Elder Meikle/Bascom - Bushwick 11 Sp - Jun 9, 1996 - "STREET SWEEPS - Our Zone goal is to have 40 baptisms this month. We are trying out a new idea. We call it Zone Sweeps. We get the entire Zone together, split up and work a particular area for about two hours in a companionship area that may be struggling. Each time we have done a sweep, we have found prepared people for baptism. Four out of the six baptisms so far, came from these sweeps. The Zone enjoys getting together during the week to do them. It gives us a chance to go with other missionaries top learn new ideas and techniques. This could be the next wave in the mission."

Elder Berry/Esquibel - Richmond Hill 1 - Jun 2, 1996 - "3 TIME STATE WRESTLING CHAMPION - As you can see we hit an area record of 10 baptisms. We had set our goal at 8, but knew it was possible to achieve more. Each time we prayed at night, we would pray that we could achieve and surpass our goal. The Lord blessed us! We have set a goal of 16 for this month and we believe it is achievable. As it is my last month, I have the faith. It is amazing to watch the excitement generate in our apartment and Zone after Elder Esquibel and I reached 10 baptisms. Everybody has lifted their vision and set their goals higher. We have a contest going in the pad, that whoever does not reach 10 baptisms for June, has to buy everyone else Pizza. We are all working hard and excited to baptize in June. I felt the spirit really strong at our last Zone Meeting. Especially during the talk I gave on vision.

I told of the vision I had in High School of achieving a 3 time State Championship, which very few wrestlers achieve. I reached the finals for my third straight title. I had a talk with my father before the match (he was also my coach). He told me to just do my best. After the match was over, I came out winning and had given it all I had. I was tired and slowly working my way through the crowd of reporters and other coaches, when I saw my Dad waiting with open arms. I approached him, hugged him and he said "Job well done, my son!" I hope that when I am through with this life, I can walk toward my Heavenly Father, give Him a hug, and that he’ll say also "Job well done, my son!"

Elder Fowler/Searle - Richmond Hill 11 Sp - Jun 2, 1996 -"REACTIVATION FIRESIDES IN HOMES - I’m so excited because the members in our area are coming back to church again. Last Saturday, we held a big fireside at a member’s house in our area. You see, we’ve been praying to be able to retain and reactivate members in our area. We only have 3 active families and some 30-40 inactives here. We named this operation "Mission Impossible". We went out and invited the inactive families to this fireside and they all came. So here are all these families crammed inside a small house talking, enjoying each other’s company, and it so happens that they bring their non-member friends as well, and before you know it, we had a big fireside. I was nervous to give a lesson on Alma 32, to over 20 Dominicans, but the spirit was there. Even better, they all showed up for church the next day, for some, the first time in years. Now each of them wants to invite other inactive members and hold a fireside at their house. The idea has caught on fire and now everyone is calling each other, and checking up on each other. I thank the Lord for His support."

Sis Hinckley/Cory - Richmond Hill - Jun 2, 1996 - "STREET MEETINGS BRING UNITY - Elder Davidson talked a lot about "synergy" when he was Zone leader here. Our Zone had a street meeting last week and we were all praying for good people. I really wanted it to be successful and had a lot of enthusiasm. I went off away from the main crowd and started fearlessing. I felt like the fearlesses were really good and I received 8 in one hour, none of which were in my own area, but I felt good about them. I found out this morning, that one of my fearlesses led to a mother and her children being baptized in the spanish branch. Being unified in our efforts is the key to accomplishing our goal as a mission. We are all here to help each other. June is going to be an excellent month. I can feel the renewal of "hunger and Excitement."

Elder Schwenke/Ward - Flushing 1 Sp - Jun 3, 1996 - "ROOKIES AT TRAIN MEETINGS - These are just about to explode. We are teaching good people. They come up to me and ask if we are the same who sing at the subway exits. They always compliment us on our beautiful voices. I think bringing new rookies direct from the MTC plane to our train meetings at the subway station, is the perfect way to break them in and have them feel the NYS "fire, hunger and vision."

Elder Dickson/Curtis - Flushing 1 - Jun 2, 1996 - "SPIRIT DIALING - We had some spare time at the end of the day for phone calls. After I had called all the media referrals and fearlesses, a thought came to me to "Spirit-Dial". I dialed the first three digits of a number in our general area. (I got these from the media referrals), then I would pray to find out another 4 digits I could enter to reach someone we could teach. I would first write them out as they came to me, then dial. After about 8 tries with nobody home, the thought came to me to enter my own birthday. So I selected the month and year (0876) and someone answered. I basically asked the same questions as at a Train Meeting. Well, Phoebe and I talked for about 10 minutes. She has heard a lot about the church and she lives in our area. We have an appointment to go and meet her tomorrow. The spirit sure was there as I was led to the concept. It sure was a "rush".

Elder Shakespear/Loo - Brooklyn Chinese - Jun 3, 1996 - "FOLLOW-UP BY FEARLESS - Saturday, we went to the far reaches of our area on a feeling I had. When we got there, we fearlessed one person. That night we were unable to call her, but on Sunday morning she called us to find out the address of church, so she could attend. It is always nice when fearlesses do follow-up calls for us and not wait until we do it."

Elder Lai/Taft - Brooklyn Chinese - Jun 3, 1996 - "RECORD INVESTIGATORS AT CHURCH - A new Chinese record has been established. We had 15 investigators at church yesterday. 6 of them were referrals from the members and 9 were from our own efforts. We now have to have them stay home, especially the men, so we can teach and baptize them.

Hna Hansen 11/Hansen/Villalobos - Rego Park 11 Sp - May 27, 1996 - "FLUSHING - NO HUNGER TO BAPTIZE - My experience in Flushing for a week was much different from my experience in Elmhurst, I really learned a lot! Being in Flushing increased my hunger and desire to teach and baptize, because we didn’t. Blessings are directly proportional to obedience. If people are not willing to wake up on time, have personal and companionship study, work vigorously, and go to bed on time, the Lord is less likely to bless their efforts. Once we sacrifice our personal pleasure, and really get to walk with faith and the spirit, only then will we reap good rewards. I think the main problem is lack of vision. Without the vision and faith, that more than 2 people can be baptized in a month, there is no incentive to work. If a missionary then, does not work, there will not be baptisms, which lowers the vision.

What I have learned from studying and talking to several different missionaries is that every missionary can baptize. No matter what area a missionary is in, the Lord wants people baptized, and he has prepared them. It is our responsibility to prove that we want those baptisms as well by (1) Doing all we can (D&C 4), working with all our heart, might, mind and strength. (2) Being obedient to the mission rules and the spirit. (3) Putting all our faith in the Lord that he will fulfill his promises. He wants baptisms even more than we do, because he understands the eternal significance of these ordinances. I don’t want to disappoint Him! It made me sad to be in Flushing because I didn’t feel excitement from the sisters. We need to be Challenging and Testifying missionaries. That is our calling! If we challenge investigators to baptism, and testify through the spirit, and they still reject our message, they are not ready yet! If we don’t make the sacrifice of dropping them and looking for others who are ready, we are wasting the Lord’s time."

Elder Batty/Bangerter - Rego Park 111 Sp - May 26, 1996 - "BAPTIZE PREPARED PEOPLE IMMEDIATELY - This area is "missionary heaven". We really are being blessed with progressing families and future priesthood holders. The branch is very missionary minded, and always have referrals, or bring friends and relatives to church. All we have to do is teach and baptize them. We are really trying to get the Zone to feel the same way about their areas and branches. We are trying to have them recognize blessings. The Lord places investigators at church for each companionship, but they don’t "push" them for baptism. The missionaries all wanted to wait and prepare the people more. I completely agree with baptizing prepared people, but we have to realize that the Lord prepares people too. How can you fast and pray for miracles to happen, and then not act upon what the Lord gives you? I believe that the Lord knows that certain missionaries will baptize certain people, and so he gives them more. If we wait, or stop people from baptism, we will constantly struggle because we won’t be used, and a missionary will constantly have guilt because he is working hard, exercising faith but never baptizing." NOTE: The man who prayed for safety during a flood, from the roof of his house and told the helicopter to leave that he was waiting for the Lord to save him in a miraculous way!"

Elder McNairy/DeLeon - Huntington Sp - May 26, 1996 - "SPLITS and EVERYONE BAPTIZING IS THE ANSWER - Remember when I said I had lost my excitement to continue doing the same type of things that I had been doing my whole mission. I now understand why. I now see that it has changed direction, which is training others how to do the things I have been taught by the spirit. When I got the ZL call, the Lord taught me how to teach others. Now He is opening the doors for me to do more teaching. I now find I would rather spend my time on "splits", than in my own area. I’ve found I can still get the same Zone results. Before I would baptize half the Zone total, whereas this month it is only 25%. The new way feels good. My image is improving as I’m being exposed to more missionaries who are able to influence others."

Elder Worthington/Draper - Plainview 11 Ward - May 27, 1996 - "VISIT MALL BEFORE IT OPENS - We just go out to do the work and the Lord provides the people to teach. The thing I like about Elder Draper, is that he is not scared to go up to and talk to anyone. He is always helping me find new ideas for finding people, like going to the mall before it opens and talk to all the employees, because they won’t talk to you while they are working."

Elder Seacrest/Gillen - Staten Island 1 - May 26, 1996 - "BAPTISMAL GOALS - I’ve been in Staten Island for 7 weeks and have had a commit for baptism each week, but have had only 3 baptisms. One of my goals was to baptize one person each week for the balance of my mission. Ever since the first month, I’ve been blessed with more converts than weeks in the mission field. If the pace remains the same I will end up with just over 100 baptisms. However in the last month, the number of weeks have caught up with the number of converts. Trials have taught us that the Adversary is real. I know that the Lord wants me to baptize at least 100 souls. I’ve now learned to never let my guard down. The key is to never feel comfortable or too confident in your own abilities. They come from Satan. Success can only come through faith, obedience and humility. "

Elder Weinman/ Bradley - Bushwick 1 - May 26, 1996 - "BAPTISMAL GOALS - FATHER - You may remember that I had set a baptismal goal of 130 when I first arrived. Then I lowered it when success was not coming my way and you became concerned, as I had lost my vision and had slowed my faith. Well I prayerfully set another goal. Whilst in deep prayer, the Lord confirmed that we could accomplish "150". I tried to say "No, too high!" But I had again confirmed "150". I have roughly 60 weeks left on my mission, so I would have to baptize at least two each week, and three on about 1/4 of those weeks to reach 150. After I knew that’s what the Lord wanted, I knew it wouldn’t be easy to achieve this goal. It will take powerful faith and determination. I knew I needed something to push me to make me drive and work for this goal, otherwise it would just be another goal I didn’t reach. So I went to prayer again, asking for the Lord to help me endure to the end of my mission and reach my goal. I needed something to motivate me when I got tired, or started to slacken off, or stay at member’s homes too long.

