund was teaching on splits walked out and invited us to come in. He was so excited to hear a quick message of the Book of Mormon and the Restoration. We set up the appointment for the following night, which my companion went to without me and set a baptismal date with him. He was so fired up when we reconvened. It was fun to see the light glow from him as he described his experience and setting his first baptismal date.

 

Later in the week we went back over to teach our Navy Seal friend. We followed up on his reading and praying which went very well. He gave a flawless summary of Alma 32 and recognizes that the answer is within the Book of Mormon. We then taught him a flawless, clear Plan of Salvation lesson in about 8 minutes which he understood well. He had very inspiring questions. He did tell us at the end of that lesson he needed some time to study more on his own so we didn't have an opportunity to set up a return appointment. Is it any wonder why the Lord had us teach these 2 unexpected lessons, especially the Plan of Salvation, the day before he lost many friends in a tragic helicopter accident...

 

Another large highlight this week was another scheme of the Elder Metcalf making. The Nesmith's from Frisco took us out to lunch, good heavens they are so awesome. The whole lunch was basically an exchange of faith promoting spiritual experiences. Not too mention we were eating delicious BBQ... They still haven't sold their home since its been on the market for the past couple months, but when they do they will be moving to Vegas. Thank heavens! I have a feeling they will get the home sold around the end of August and the beginning of September...

 

That same day we did some biking after dinner to hopefully connect with some individuals. On the way back I felt like we needed to go down a particular street. The natural man fought the feeling because it was the end of the night, the 30th day or so in a row of 100+ heat, etc... But I pumped myself up enough to turn around and bike the street. The first person we spoke to was actually a member of the Spanish branch that needed help. So we got the Spanish missionaries on the phone and the next day they were over there helping. Fantastic...

 

Thursday shall be a cut short report, we biked 23 miles. I think I was looking for George Bush's home which is rumored to be in the area... Oh yes, and some drop bys and tracting. It was good for me to 'build character' by biking that much.

 

We had several non-members and less actives to church on Sunday. One I'll mention, was the family of the 2 boys that are getting baptized Saturday. The husband and wife were separated, he was about to lose his home and job but then he jumped back into the Gospel a few months ago. Sunday the whole family walked in. I immediately looking at Bishop Robertson who began to cry because he was so happy. The family is what its all about.

 

Sure do love y'all

 

Elder Metcalf

Focus

Trunky

Again, an incredible week amidst all the administrative meetings this church puts us through. We never left to go work before 2pm this week which is rather tough on the spirit. However miracles always happen in the work of the Lord!

 

Saturday was by far the highlight. My diabolical plan succeeded with the Harty's. It just so happens that Elder Moses who spent 10 months in their ward and I were on exchanges. I then received permission to go to Mike's baptism in Allen and got the Harty's involved. They picked us up and it was a sweet reunion. The Baptism was most excellent. The simple fact that it is the first investigator that I have ever knocked on the door, taught all the lessons to and then saw baptized really had a profound effect on me. Granted I've tracted out people that have been baptized, but not like this. The spirit was strong. He asked me to speak on the Gift of the Holy Ghost. My preparation for talks include prayer and pondering but no writing other then looking at the organization of it (you always need preparation!) I told the story of how uncle Jame's, me and my cousins went through Checkerboard canyon and it was sort of a nightmare when at the half way point it was dark and we still had a huge cliff to descend. But the fact that our wonderful Uncle prepared by bringing flashlights saved us and that was where I took the comparison of how we leave the pre earth life where it is perfectly bright, descend into a world of unknown obstacles and how the Holy Ghost will light and direct our path when it does finally become totally dark. I do not boast of myself but I boast of my God as Ammon would say.

Elder Davis had the privilege of baptizing him. It was perfect form and Sunday he was confirmed a member of the church. I'll never forget several months ago being in that area tracting and feeling that something was down there, a work for us to do. Definitely a sweet experience. He went through a lot to make that baptism happen. Overcoming smoking since he was 8 for one...

 

This week I parked Elder Eklund in front of the ward list with the phone and we have been going through all 24 pages of the ward roster trying to find families that are prepared to be completed. Elder Eklund has the new missionary magic touch, when he calls he either has a great conversation with them for a while even if they are not interested or sets up a return appointment. He set up one particular appointment with a 25 year old and his girlfriend who we are now teaching. He wants to be reactivated and needs a lot of support. He let us right into his home and was excited to have us there. He even gave us $50 in Sonic cash. Take your pick at which is the spiritual highlight. And yes, that was the first person Elder Eklund called. Whereas most of the people I call are angry or the numbers are bad.