My thoughts turned to my father who is inactive. I made the commitment, that I would work to achieve this goal if my father would come back to the fold. I pray for him every night, but he still remains in a state of apostasy. This is my reward, my prize, the fruits of my labors. Now I work like my father’s salvation is riding on my shoulders. It pushes me to find and baptize consistently and constantly. We are promised blessings if we work hard and go on a mission. Well my family has been utterly scattered in disarray, but we have all come back together. All my prayers have been answered, except one. My final and last prayer, is for my father to come home. I now have the desire, or better yet the drive, the force to push me to new heights. I need my father in the celestial Kingdom with us. This is truly the desire of my heart, which the Lord promises to those who are righteous."

Elder Berry/Equibel - Richmond Hill 1 - May 20, 1996 - "MOST EVER BAPTISMS - We had a lot of spiritual experiences this week with the highlight at church. They had all 6 of my Sunday baptisms stand up in Sacrament Meeting before their baptism. The spirit just poured out on us. I have never felt so good on my mission as I did then, Having come from the Maryland Baltimore Mission after 19 months, that’s the most baptisms I have ever had in a month, let alone in one week. That made 7 baptisms in the one week."

Elder Weinman/Bradley - Bushwick 1 - May 20, 1996 - "GREAT SUNDAY - This past Sunday was the best I’ve ever experienced in Bushwick! We had 2 investigators, 3 new members, and 4 inactives out to church. It was more reverent than usual and all the teachers were good. By the end of Sacrament Meeting, over 3/4 of the chairs were filled, almost 100. I love seeing that chapel full. Everyone seemed more loving and kind."

Elder Rust/Benedict - Staten Island 1 Eng - May 20, 1996 - "SPLITS WITH LEADERS - Last week Elder Parker (ZL) went on a split with me. I was so excited, that was the first time so far on my mission that a leader of mine had gone on a real split with me. Sure they’d come to do interviews, but never to teach a discussion or find. I really felt the enthusiasm and dedication of Elder Parker as we prayed to be led to someone to baptize. Just being around him made me more dedicated and enthused. It really made me realize that I need to be the same way to the members of my district. They need to be more excited by feeling my excitement."

LOSS OF HUNGER - FEAR - I’ve been praying to get back that "fire" I used to have to baptize. I realized that the reason it has slowly been dying is because in the past I’ve been hurt. The pain I feel as I see converts go inactive hurts so much that I fear. I put up a brick wall for a little while and wouldn’t let anyone in. How selfish of me. The Lord has taught me that I am not here to worry about and take care of myself, I’m here to lose myself. Looking back, I realize that I’d come to the point that I’d only been searching for the "goldens." The converts that the branch would love and would remain active without mine or their help. How scary that was to me when I fully realized what I’d been doing. This past week I have felt so much better as I strive to return to the true Elder Rust, the one who loves everyone, and is not pre-judgmental. Thanks especially for your example. I can see that you treat me as I can become, not as I am. This is the charity I am praying to develop for my investigators and the members here. What love there is in treating someone as they can become and not as they are. That’s vision."

Elder Ken Smith/Simister - Uniondale 11 Sp - May 20, 1996 - "TRAIN MEETINGS - FREEPORT - Well I’ve really re-caught the spirit and am really excited about what’s going on not only with my own area but in the Zone in general. This Zone Conference really inspired me, not so much to try things that I haven’t done before, but just regaining my old self while I "learn while I burn", as well as take in things from others, eg. Train Meetings. Elder Hicken had suggested having them a while back, but we both just kind of put it on the back burner, until Elder McNairy mentioned it again yesterday. So today Elders Hicken, Peck, Simister and I went down to the Freeport station of the LIRR to have one. It was awesome!! The spirit that I regained and strengthened really widened my vision. Bouncing around from person to person, talking, laughing and teaching made me reminisce during my "rookie" days in Dyker Heights with Elders Scott and Swahlberg. We met a lot of people. Elders Simister and Peck were on "fire" like I’ve never seen them before. Elder Simister and I were there a total of 4 hours and we even found a member from El Salvador who wants to come back to church but just didn’t know where it was. Now she wants to bring her friends and her family, all of whom are not members. I’ve never been more confident in my ability as a leader and missionary as at that moment."

Elder Almoney/Hurst - Flushing 11 Chinese - May 23, 1996 - "OBTAIN REFERRALS FOR OTHER ZONE MEMBERS AT TRAIN MEETINGS - I took to heart your admonition at Leader’s Meeting about taking 10-15 minutes with a pen and pad and with no thoughts, just receive revelation. I did it! And will continue to do so. Aside from the other thoughts, The most impressive was "We’ll all baptize more if we try for and receive referrals for all other areas in our Zone at the Train Meetings. I testify that this is exactly what happened. I fearlessed and every area in our Zone and adjoining Zones (on occasions), got referrals, including the Koreans, and now that lady is committed for baptism. I love Train Meetings, my vision and faith has been expanded ten fold."

Elder Meikle/Bascom - Bushwick 11 Sp - May 20, 1996 - "BUSHWICK FEVER RETURNS - The Zone is really doing well. The Bushwick "spirit" is returning. I can see the Zone Unity taking place. We are all working together and helping each other so that together we can reach our goals. Our branch is really excited and they are catching the baptism fever, especially our BML, Eder, which we need, in order to bring in larger numbers of converts. We have had 11 baptisms so far this month. Five are men, 4 now with the priesthood and only one who has not returned since baptism 2 weeks ago. Both of our males baptized last week have both received the priesthood, with Ricardo baptizing two people yesterday. It was a new experience for my companion, his first two converts and they are so strong. We have great branch relations, there are lots of potential, which hasn’t been tapped yet. I just reached my one year mark. I am quite close to my goal - one per week for one year. I have 43 baptisms. I have a lot of work to do in order to reach my two year goal, but I am excited for the challenges.

Sis Katie Hansen/Tingey - Jamaica 1 - May 20, 1996 - "SPIRIT TRACTING - NAME AND STREET - Last night at 8 pm, we decided to find a priesthood holder and prayed for inspiration. The answer was area 2F on our map. We then prayed to know which street and what was his name. The answer came "John of 111 Ave.!" Sis Tingey then suggested we look through the media referrals. To our astonishment there was a man named John who lived on 110th Ave., just a block away. We knew this was it. We went to his house and gave him the BofM. He is excited to read it and come to church. The Lord used us to do His work."

Elder Snider/Evanson - Flushing 111 Korean - May 20, 1996 - "LIONS - SPIRIT TRACTING - I really enjoyed Leader’s Meeting. I was thinking about the birds outside the apartments where prepared people were. The first thought was squirrels, then other animals such as dogs and cats. I remember you saying that determining one feature is the key to finding with fearlessing and spirit tracting. I mentioned to my companion and he said "what about a lion?" He said there is a building with lion statues around it. We went there at 6 pm after some other fearlessing. There were all kinds of animal statues. We were successful through the Lord leading us to that building that we got into the house and taught a great Korean lady. I don’t ever recall getting into a Korean house and teaching whilst tracting ever before on my mission, like we did at that time. The Lord is in charge. We just have to exercise a little more faith of our own."

Sis Hinckley/Cory - Richmond Hill 1 - May 20, 1996 - "DEFINITION OF HUNGER - I have been writing my talk on "Hunger" for Mastery and using much of the Book of Enos. Real hunger has 3 levels, and to use it effectively, you have to develop the hunger at each level before you can advance. The first level is personal hunger, and this is the most important. You have to develop this deep inside to be able to give it to others, which is the 2nd and 3rd levels. First we help our fellow missionaries to develop that hunger and then our investigators. We must then achieve unity and desire. Enos’ great example of hunger and charity really touched me and helped me understand what hunger is."

Elder Perkins/Roberts - Midwood 1 - May 20, 1996 - "PRIDE and HUMILITY - The Lord taught me an important principle this week. When I first arrived in Midwood, I was unpleasantly surprised by what I call "mechanical proselyting". This is the state of mind when missionaries plan their time based on urgency instead of priority. As often happens in a media-intensive area, the Zone had begun "playing post office", mechanically setting appointments and delivering copies of the BofM. While this results in a large number of discussions, it rarely lifts an area above 5 - 6 baptisms per month. I immediately set out to teach the principles I had learned. The whole week was a continuous round of highly successful splits. The spirit was present very powerfully as they learned things like: focusing continually on baptizing, cultivating gifts of the spirit, and seeking out the elect. While I was doing these things, the Lord gave unprecedented support to my efforts. My area was blessed with tremendous progress in commits, and new additions to our pools.

I didn’t realize what was creeping in until Satan had already won. As I finished my round of splits, I was left with 24 hours before the scheduled baptisms. Without realizing it, I had sacrificed my faith in God for reliance upon my own ability. Having led several missionaries to new spiritual levels, I had grown "confident in my own abilities". My old weakness had returned; I had again grown prideful. The obstacle which I described to you as blocking my progression had grown too large. Instead of abandoning me without the spirit, the Lord continued to lead me. I was sent from one house to the next, meeting apostate members, disgruntled former investigators, and angry part member families. You name it, it went wrong. I couldn’t understand what was happening. I was still following the spirit, I still had faith, I still had vision. Bit I also had pride. All five of the commits for that Sunday fell through.

I demanded an explanation from the Lord. Why were the heavens sealed? Where was the promised support? I felt like an indignant Moroni, left on the battle field without reinforcements. As an answer to my prayers, the Lord filled e with a calm assurance that everything would be fine. Seldom has an answer to prayer annoyed me more. At this point, I still felt that I had a "right" to his blessings. I had worked hard. I "deserved" to baptize 5 people that weekend. At 4 pm the next day, I was humble enough to hear His answer. He had to remind me that this is His work. He is in charge. No matter how skilled I am at recognizing the spirit, finding, committing, and baptizing, He is still the paymaster. He knows who He wants in His church and when He wants them. He is the one who accomplishes this work. When I realized the mistake I had made, I fell to my knees and asked for His forgiveness. I had accused my God of injustice.

I am thankful that He was willing to forgive me so easily. He surrounded me with His love, and the knowledge which I needed that He was still in charge. I feel much better now. I have passed the block which was holding me back. My life is full of a renewed peace that comes from the confirmation that my service is accepted by Him. He has placed me back on the right track, and now I can be used as a righteous tool for Him, so long as I always remember this lesson and never revert back. It is amazing that the Lord appears to hold back progression of His work, even the converts, so that He can teach us an eternal lesson. He seems more preoccupied with our continuing success than with the baptizing of His converts.

NOTE: These Elders went on to baptize 6 people in their own area, one of which was baptized by his father who came on a 5 day split. The Zone almost reached their previous record of 15, with 14.

Elder McNairy/DeLeon - Huntington Sp - May 12, 1996 - "CONVERTS OF 1 YEAR PREPARING FOR THE TEMPLE - Last night I was able to do something that brought me a great deal of joy. I called my converts who are coming up to their one year mark as members. I was so happy to see how many were preparing to go to the Temple. I can now say, that my mission has made a difference in the building of the kingdom here in NY. One of the goals that I set in the MTC, was that NYC would be a better place when I left. I can see my goals unfolding."

Elder Green/Martinez - Bushwick 11 Sp - May 12, 1996 - "LACK OF VISION, PRIDE, SELFISHNESS - One of the biggest changes I’ve noticed since I’ve been back is the lack of vision, and the pride and selfishness here. The biggest thing is the lack of vision. From many I’ve spoken to, it is missing in their eyes. It’s hard to believe how much the mission has changed in just 6 months. I think we should focus on each companionship baptizing monthly."

Elder Martinez/Green - Bushwick 11 Sp - May 13, 1996 - "NEVER TAUGHT FEARLESSING - My companion pushes me, so that helps a lot. We fearless a lot, and that’s fun. He’s the first companion that I’ve fearlessed with. Frankly, I fearlessed my first time when I got him. He could not believe that after 5 months, I had never been shown."

Elder Thorup/Kohler - Bensonhurst - May 13, 1996 - "FAMILY FRIEND COMES TO NY SO I CAN BAPTIZE HER - One of my best friends Jodie, is in Manhattan right now and she was able to come to church with us last Sunday. She’s not a member, but she’s been coming to church with my family back in Utah. She’s read the BofM twice, and told my mother that she wanted to be baptized. We talked and she has agreed to be baptized here this next Sunday. I am very excited. She was in my band back home. We’ve played music together for about 6-7 years, and have a close relationship. She already is pretty much a member of our family already. Isn’t it strange that she has to come out here just to be baptized."

Elder Dennis Anderson/Wellman - Brooklyn Deaf - May 13, 1996 - "BROTHER AND BROTHER-IN-LAW FORMER MISSIONARIES HERE - My older brother served in the NY City Mission, before divided into the North and South Missions. He also served in the Deaf program. One day, we went to visit a member family for the first time. I found out that my brother Leon met, taught and baptized them. I was thrilled, shocked and surprised to find this out. They also knew my brother-in-law, who served here before as well. I joked and told them they will probably meet my son in the future. They still have a strong testimony of the gospel, but haven’t been to church because of work. They assured me they will attend church the first chance they get."

Elder Weinman/Bradley - Bushwick 1 - May 12, 1996 - "FINISH UP STRONG - My sister who served in the Buenos Aires, Argentina Mission, told me that on the last Sunday of her mission she had 11 baptisms and taught 40 discussions that week! Wow! I want to finish my mission strong too! It got me thinking about my goals and what I have accomplished, and what I have left to accomplish."

Elder Shakespear/Loo - Brooklyn Chinese - May 12, 1996 - "CHINESE INVESTIGATORS AT CHURCH - Yesterday we had 8 investigators at church, an all time record for me. I’ve never had that many, not even in Flushing. I love the Chinese people."

Elder Draney/Mugleston - Rego Park 1 - May 13, 1996 - "MISTAKEN APT #’S LEAD TO PREPARED - Finding John Smith was a miracle. We were truly led to him. I fearlessed a 12 year old boy, who said stop by. I couldn’t remember whether he said 5B or 5D. I knocked on 5B, which was John Smith, wrong door but it turned out to be the right door. We have these experiences every day."

Elder Ward/Johnson - Flushing 1 Sp - May 6, 1996 - "JOINT ZONE DECISION - CONTINUATION OF SUBWAY MEETINGS - We called a meeting with the Zone to decide whether to continue with the Train Meetings. We expressed our feelings that it was the Lord’s will that we continue. Almost everyone agreed. We all decided to have a positive attitude. Everyone had input. It was beautiful to see such a unified decision reached as a Zone. It was good to feel their cooperation. Even Hna Calderon who hasn’t supported this in the past, was fearlessing like crazy at the next train meeting."

"MEMBER REFERRALS SLOWING - When I was here before, the members seemed to give us more referrals - they were definitely more excited about missionary work. I’m beginning to see the Sunday Member Syndrome. I need to take them on splits."

Hna Orgill/Hansen - Ridgewood Sp - May 5, 1996 - "FAMILIES AND MEN - Families are showing up again. It’s amazing that as we pray for families and priesthood holders that we find them. Of the 6 last baptisms, 5 were men, whereas almost every other baptism the previous two months were women and children. I’m really excited about the families we are teaching, they can certainly strengthen the Branch."

"HELP FROM OTHER SIDE OF VEIL - We have been praying for the help of angels on the other side of the veil, spirits that would prepare their family members here on earth. In my mind, I was thinking about dead family members who wanted their temple work done. The Lord had something else in mind. Almost everyone we’ve found to teach lately has either recently had a baby or is pregnant. It appears that these children are preparing their parents so they can grow up in the gospel. I just love the way the Lord works."

Elder Tenney/Harris - Bensonhurst - May 6, 1996 - "ENGLISH CLASS FOR RUSSIANS - Our English speaking class turned out well last Thursday. We had about 30 people attend. We are teaching English by using the BofM. The Branch President is thrilled with the way things are going."

Hna Cervantes/Hansen - Jamaica 1 - Apr 28, 1996 - "ENGLISH - NO SACRIFICE TO ACHIEVE - I can’t get used to English work. There’s lots of hanging out, dinner appointments and wasting of the Lord’s time. On Sunday, we had 5 teaching appointments. I went on a split with the Spanish Elders cause I was expecting some investigators to come to the spanish branch and my comp went with the English elders. Can you believe they put off all our appointments until next week, just to go to a dinner appointment and a Priesthood Meeting. So I ask where is the sacrifice and where is the effort. How can they expect to baptize if they don’t put forth the effort. I think it’s a great blessing to have the Media Referrals because the only thing you have to do is go and teach. You don’t have to worry about finding, like the spanish do. They think the spanish baptize because it’s easy, but it’s not. I think that if they would only put in the same effort as the spanish do the number of their baptisms would increase."

NOTE: The ZLs confirmed that all appointments "juked", but other times were later made. Obviously the companions were not successful in communicating these results.

Hna Orgill/Hansen - Ridgewood - Apr 28, 1996 - "HUSBAND JOINS AFTER 17 YEARS - FAMILY NOW COMPLETED - When you spoke in our Sacrament Meeting and challenged the branch that we needed their husbands and fathers baptized into the church before September, we visited Santiago, the only non member in his family. His children are all members for 17 years, two of them having served missions, and 3 have been married in the temple. We had previously given him a BofM, but there was no response. The first time we went over he left the house. The second time was different. He listened intently to the charla. His wife and daughter testified of the BofM and the Temple as we invited him to be baptized. He said he had already made that decision and agreed to the date of May 5. Tears welled up in the eyes of his wife and daughter as they clasped hands in happiness. After 16 years, there’s now a countdown to the temple. The spirit in the room was incredible. One family soon to be completed!"

Elder Bunker/Martinez - Staten Island 111 Sp - April 27, 1996 - "MALES AT CHURCH - In priesthood meeting last Sunday, we had 7 men, 3 of which were our investigators, 1 our baptism earlier this month and 1 reactivation by Elder Bartlett. I have not seen priesthood so full since I have been here. It was wonderful."

Elder Batty/Garza - Richmond Hill 11 Sp - April 18, 1996 - "KEYS TO BREAKING AREA RECORDS - I am trying to learn how to break records. We’ve been blessed with every companionship baptizing for the past two months, but how do we double the numbers. How do we obtain weekly baptisms from every companionship, including my own? My most successful months of my mission were in November and December 1995, with Elder Erickson as my ZL and Elder Bollinger as my companion. What was I doing differently to have that success. I’ve decided on three factors.

1. HUMILITY - I was with a new missionary, so I knew that if I didn’t do the work, it wouldn’t get done. This forced me to be humble and use the Lord’s help. Now I struggle to find humility, because I figure that Elder Garza and I know what we’re doing. I need to humble myself more and rely on the Lord.

2. LOVE FOR THE AREA - I loved Bushwick. That area will always be one of my favorites. I loved leaving in the morning to go and find new people. I loved the branch and members. I believe that by trying to find that same love for all areas will help me be more successful.

3. ZONE UNITY - I’ll never forget the friends I made there. We were so unified and focused on the same goals. This helped motivate each missionary to be excited and successful.

I believe that these keys will make any companionship more successful. I am trying to apply them to our Zone, so they can break records. Bushwick taught me things that when applied, will break records."

Hna Miles/Bair - Bushwick 11 Sp - Apr 29, 1996 - "TOLD TO RETURN TO NYC TO FIND NEW RELIGION - We knocked on an apartment door. We asked the lady for Margarita. She said that she had a daughter named that, and she let us in to teach them. She then told us that four months ago they were living in Puerto Rico. A family member predicted that she had a dream that they should return to New York, and that in four months they would find a new religion. We were the first to knock on her door. She agreed to read the BofM. I know that God prepared this family and that he wanted us to teach them."