 

We have a man in the ward, Brother Davis that is phenomenal. He has really caught the Spirit of the Gospel. He was baptized 8 months ago but is even more on fire then he was then. For example: He walks into to church about 40 minutes early and drops his family off, he goes and picks up a Hindu acquaintance from work and brings him to church (he loved it) following church he took his Hindu friend home and then took my companion and I out to teach another coworker of his. Earlier in the week he also took us to visit his neighbor. He is bold and loves the Spirit. Crimeny, he is a better missionary than most of us!

 

Anyway, it was a good experience to have because with limited time I can look forward to continue being a missionary. We should never let that spirit fail!

 

Sure do love y'all

Elder Metcalf

The Big D

The Lord has placed me in the Dallas 6th ward.  I have a brand new missionary, Elder Eklund from Manticka California. Most the members have asked the standard questions, the most funny being "how long have you two been out?" I answer "about 2 years" and Elder Eklund answers "about 2 days." We are in a bike area and I think I am getting used to the 110 degree temperature, seriously. It cools down to a balmy 95 in the evening so we don't sweat or collect humidity as much. I takes about 60-90 minutes to get to each end of our area on bikes so I am considering the $65 monthly bus pass (I have a wonderful mother who taught me well in NYC).

 

I'll get the little interesting fact out first and then continue with the miracles. So the area had the Spanish missionaries cover it sparingly for 4 weeks and during the first day I flipped through the area book with the many teaching records embedded inside when lo and behold my jaw drops when I see who used to cover D6, yes, Hermana Barber. She is definitely a legend down here, we had Bishop Robertson over the first night to identify some families to go check out and he said something to the effect of "we have had some great missionaries down here, have you ever heard of that one Sister... Sister Barber?" Oh yes, and church on Sunday we had a Brother get up and talk about "many great people, like Katie Barber [and others], that have helped me stay on the right path."

 

I don't stand a chance!

 

Saturday was a huge mission highlight. We were in the mission office earlier in the week (about a mile and a half from my apartment) and I ran into President and obtained by stratagem permission to go to Tony's and Hardy's baptisms. I managed to get a hold of Brother Holbrook in the Allen YSA to come pick me up. We first went to Garland for Hardy's baptism where I had the opportunity to speak on the gift of the Holy Ghost since the original speaker had a family emergency. Hardy's baptism was a huge miracle and blessing to see. We strive to set baptismal dates on the first lesson in the mission but they rarely go through on the projected date but Hardy's did. It's especially a miracle since he was not Christian before he started reading the Book of Mormon. It was awesome to give him a big hug and to witness that baptism.

 

Then it was onward ever onward to my former home, the Allen building. We showed up and met Tony there. We conversed for a while then we both had to change. I was a bit worried considering his baptism was at 4, and when we went into change at 3:55 there was about 5 people in attendance. Then when we popped out, in true Mormon YSA fashion there was about 60. The talks were great. One lady, a member coworker who had been working with Tony for 7 years never thought this day would happen but it didn't surprise her because of the great heart he has. That was truly another miracle since he has been investigating for a while now. It was great to be part of that group for a couple hours.

 

We do have a 10 year boy that will be baptized in August in the Dallas 6th ward. He is a genius! At the first meeting we had with him I asked what he had learned so far and I think he explained the Plan of Salvation in better terms then I could. He is a stud. He loves primary and church, something I wish I knew what I had at his age.

 

We had a part member family show up to church that was rather unexpected according to some church members. We got to teach them later that afternoon. They are central American so when she asked if we had a dinner already and I said yes, they fed us anyway. I was quite funny considering the member that took us to the appointment was the one that would be feeding us. The man who is not a member, in my opinion, feels the truth of the Gospel but doesn't seem willing to make the commitments. Besides that, if Sister Barber couldn't baptize him...

 

Elder Eklund's 2nd day here, we had quite the experience. We were tracting 'by the spirit' and he picked a door. We got into it without hesitation and taught an extremely powerful restoration. He accepted baptism and the spirit made a couple big promises to him. Sadly he is 17 and his family told him never to speak to us again. He knows. He knows the truth and the major seed has been planted.

 

We have been doing lots and lots and lots of tracting and many member stop bys. I really feel this crazy dying missionary urge to 'find that family I am supposed to find' feeling. They don't tell you where you are going when you get a transfer call but I knew I would be coming here, to this exact area and I have strong feelings about it. My suitcases remain unpacked (then again, what is the point of unpacking them?), there is a work to do. Too much time has been wasted!

 

I sure do love y'all!

Elder Metcalf