Elder Robert Jensen/Taumoepeau - Jamaica 1 - Apr 29, 1996 - "CONVERTS MUST BE "OWNED" BY THE BRANCH - At the baptism of Barbara who is 36, we had members give the talks, perform the baptism and confirmation. It was the first time on my mission that I felt the members 100% behind the work. I know that it was from her attending two weeks in a row, and both times being introduced to the members in Sacrament Meeting and announcing her baptism. We also introduced her to all the Branch Auxiliary Leaders, and had the Branch Presidn3et talk with her personally in his office. I can now understand what you have been encouraging us to do, when you said that the "Branch must "own" our converts!" That way they will have more chance of retention. She has already made some great friends, and they want she and we missionaries over for FHE tonight. After the confirmation, she was crying and sobbing. She said that she felt such a difference and peace at the time hands were laid on her head, from "head to toe!" She is only temporarily here, living permanently in a $5 million home in Jamaica. We can only imagine the impact she will have on her island when she returns there."

Elder Izatt/Bollinger - Rockaway 11 Sp - Apr 22, 1996 - "STREET MEETINGS LEAD TO BAPTISMS - It was awesome. Our entire Zone was there and everyone was excited. Many people stopped to talk with us and see who we were. The members of other religions who usually occupy the corners where we were stationed, seemed to stand in awe as they watched these white shirted LDS missionaries scrambling back and forth down the streets, talking to the people and obtaining addresses and telephone numbers. The sense of unity and support was almost overwhelming. All were excited to see another part of the Zone, here on the beaches. One of the people we met came to church the next day by himself having also attended the church in Chile before he arrived. After review of the discussions that Julio had already had and after an interview by the Branch President, we all felt the confirmation that he was to be baptized that evening.

At the baptism in Richmond Hill, Elder and Sister Davenport asked me to interview a man, Pedro, that had agreed to be baptized the following week, being the father of a member that they had been working with, but who the Davenports’ felt was ready to be baptized now. They were both baptized. The spirit confirmed the actions. The best expression was the tears from Pedro’s daughter when she saw her father baptized, another priesthood holder for the small branch. The last two days we had truly witnessed "miracles."

Elder Aburto/Romney - Richmond Hill 11 Sp - April 15, 1996 - "CALLED TO THE RIGHT MISSION - MET FRIEND FIRST DAY OF MISSION FIELD - On my first day in the mission field at around 3.40 pm, we were doing some spirit tracting before our 4 pm appointment. We were walking down a street and saw an Hispanic girl on the door step. As we got closer, she became very familiar to me. I then realized that she was my next door friend from Glendale, California. She had left a week before I entered the MTC. She told my Mom that she was moving to NYC, however never did I think I would ever see her again in a city this size. I had known both she and her brother since Jnr High, but now after losing contact with each other, we have now met again. He came to church with us on Sunday, liked it a lot, and we are going to teach him. My greatest joy would be to see him come to Christ through baptism. I now know that this is why the Lord sent me to this mission and to this area. Thank you for listening to the spirit to change me to the Spanish program and to that very area.

ALDO WAS BAPTIZED APR 25 - Baptizing my friend was one of the greatest experiences of my life. At the baptismal service the spirit was so strong! Right before we entered the water, I felt this burning feeling in my chest, I honestly thought I was going to be sick. Right after the baptism, it left me completely. I then knew it was the spirit testifying of His hand in this encounter and how much he appreciated my efforts. I know that both of us will never forget that evening."

Elder Walthall/Benson - Dyker Heights 1 Sp - Apr 22, 1996 - "MOVIE FILMING - HARRISON FORD - It has been disrupting this week, as they have been filming a movie in the middle of our area. It’s called "The Devils Own" and stars Harrison Ford. It is about terrorists. It sure disrupts the work and preparedness of people to listen."

Sister Katie Hansen/Alsop - Midwood 1 - Apr 8, 1996 - "NO GRAPEVINE - TRUE CHARITY FOR COMPANION - On Friday, Sister Alsop was planning a YW activity. She was frustrated and asked me to help. Then she got mad at me because I was not doing enough. I had a choice to make. I could get mad and call up another missionary to complain or I could relax and show charity. I prayed for charity and it was granted to me. All afternoon whilst she was upset, I was calm and at peace. I didn’t want to complain. I had no desire to pick up the phone. At the end of the day, I realized what had happened. When you told us, if we truly had charity for other missionaries, the grapevine would cease, I didn’t understand then. I do now! I’ve rarely felt pure charity for anyone like I did that afternoon. Unfortunately it was gone by the next morning and I haven’t felt it that strong since."

Sister Sego/Vacirca - Flushing 11 - Apr 8, 1996 - "LOVE FOR PEOPLE MUST SHOW IN YOUR EYES - At a train meeting I was really getting frustrated. I don’t fearless well and I then get mad at myself for not fearlessing. Then I become depressed and then I can’t fearless because I’m depressed. But Elder Browning said to me that "people must see the love you have for them in your eyes." That helped me so much! I want people to look at me and my actions and know the Savior through me, so they’ll want to know Him more on their own. I’ve been doing much better, and opening my mouth more."

Elder Palfreyman/Waihi - Park Slope - Apr 2, 1996 - "FAST, INVESTIGATORS GET OFF SUNDAYS - We fasted on Sunday so that many of our investigators could somehow get work off next Sunday. We asked the Lord to work miracles, and so far 3 of them have got off work. They didn’t think they would be able to, but I know the Lord made it possible."

Elder Leishman/Thompson - Terryville Ward - Mar 31, 1996 - "CROSSING THE BRIDGE - MEMBER PROGRAM - After introducing the "Crossing the Bridge" program of Elder Sackley to a member family, they invited a family they knew over to hear the discussions. We went and taught them last night. It was wonderful. The spirit was there very strong. I can see why it is so effective to teach the friends of members in the member’s homes. Their non-member friends weren’t offended, or felt uncomfortable at all. In fact, the mother said she’s been thinking of calling for the Book of Mormon for years. That family has caught on to the spirit of missionary work."

Elder Oler/Pitts - Midwood Creole - Mar 24, 1996 - "VISION 300 - We had a great District Meeting on Friday, and the excitement behind 300 is back, because we feel it is within reach. We figured our area bests and are shooting for them. I presented an analogy of a mountain I used to climb, where we’d get to a clearing some 3/4 of the way up and find the tendency to either look down at how high we were, how far we’d come, how much we’d accomplished and get comfortable or prideful and lose the grand vision of the summit. Or we’d look back straight up the mountain face above us and get scared and overwhelmed not knowing how to go about it. But then we’d set our focus on the winding path that slowly winds it’s way up around the mountain, and then we’d get on with it. In our journey to 300 + 3,000 we’ve hit a comfortable clearing of 2,073 and are either looking down at how much we’ve done, or looking at 300 like the face of a mountain. But the winding path has been there all along, finding our area best and at first matching it and then exceeding it. Now is the time!"

Elder Schwenke/Castro - Dyker Heights 1 Sp - Mar 25, 1996 - "BAPTIZING IN THE OCEAN - Saturday morning my comp was sick. I definitely did not want to stay in the apartment all day. I tried the Branch Missionaries, but they couldn’t go on splits. I called Elder Erickson (AP), who agreed to come with me, canceled his splits with the English sisters and came down. We visited David and taught him the rest of the charlas. He had been to church last Sunday, but was offended by one of the youth that shared an off-colored comment. He was turned off by this and his desire to be baptized was slowly lost. As we were there we stressed the importance of "authority", and that his Mom’s church which he wanted to return to did not have the authority. In our final moments we decided to pray, Elder Erickson first, then me and finally David. After this the spirit confirmed to him that he needed to be baptized by someone with the authority. We took off and I mentioned to Elder Erickson that filling the font will take too long. If he wants to go to the ocean, the same place Elder Liston baptized Theresa Torres (Jasmine) in Coney Island, on May 7, 1996. We agreed and took off to the ocean. It was so cold. I could not feel my feet and worst of all, the ocean was like icicles. I baptized him, then ran out and changed. While Elder Erickson confirmed him, I felt the sun’s rays beaming on my head so hard, that it warmed us all up very quickly. I noticed that the clouds moved aside and allowed the sun to shine right on us. The spirit was so strong despite how cold it was. I asked Elder Erickson if he saw the white dove descending from heaven and that the only thing missing was the "voice". "No Fear!" A challenging and testifying missionary is what it’s all about!"

Elder Turner/Rust - Rockland - Apr 1, 1996 - "FIRESIDE - The Fireside last night was the greatest. What can be more beautiful than your own converts speaking on baptism, crying for the remission of her sins, and then to think that I was there. It’s just the best. I also met Elder Ballantyne’s investigator, Iris, who I found at one of the Ferry Meetings a few months ago. She recognized me and introduced herself at the fireside. She kept saying, "I just may become a Mormon after this Fireside!"

Hna Arroyo/Orgill - Ridgewood Sp - Mar 25, 1996 - "BAPTISM GOALS - Did you realize that in the 5 weeks that we have been together, 15 people have entered the waters of baptism. Hna Orgill has now almost doubled her baptisms, just in Bushwick alone. She came in with 17 plus 15 here = 32. She’s optimistic about the goals she set a long time ago. This reflection on goals made me realize, that in the 6 months here; my # of baptisms has also about doubled! I went from 36 in October to 73 currently. (NOTE: This surpasses the Hna Callister record of 71). How the Lord blesses we, His missionaries. The best part is getting phone calls with invitations to eat and calls that let you know these converts really love and worry about you. At District Conference a few weeks ago, I met many of my converts who have been hard to contact and follow up on; yet seeing them in their white shirts and ties almost brought tears to my eyes. That is quite a sight, seeing a Texan never cries! I love service in the Lord’s kingdom."

NOTE: Hna Arroyo went home Jun 20, 1996 with 98 baptisms a new sister’s record.

Elder & Sis Farr - Park Slope - Mar 26, 1996 - "BLESSING ON CAR - The automatic transmission was progressively getting worse moving from 2nd gear. Adding transmission fluid provided little relief. Quotes for a rebuilt transmission were around $1,200. The first repair shop said, after driving the car, "It must be fixed quickly!" But we had an assignment of food for Zone Conference at Midwood and to carry the Elders. I mentioned to them that we should give the car a priesthood blessing. After all the snickering I reminded them that Hyrum Smith’s wife had her oxen blessed on the way to Utah. Afterwards, the car began to perform better, and the further we went, the better it ran. The car runs fine now, we canceled the repair appointment, and the car is fine."

Elder & Sis Lunceford - Bushwick & Queens FHC - Mar 25, 1996 - FATHER AND SPIRIT WORLD - "On the 13th, Ellen’s eye became irritated, and even after Neosporin, was still irritated. Following her request for a blessing, I laid my hands on her head, and also felt Afton, her dead father of the past 3.5 years, as well. It was a sweet experience. We were told at the Senior MTC "that there were others in the Spirit World, that had received mission calls to the same place as us. They are assigned to help and protect us while we serve on our missions." Afton has been with us many times. He truly is one of our angels."

Elder Spears/Berry - Rockland Branch - Mar 18, 1996 - "PAST INVESTIGATOR RECORDS - I felt impressed to go through the old record one more time. I took down 4 names that I previously had not considered. It was not until one week later that I felt was the right time to go and visit. We then met Vito Monopoly. We talked for 2.5 hours. The man was golden. The last elders, had pushed him. Even although he knew it was true, he told them not to come back. He told us, he wished that he had met "us two" sooner. One night, after correlation, we both felt impressed to go back and visit with him. He invited us in and after a short discussion on prayer, he told us that he could not make contact with us, so he was wondering if it wasn’t meant to be. He prayed and said "If you want me to be baptized Lord, send the Elders back!" A few minutes later, we knocked on his door. "So now I know I need to be baptized." It also turned out that the other three names I wrote down, just happen to be his good friends. Coincidence? I know not!"

Elder Perez/Simons - Uniondale 11 Sp - Mar 17, 1996 - BAPTISM GOALS - "Right now I am sitting at 90 converts. My goal was to have more than Elder Norman (88), and I’ve done that. I raised my goal to 103 a couple of weeks ago. I want to have 1 baptism for every week I have served a mission (Baptizing Weekly)." NOTE: He achieved 103 when he went home May 8, 1996.

Elder Manley/Draney - Rego Park 1 - Mar 18, 1996 - "DISOBEDIENCE BRINGS REPENTANCE - This is probably your least favorite Elder that you want to talk with tonight, but I felt like I really needed to write everything down. I really give excuses for my actions other than my feelings at the time of the events. When my other part of my companionship was not with me, I wasn’t sure what I should do. I know God wanted to give me a chance to at least see a play before I left. When I met up with a former missionary, I knew He had provided me with a companion. I took advantage of that I know. My feelings were that things were going so smoothly. I was definitely focusing on the wrong laws, that I needed to follow. I was more concerned with myself which is totally opposite of what I represent here. I was going through a lot of outer emotions to justify myself that I was in the right. I think another problem was that I felt that City Trips were more of a right than a privilege. This also added to my justification, and I really put myself above my privileges. I really thought I was almost an inhuman missionary, just doing a job. Last night was really a wake-up call from you to me.

You mentioned that I showed little remorse. That was true at first, but I really felt the impact of my actions last night. I can sleep when I need to at the drop of a hat. Two times, I haven’t been able to sleep through the whole night. Once when my girlfriend dumped me and the second time was from the pain of last night. I know that I broke all trust that you gave me as a representative of the Savior and of the New York South Mission. When I talked to you this morning, I just didn’t want to feel all that same pain increase, so I tried to justify it with a "Letter of the Law" attitude. Yes, I now feel remorse, and my repentance process will be full. First I will start by offering my most sincere apologies to you. I know the impact on the choices that I made, and I know that my choices were not reflecting your trust. I’m not sure if you planned to do it before, but I offer my reputation and name to be used as an example and maybe it can be used in a good way to stress the importance that trust brings.

I guess I will leave with my testimony. I am thankful for all the knowledge and guidance that I have received from your leadership and the mission’s vision. I’m thankful for the love and trust that you’ve shown to me. I know it’s not worth much right now, but you are one of the greatest men I’ve ever "known". It will mean more. I’ve done a lot of study on the Prophet Joseph Smith and you are so much like him and I feel my Savior’s love and gifts that he gives to the children of men, through you. I love how much focus you bring on the Savior and building that relationship with Him. I know that through His infinite love. I can change. Before the year is up, my hands will become one with His. I intellectually understand what it means to become a "Spirit of the Law" missionary. Now I will spiritually understand what it means to be a "Letter of the Law" missionary. I’m thankful for the chastisement I’ve received from you. I will grow. I will use it as a stepping stone to a new level. You really helped me to know what my focus really is. I’m thankful that you love me that much. I’m thankful for all my experiences, and you will hear from me again."

Elder McNairy/Tormod Anderson - Rego Park 111 Sp - Mar 10, 1996 - "LED BY THE SPIRIT AT ALL TIMES OF THE DAY - I had been working all morning on a split with Elder Meikle, we were hungry and had planned to stop at a particular member’s home for lunch. I then felt that we should not eat there. The Lord brought to mind another member, but I thought would be working during the day. As we got to the building, noone answered the buzzer. I leaned against the door that is always locked and it opened. Now I knew we had to be there. I knocked at Greg’s door and eventually he came as he had been asleep. His mother was home. We had always had difficulty trying to teach her, because she was never home. As we were teaching Maria, the neighbor kids came over and she made them also sit and listen. By the end of the discussion, all the kids wanted to come to church, but I told them we would have to get permission from their parents. The next thing we knew we were teaching their mother. After that discussion, I asked the kids who else they knew on that floor who would talk with us. We knocked three of the doors on the floor. One, a lady who knew all about the church, had a member friend, had a BofM, and had visited the church in her country as well as in NY. Days like this, really reminds me how little I really do. It is His work and glory."

Hna Orgill/Arroyo - Ridgewood Sp - Mar 10, 1996 - "YE OLDE MERRY MISSIONARIES - And it came to pass that in the land of Ridgewood, in the area of Queens, lived two missionaries, who desired to be effective instruments in the hands of the Lord. Therefore they did study the scriptures diligently and did attempt to fill their minds with pure and holy thoughts and to converse often of their conversion goals and of the many miracles the Lord had wrought in their lives. And they did labor day and night, walking from one area to the next searching for the broken hearts and contrite spirits of those whom the Lord had prepared to be baptized in the third month of the year of our Lord 1996, suffering many afflictions because of the many doors that were slammed in their faces and rejections they met on the street. Nevertheless, they continued on with hopeful hearts, waiting for the time when the outside conditions would be suitable for bicycle riding.

And they did plan with purpose, knowing that they were under solemn covenant with the Lord to bring 3 souls a week to the waters of baptism - evaluating and reevaluating their covenant - ever reaching for the stars, and always pleading to the Lord for faith sufficient to meet their prayerfully set goals. And they did think, from time to time of their families. What caused great joy to Hna Orgill, was the fact that each member of her family remained true to the faith in the faraway lands of Chile, Las Vegas and Reno - that through their many struggles and trials, they recognized the hand of the Lord in all things. They did begin to humble themselves and renounce their materialistic tendencies as they began to rely on the Lord. Therefore, as they gave support and love to Hna Orgill, they became to be closer to their Father in Heaven. And these two missionaries did truly love the land of Ridgewood and the people they were serving there. They received many miracles as they found humble families, served the branch by providing wedding music and by setting apart time to communicate with President Betancur.

Therefore, as Ridgewood-ites began to see the importance of their involvement in the social conversion of their newly found brethren and sisters, there was found great success in the Zone. The Zone members did rejoice in each other as they worked hard and played hard together. Their leader Elder Bateman, did strive to instill in each of them the personal responsibility to carry his weight in the Zone, and he was respected by all as each member in the Zone made an effort to improve.

And Hna Orgill and Hna Arroyo did love each other and did entirely enjoy the time they spent together learning from and with each other. And it came to pass that they were tried by the Lord and they did struggle, but they emerged from the trials determined to help each other augment faith. Their joy and excitement did increase as they looked forward to fulfilling their March baptismal covenant with the Lord. And they did plead with their Mission President, President Bailey, that they might be allowed to work together for a time, yea, perhaps even until Hna Arroyo should die and leave the New York South Mission. And their testimonies were strong, and they did take every opportunity to testify that Jesus is the Christ and that the BofM is the word of God, and that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God; and they knew these things to be true because speaking of them caused great feelings of joy to enter their hearts (that being the Spirit).

And it came to pass that there was one who was hard of heart whose name was Edith, who would not follow her family into the waters of baptism. And the Hermana’s being frustrated with her, asked Edith to set her own baptismal date after prayerful consideration. And it came to pass that on the following day, the Hermanas did return to Edith’s house seeking her answer which they believed would be in one and half weeks, but Edith’s answer was "Tomorrow, I will be baptized." And it came to pass that the Hermanas did pick their jaws up off the ground, did give much thanks to the Lord. And it came to pass that Edith was baptized by her son Danny. And it was the cause of much rejoicing. And the Hermanas , through all their trials and difficulties, knew that it was worth it. And all things were done as to the will of God, and they were guided by the spirit, not knowing beforehand where they should go and they did do their best to not rely on the arm of the flesh."

ANGELS - "Our investigator Ricarda has incredible faith. She attended last weeks baptismal service, that confirmed to her the truthfulness of what we taught. During the confirmation of Rosa, Ricarda opened her eyes out of curiosity to see what was taking place. As she peeked over, she said that she saw "Angles, bright, white and magnificent" surrounding the men performing the ordinance. She explained to us how she quickly closed her eyes, for fear of seeing too much. She was a little scared, yet they "gave her an reassurance that she should be baptized and that it was the correct decision for her. Wow! She is now excited as she commences the path that will lead her entire family to the Temple. We are still working with her husband and his conversion.

NOTE: These two sisters had baptized 13 people in 4 consecutive weeks of baptizing to this point.

Hna Orgill/Arroyo - Ridgewood Sp - Mar 4, 1996 - "CONTRACT OF COMMON GOALS - Can I tell you one more time that I love working with Hna Arroyo. Everything we do relates to our lives as missionaries. We have received incredible blessings here. I have been so grateful for being able to make a contract of common goals with her. This month of March is it. We are under a sacred covenant to bring 13 souls back to Heavenly Father’s presence. We have set very specific correlatory goals to help us reach that baptism goal, but I feel that in the process of living this covenant and helping each other to live it, that we are becoming better missionaries and members also. We are learning more about faith in our comp study. If my whole mission could be like this, I’d never go home. I am loving this time together and working towards achieving our March goal.

A couple of very important things have come to my attention lately. The importance of rendering service and goals. The goals we have set together this month, together and with the Lord have become a driving force to be the best missionary I can be right now. We’re pushing ourselves to achieve our celestial potential. I love fulfilling my part of the covenant, especially as I witness the Lord fulfilling His part. With service, the Lord blesses us for this sacrifice of time given with a willing heart. With my comp being Sister Trainer and having to work with other sisters, you’d think we would be struggling a little in our area. On top of that, the bane of my mission has been my piano playing skills. I have been recruited to play for more occasions than I think are necessary, it takes up a lot of my time. It’s a good thing the Lord doesn’t work by mortal logic. He has blessed us incredibly as we’ve served the sisters and the branch on top of that. It make s me enjoy the time I have with my comp even more. We have been praying recently for the gift of discernment and the gift of renewal of a healthy body. I have been amazed at the energy I have had lately, as we get up at 5 am to prepare ourselves physically and spiritually for the day; exercise, study, everything."

Hna Callister/Lopez - Rego Park 11 Sp - Feb 26, 1996 - "SHAKLEE PRODUCTS - PRAYER - On Sunday Feb 4, we were walking to an appointment, and I saw a "Shaklee" display on a table outside a store window, and stopped for a moment. We normally don’t look in store windows, but my mother sells Shaklee. As we stood, a little spanish lady came out to serve us. When she saw our tags, she asked me what church we were from. When we told her, she got so excited, she started hugging me and saying "I’m a member!" She said she had not been able to find the church here since she came from Peru. She told us that her husband and son wanted to join the church. We went into the little store and taught the first charla to she and her husband (Judith and Eduardo). Judith has been a member for 15 years, and finally her husband has agreed to hear the charlas. He didn’t even like the church before. She also said that earlier that morning, she had prayed specifically that she’d find the church here in NYC. She knew Heavenly Father would answer her prayer, because she asked with faith, and then we walked along and stopped. If it hadn’t been for Shaklee products, we wouldn’t have stopped. Eduardo and Jonathon (son) were baptized the next Sunday, it was beautiful. Judith received her wish, now having a complete family as members. They are now preparing to go to the temple. I am so impressed that by Judith’s faith, we were led to her. I now also know that the Lord has us in the right place and at the appointed time."

MEMBER’S SISTER SERVING IN MY HOME BRANCH - A few weeks ago we went to an appointment, only to find that we had been juked. What’s new? We decided to knock on a few doors, to see if we could teach. On our way down the stairs, we knocked on a door and an English man let us in, before we even said who we were. He then interrupted us by saying that he was from SLC, and a member. He then told us that he (Kingsley) came from a very active family, but hadn’t been to church in a long time. He had a brother and sister currently on missions. His sister is currently on a mission serving in a spanish branch in Merced, California, which is my home branch. My family lives in that branch. A few weeks earlier, I’d been talking to Elder Taumoepeau in Flushing, who said his cousin, Sister Brown was serving also in Merced, and had dinner in my home. When we put everything together, Elder T’s cousin, Hna Brown, is Kingsley’s sitter. I told Kingsley that Heavenly Father must sure be looking out for him! I told my father (a former Mission President), about this experience, and he confirmed. A few weeks later I received a letter from Hna Brown, thanking me for being led by the spirit. She had been fasting and praying that Kingsley and his wife would have the chance to meet missionaries. She wants the whole family to go through the temple. She said that I was one of her "heroes", because I followed the spirit and found her brother. I now am looking forward to going home and going on "splits" with her. Her prayers really were answered, and I was merely the instrument. The Lord loves all of us, not just the new converts.

Elder Colledge/Peterson - Rego Park 1 Portuguese - Feb 17, 1996 - "ONE WHO WOULD LEAD HIM TO GOD HAD HALF FINGER MISSING - Joel, our convert of earlier this month, referred us to a member of 18 years, who went inactive because of her husband. Each time we went over, she became stronger and stronger in her testimony. Her husband who initially showed little interest, began progressing. He visited church and liked it a lot. He then asked if dreams could be personal revelation. Of course, why do you ask. He wouldn’t tell us then. He was baptized the following week, and then told us of a dream he had. The day before we taught him, he had a dream that many people were trying to teach him, but he remained confused. Then two men came and taught him, and he recognized the feelings when they taught. He could not see their faces, but he distinctly remembers that one of the men was missing half a finger. At church, before he was baptized, he noticed that I had half of one finger missing. Joel and his wife are now preparing to go to the Temple and they could be one of the strongest member families we have in the Portuguese unit. I am positive that the Lord prepared Joel before we taught him. This is the Lord’s work and His church. He knows who He wants. We just need to listen and find."

Elder Perkins/Jensen - Rego Park 1 - Feb 5, 1996 - GIFT OF DISCERNMENT - "On Thursday we taught Chi-Woei Hseih, and her friend Emmi Chen. The Lord required from us something more than the standard discussions would allow. Through the gift of discernment, the Lord opened my mind to an understanding of their souls. With this revelation, I was able to comprehend their spiritual needs. The Lord directed me to teach the entire Fourth Discussion. We disregarded the handbook which says that the 4th can only be taught to those firmly committed for baptism. They had never heard of Joseph Smith, the Book of Mormon, Apostasy, Restoration, Baptism, or anything we usually build upon. When we returned a miracle had happened. Previously these two had never read the Bible, heard of Jesus Christ, or even attended church. After one visit, I was shocked to hear Emi Chen say "I want to be baptized, so I can live in the Celestial Kingdom. I believe that Jesus Christ was the Son of God. He is my Savior and Redeemer". Her feelings were echoed by Chi-Woei.

Chi-Woei was so impressed with the message, that she started to memorize sections of the Book of Mormon. We spent the next 1.5 hours sharing the First and Second Discussions. We gave them the "Invitation to Attend the Temple" booklet, and the Ensign issue describing Temple Work. They are very excited to attend the temple after their baptism. It was only because we had recognized those spiritual gifts bestowed on us, that we were able to teach with the kind of discerning power, the Lord required. The gift of discernment is powerfully applicable with many missionaries. I have been in interviews with certain people, after only knowing them for a few minutes, and be able to comprehend their souls. At times the Lord has inspired me to act with great boldness. I remember interviewing a missionary and saying "You are straying from the will of God. Your understanding of why the Lord has sent you here is misguided. Until you can bring yourself to do the will of the Lord, you will never have success." The missionary protested "I just want to serve God." I replied "I wonder if you love the concept of being an effective worker as much as you love yourself." This missionary looked shocked and then said "You just hit the nail on the head!" That night these two good missionaries worked out their problems and their area has sky rocketed since. Now I understand what it means to speak in the place of the Savior.

DISCERNMENT - BAPTISMAL INTERVIEW - "I have never held as many spiritual gifts at one time as I did when I conducted an interview last week. I’ve worked with many investigators for baptism before. When Javier Delrosario came into the office, he told me that he didn’t believe the BofM to be true, or that this was the true church. He could not accept Joseph Smith as a true prophet. He did know that baptism was a good idea. Instantly the gift of discernment kicked in. The Lord showed me all the feelings and experiences which he had given to this man to prepare him for membership. The Lord made clear to me that he did have a testimony. I also felt the spirit testify powerfully that he was to be baptized the following day. I prayed intently for the gift of teaching. The answer came in a profound and powerful way. The Lord showed me all He had done to prepare him, and also what Satan had done. I knew what his concerns were, and how to resolve them. The Lord told me what to do. I felt the gifts of the spirit come into my life as never before.. The veil was so thin. I could perceive the presence of ministering angels. The very ones which had been preparing him all his life. The Lord showed me that he already had felt the spirit in abundance, but had been unable to recognize it and accept it because of the false precepts Satan has been teaching. For that moment, the powers of the adversary were rebuked. I was humbled by the kind of power that the Lord is willing to give us to accomplish His work. I honestly felt that for the duration of that interview, he had placed the very powers of heaven in my hands.

I knew as a priesthood holder, I held the key to the ministering of angels. Until that night, I had never begun to understand the power of that blessing. As I spoke the phrases the Lord placed in my mind, I was able to command the powers of heaven as I needed them. At the right moment, I asked that the Lord honor my faith. I commanded the spirit to fill his soul with a knowledge that what I said was true. The effect was visible. Javier’s entire face changed, and he almost began to cry. He asked why he had never felt the truth of these things before. I told him "You have been fighting against the power of God. You have heard before, but because you have denied the truth, you couldn’t recognize it. You will only learn to develop faith as you accept the assurances of the Spirit." He said "I know that what you have told me is true. I have never read more than a few verses of the Book. But, I know from the testimony of the Holy Spirit that what you have told me is true." Because of the spiritual gifts which the Lord bestowed, this wonderful man realized that he had felt the spirit. A miracle had occurred, he received the gift of testimony. He said that he knew from the witness of the spirit, that Joseph Smith was a prophet. He knew that this was the only true church of God. Later that evening he shared this beautiful testimony of the restored gospel to the other missionaries present. He was baptized the following day."

NOTE: Sister Jones, the teaching sister said in her letter that she knew he was not humble enough to acknowledge the truth. She was then so surprised when he came from the interview a completely humbled and changed man, one who knew the church was true. She cannot say enough good for Elder Perkins and the influence he was on her investigator. "Gifts of the Spirit" were showered upon him that evening.

Elder and Sister Curbishley - Staten Island - Feb 1, 1996 - IRISH REACTIVATION - "The day before his transfer to Jamaica, a middle aged man came up to Elder Doyle on the street, scrutinized his badge, and asked if he was an Irishman. It only took one syllable from Elder Doyle’s mouth to confirm the fact, having been sent from Dublin after being converted only two years ago. Bill McNulty, a fellow Irishman, was ecstatic. He has been a member of the church for 32 years, but was inactive for the past 30. One "chance" meeting on the road, one brief conversation with an elder, was all it took to reactivate this man. He came that evening with Elder Doyle to the Branch Family Activity, and he has not missed a church meeting since. He wants to receive the priesthood and go to the temple. He has a fine intellect, works as a Physician’s Assistant, is an ex Navy Seal, speaks Chinese, and says he has maintained the standards of the church throughout all those years of inactivity. He only went inactive because of his "stubborn Irish pride. Imagine, an Englishman striving with an Irishman in the United States, to visit the temple."

Elder Farley/Shaw - Staten Island 1 - Jan 30, 1996 - "300 IS POSSIBLE - "In Zone Conference when Elder Erickson said that during February, we would hit our goal of 300, the room was silenced and at that moment, the spirit testified to me that we can get 300. I now have the vision and the faith that we can accomplish our mission goal. Thank you for your prayers and testimony that helps us all merit the spirit to be with us."

Elder Mugleston/Gardner - Bushwick 1 - Jan 7, 1996 - "2 WEEKS ATTENDANCE BEFORE BAPTISM - The area has gone great these last couple of weeks, and with the new rule of two Sundays, we will need to plan better. The work should continue at the same rate, and now we will just commit people to get to church. I like the rule because it will strengthen the convert much more, and it will cause a whole week of trials to prepare them for their baptism from that first week. We are in Bushwick, but the rule will be lived."

Elder Steven Kelly/Smith - Bushwick - Jan 7, 1996 - "SNOW - We were trying to get home Sunday night. It took 1.5 hours because of the snow blizzard. It was wet, freezing, blowing, and very hard to walk. However we had fun the entire way. We pushed a lot of cars out of drifts, we fearlessed people, we helped others getting in and out of the snow. It was great. It wasn't "really powerful", but it was fun and we both felt good helping everyone in need."

Elder Hammond/Phillips - Brooklyn Deaf - Jan 8, 1996 - "SNOW - APARTMENT ACTIVITY - On Monday we decided to have an apartment unity activity. After the snow, we built the best snow cave. The inside was about 8 ft wide, by 6 ft high, by 15 ft long. I think you'd approve President. We even hung up a picture of Christ and the Mission Flag inside! Since Sunday and all this week, we have rendered service and shoveled many old widow's walks. A couple of them chased us trying to give us money, but being young we outran them."

Elder Ward/Alder - Jamaica 11 Sp. - Jan 8, 1996 - "SNOW - PUSH CARS - On Sunday night we helped a man push his car out of the snow. He asked "Are you Mormons?" We answered "Yes!". He then said "I'm a Mormon too." We met some of his friends here and we are going to teach them and reactivate him."

Elder Peterson/Davidson - Plainview 11 - Jan 10, 1996 - THE NYS HUNGER - "Through the experiences that I have had as a leader and missionary, I see a quality in some missionaries that make them excel in what they do. To break this quality down, it is just one thing - Hunger. The hunger of this NYS missionary is quite different to anything found elsewhere. It begins with desire. He gets Tunnel Vision with his desires. He knows that his desires control the outcome of his labors. Alma 29:4. He eliminates any room for pride or self gratification, until all his desires become righteous. He desires to build the kingdom of God, by baptizing strong converts that won’t burden, but will give value to a Ward/Branch. Coupled with his desires is a work ethic to match. The hungry missionary will do anything, any time, anywhere, to help accomplish His righteous desires. He could be classified along with Helaman. Also Captain Moroni in Alma 62:43, he "retired", once his job was finished. He knew that there was a higher cause, that of "converting his brethren."

His hunger could be compared to the Sons of Mosiah, who "could not bear that any human soul should perish." This is the very essence of the NYS Hungry missionary. He never forgets the key to his success: The Lord! He humbly kneels, and thanks the Lord for the miracles he witnesses as a result of his faith each day, and pledged his all for the day to come."

Elder Christensen/Mavy - Dyker Heights 1 Sp. - Jan 10, 1996 - "FAMILIES - The Cuate family’s baptism was quite an experience for me. There is no greater joy than to baptize a complete family into the church. That’s what it’s all about! I witnessed a very stubborn mother, who didn’t know she was going to be baptized until 10 minutes before the service began, be touched by the spirit. All along, she kept saying she needed to learn more, and wouldn’t accept the fact that learning in the church is a life long process. She saw some familiar faces at church, who prodded her, and she agreed. As I lifted her out of the water, she was crying. I knew she had been touched by the spirit and realized the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Before the service was completed, she raised her hand and asked to share her feelings. We were all amazed at what the spirit can do to people. Her personality will always keep the family strong in the church."

Elder Mugleston/Gardner - Bushwick 1 - Jan 2, 1996 - BRIGHAM YOUNG FILES - "Elder Gardner looked through some BY files and found Cornalla (35) and her daughter Monet (10), who were taught during the summer and liked it. He called her up and talked with her. By night she had left a message on the answering machine "Missionaries, I want you to come over, because we want to be baptized." She had prayed and studied and knew it was now time to be baptized. We went over and taught she and Monet and Kenneth (7). Her husband doesn’t want to give up his old life yet, and is a little hesitant. She was one of the most prepared persons I have met. They want to be a forever family and are putting pressure on the father."

Elder Pippin/Weinman - Bushwick 1 - Jan 21, 1996 - OBEDIENCE - "I have learned through experience, that it is impossible to love the work, feel the spirit, and have fun without being obedient first. It doesn’t matter if you baptize many, and are disobedient. I’ve learned that it is impossible for a disobedient missionary to consistently baptize strong converts. They may be able to baptize #’s, but no substance. Zone 5 realizes that and we have committed to a higher plane of achievement and excellence. On the grounds of obedience flows our love of God, our desires, and our faith. Disobedience shows no faith, or love for God. If this mission, Zones, Districts or companionships want to achieve what the Lord wants us to achieve, we will have to refocus our spirituality. Is it focused on having fun and consequently disobeying basic rules, or is it focused on God? Zone 5 will not fall short of our goals, despite the circumstances that surround us. We refuse to stand with mediocrity, and so should the stance of the NYS Mission. Since my personal refusal to be disobedient, I already feel the Lord’s spirit entering back into my life. I’m not afraid to be obedient, even if it means not following the crowd. It is the only way to fight the plague which is threatening the mission."

BRANCH ORGANIZATION - "I closed out the financial year last week with David Roman. We balanced the registers and cleaned up the financial mess. This would’ve been lost without the computer expertise, the Lord has blessed me with. I reconciled MIS last week with SLC. I hooked up our modem Sunday. I trained the other two branches how to use the new software and modem. They loved and appreciated the help. I feel the work is bringing blessings from the Lord, for the branch and other missionaries, but I feel it is slowing proselyting work in our area. I talked with President Jusino to give me someone to train this next month top take my place. We want the branch to sustain itself. Bushwick is on fire. How? Through cleaning the records, Branch PR, and a whole lot of help from the spirit, we have brought and retained converts, and reactivated many people. I’m focusing on Home Teaching now. Tonight, we will have all the new converts in the last three months assigned as Home Teachers and Visiting Teachers. I’ve made lists for each missionary companionship, of all the members in each area. This has led to so many reactivated members. Incredible, Elder Hansen is leading the way, with Mugleston and Gardner, in baptisms, spirit and desire."

Feb 1, 1996 - "This week I’m setting up a budget for them, and each auxiliary. I will train the branch Presidency how to keep, make and maintain this budget. This has never been tried or attempted before. Sacrament meeting is packed every week, often over 100, sometimes 120. Missionary leaders in the past have only focused on baptizing. I’m focusing on fixing the branch first. Get it to sustain itself, and converts will follow. More branches across the mission, need to get the members to take over many of the jobs that we as missionaries have been performing."

Elder Michael Shaw/Weinman/Larsen - Staten Island 1 - Jan 2, 1996 - "CAKE - TAKE TO LESS-ACTIVES TO OBTAIN REFERRALS - We bought a cake mix and tried to find some inactive members to bake it with, to get referrals from them. We were going to give a lesson and try to involve them in missionary work. Many were not home. We then went to a part member family, the Nielsons. Only the 20 year old non member daughter and her younger brother were home. We asked her if we could bake a cake with her and give her a lesson. They accepted and we received a referral from the oldest daughter as well as teaching them."

Elder Castro/Washburn - Huntington Sp. LI - Dec 31, 1995 - "MAILMAN - Well we have been using tracting, even the mailman, when we see him, we ask him where the Spanish people live, and we go out and knock those homes. Spirit tracting is also very effective around here."

Elder Benson/Rocks - Brentwood Sp. - Jan 1, 1996 - "SUPERMARKETS - We have been fearlessing in the Super Market and it seems to be working well." "LI VACATION - Long Island has the reputation as a party or vacation place, that can be no further than the truth!"

Elder Simons/Garza - Bushwick 11 Sp - Dec 25, 1995 - FAITH & MIRACLES - "I have learned so much out here in Bushwick as a "rookie". (1) Always listen to and follow the spirit, no matter what! If you feel the spirit and it tells you to do something, don’t wait one moment and don’t question it. Just do it! (2) Always expect a miracle and expect God to help you and bless you. I learned that from Elder Erickson and it really works. If you have faith and pray for a miracle, it will happen. I know it will!"

Elder Benson/Rocks - Brentwood Sp - Dec 25, 1995 - FEARLESS IN GROCERY STORE - "We go to the Spanish grocery stores and fearless there. We have found some good families, in fact our last two baptisms have been found that way."

Elder Mendenhall/Jeppsen - Brentwood Sp - Dec 12, 1995 - "STREET MEETINGS IN PARKING LOTS - These are doing excellent in Spanish grocery stores. We can see the difference in the quality of our fearlesses, when we pray the morning before and ask God to bring prepared ones there."

Elder Taft/Lai - Brooklyn Chinese - Dec 26, 1995 - "GRAPH MADE OF CHINESE SURNAMES - We made a graph of all the streets and avenues in our area, then we went through the phone book, and I would mark where all the Chinese people lived. The graph started making a pattern of where they lived. We're trying to work "smarter! We are also beginning an English/Chinese class."

Hna Hansen/Cervantes - Little Neck - Dec 24, 1995 - "COMPLETING FAMILIES - Last August I had a dream about a family. We met them and taught them in September. The parents were baptized in October. The daughter Sandra was baptized 2 weeks ago. Yesterday I saw the last family member, Wilfred baptized by her father, Luis, now a holder of the Aaronic Priesthood. I was filled with joy. What a privilege to be part of the conversion process of an entire family. They are now excited to attend the temple."

Elder Beck/Leishman - Plainview 11 Ward - Dec 18, 1995 - "A MIRACLE A DAY - My faith continues to grow. We both have the motto, "A miracle a day, and that is exactly how it has been lately. This last week we have seen at least one per day. The Lord is really blessing this area. Last week we tied the record for this area, for the second successive week of 16 discussions."

Elder Porter/Purcell - Terryville Ward - Dec 17, 1995 - "COMPANIONS TURNED OVER TO THE LORD - I learned something new this week. On Thursday night, when we stayed over at the Mission home after Mission Conference, I noticed a quote by the transfer board in the kitchen. It said "The Lord, my companion and me. We're quite a companionship, we three!" The spirit really hit me hard when I realized that the Lord was a part of our companionship too, the most important part. He can actually change people. I can only break myself trying. So, I turned Elder Purcell over to the Lord. All I can do is have faith that the Lord is changing him, and them expect it to happen, and I believe that it's been working. The Lord finally helped me figure this out. I am now not so stressed about things."

Elder Beck/Perkins - Park Slope - Dec 3, 1995 - "ELEVATOR WOULD NOT MOVE - We were in a building and stepped into an elevator. After pushing the button, the elevator would not move. We tried everything, but it just simply would not go anywhere. Finally we got out and the elevator took off by itself. While we were waiting for it to come back, an elderly woman stepped into the hall. The spirit said to fearless her. I know the Lord placed her in our path and we had to wait until she came out."

Elder & Sister Davenport - Rockaway 1 - Nov 30, 1995 - DEAD ANCESTORS AT CONFIRMATION - "On Sunday Nov 19, we had 4 baptisms at Rego Park, including Keisha McCarthy. After the baptisms, I was asked to confirm one of the adult men. His name was Simmons. During the blessing, I felt strongly that I should mention that he had opened the door for the first time, for his ancestors to receive the blessings of the gospel. I became aware that there was a lot of movement around us, and other arms reaching in to touch Brother Simmons. At first I was somewhat irritated, due to the spirituality of the moment, to the point of pausing in the blessing. I then realized that there was no other movement around us and what I had seen was in my mind’s eye, only since my eyes were shut as were all the other Elders. This vision was so vivid, that I knew that his ancestors were there and were so excited over the occasion that they all just wanted to touch him. I was so moved by this realization that I could hardly continue, but I felt impressed to confirm again the importance of searching out his ancestors and completing the temple work for them. I have never had this sensation before, but I know that what I saw was real."

Elder Cory Nielson/Johnson - Dyker Heights 1 Sp - Nov 27, 1995 - "STRUGGLES AS A ZONE - As I'm sure that you have noticed, the challenges continue here in Dyker Heights. We are working ourselves into the ground. We are working together and I feel more unified with our Zone than I have ever felt during the mission. We have street meetings, we go on splits, and I believe that we've really been able to help other missionaries be more effective and find good people to teach. We are doing all we know how to do. We're trying to be exactly obedient in every possible way. We're trying to keep a positive attitude all of the time. We're praying hard, and making promises and commitments with the Lord to show our faith. We don't know what else to do? But we're sick of analyzing the problem. We're just going out to do it. We have truly realized that we alone can do nothing. I've felt a little like Samuel Smith these last few weeks, but as in his mission, I know that the Lord did not send me here to fail." Just like Joseph Smith said, we will "come out on top."

Elder Batty/Bollinger - Bushwick 11 Sp - Nov 27, 1995 - "ZONE UNITY - Elder Erickson (my ZL), is working and focusing this month so that every companionship in the Zone can baptize. They had noticed that this had been an extremely difficult month for us. He had us fill a day of appointments for him to work with us. A problem arose that morning and Elder Marchant (dual ZL), came instead. We had 2 slow investigators. The spirit directed us to speak about Temples and families. The mother was so touched by the spirit that she asked Elder Marchant for a Baptismal Interview. To do so would make us late for our next appointment, but the spirit said "Do it!" She was interviewed and committed for early December.

We rushed to our next appointment. He came to the door with a big smile. As we went inside, we met Hermanas Kidd and Arroyo, who knew we had the appointment and came to help us out. All four of us were able to have Jorge feel the spirit and excitedly commit for baptism. The unified feeling I felt was indescribable. I am so grateful to my Zone members for their support. I later found out that Elder Erickson had gone with my companion into another part of our area and committed another investigator. I pray that I can return the favor to other Districts and Zones that in need of the same feeling. I have learned from the excellent leaders in this mission including Elders Reynolds, Devereaux and Erickson, that as a leader in this mission, we must first be servants. Bushwick is unified. May all Zones experience this same unity."

Elder Bartlett/Tormod Anderson - Rego Park 11 Sp - Nov 26, 1995 - "PENTECOSTAL PREACHER - We have been teaching a Pentecostal Preacher of some 21 years. He's been to Branch activities and came to church this last Sunday. When I was teaching him the first charla, the spirit touched him when we read Moroni 10:3 - 5. Tears came to his eyes and he said "Now I know these things are true. "The spirit was so strong. When he is baptized next week he will be a very strong priesthood holder." NOTE: The Elders have been called and ridiculed by members of his congregation for drawing him away from them.

Elder Reynolds/Keller - Midwood 11 Sp - Nov 26, 1995 - "CONVERSIONS FOLLOW RETENTION - We have spent so much time helping the Branch in our church positions, especially on retention. We don't get to spend a lot of time on proselyting, but still we had 6 baptisms this month. I now know that what has been taught us is correct. The Lord will lead us to conversions if we are serious with retention and reactivation firstly."

Elder Ballantyne/Jensen - Flushing 11 - Nov 27, 1995 - "FAITH TO HEAL - We were in the Gospel Essentials class yesterday talking about faith, and a recent convert lady said "Brothers and Sisters, I have had back pains for many years. Two weeks ago the missionaries came and gave me a blessing. Two days later, I was relieved totally of that pain, and it has not hurt since. I had faith at the time that I would be healed." When I gave that blessing to her, I was appreciative that I was worthy to hold the priesthood."

Elder Mark Smith/Cory Hansen - Bushwick 1 - Nov 20, 1995 - "BRIGHAM YOUNG FILES - JEREM MITCHELL - When I was with Elder Christiansen, we used the spirit to review our old investigator's records, and that is when we found Francis. The spirit told us to take it out. Elder Christensen handed it to me and we went and looked her up. She was never there, so we always left notes. When Elder Pippin came, I was thinking about throwing it away, when I felt something tell me No! I decided to give her one last try, and I finally got an appointment with her. We found out that she had all the discussions from Elder Jerem Mitchell exactly one year ago. We committed her and her two daughters and a couple of weeks later they were all baptized. We then taught one of their cousins and then he was baptized. I'm sure glad that I heard the spirit tell us not to throw that record away. It led us to 4 baptisms." NOTE: I called Jerem on Saturday December 2, 1995. He was so elated. He thought that he had so few baptisms, after working so hard.

Elder McNairy/Adams - Staten Island 111 Sp - Nov 5, 1995 - "CONTINUALLY CHANGING GOALS - As you stay close to the Lord, I find that he constantly molds you into exactly what he wants and needs from you. I feel that the only way to judge oneself is according to what the Lord expects of you. I recall after having 15 baptisms in August in Bushwick, plus the additional 2 from Midwood, that I knelt down and gave thanks for all his blessings that I had received. I felt from him, that I had done a good job, that he was pleased with my efforts, but then he immediately turned my mind to a new goal of 20 baptisms by the end of the year. The excitement I had for my achievement was turned into excitement to achieve a new goal. The Lord always appears to be one step ahead, leading us on to the next phase. We are merely tools!"

NOTE: 4/95 = 5, 5/95 = 8, 6/95 = 6, 7/95 = 9, 8/95 = 17, 9/9510, 10/95 = 16, 11/95 = 4 +. (75 in 10 m

NOTE: First Ferry Meeting convert was Washington Herrera (30) on 11/4. Average 20 Fearlesses per Mtg.

Elder McNairy/Adams - Staten Island 111 Sp - "Oct 29, 1995 - "BRING SOMEONE TO CHURCH - I left my companion in charge of getting our investigators to church, whilst I was assisting another Elder with his baptism. Well, he came to church without the investigators, but with several good excuses. I have always felt that a missionary should never come to church empty handed. If you can't get any investigators, then at least you can bring an inactive.

Elder Waihi/Hoelzer - Bushwick 1 - Oct 29, 1995 - "COMMIT ON 1ST VISION - I've learned so much from Elder Hoelzer. These past three weeks, it's been a matter of watch-learn-do, with positive results. He has shown me to commit on the First Vision principle. It was bold at first, but it makes sense. I was hesitant to try it, but I tried it last night with Cheryl Higgins and I had the most spiritual experience I've ever had sharing that principle. All of us in the room were touched, we all felt it and she is committed for baptism this Sunday."

Elder Pippin/Smith - Bushwick 1 - Oct 24, 1995 - "POWER APARTMENT - This pad is amazing. All these missionaries help me feel the spirit each day. So much talent, fire and vision. If all the missionaries could feel the spirit of arising at 6.30 am, studying the missionary Study Guide every day together, powerful personal study, pad prayer and hymns, working hard to 9.30 pm, enjoying each moment of it, this mission would change."

Elder Price/Parker - Rego Park 1 - Oct 23, 1995 - "HUNGER TO BAPTIZE - Elder Liston called for commits on Friday. We had none as a Zone. We commit to find someone on Saturday. We pray harder than ever. I received a confirmation that there was someone ready, a burning in my bosom. I knew it. On Saturday we got out at 8 am. Rain pouring, wind blowing all day. We must have said a hundred prayers for the Lord to guide us as his tools. Everywhere we went, we asked to be guided. It was truly the hardest most spiritually draining day of my mission. At about 3 pm we ran out of options. We returned home soaking wet to eat and gather our thoughts. I told Elder Parker that we had spent all day looking for someone to teach 6 Discussions, bring to church and baptize the next day. Perhaps that's not what the Lord wanted.

I told him about 2 people we had worked with that had nothing stopping them but themselves, Stephanie and Tameeka. We set out to visit both of them. We stopped at Tameeka's house, BRT's and read from the BofM. Then Elder Parker proceeded to talk about how we don't receive an answer to our prayers, until after the trial of our faith, and about Alma's experiment. Then he asked me to share the experience I had Friday night, and likened it unto Alma's experiment. The spirit was so strong. I told her that she was the one. Without hesitation she said Yes! to baptism. She was baptized just as the Lord had promised us. It didn't stop there though! Sunday 2 ladies came up to us after Sacrament meeting and asked "what do we have to do to be baptized?" I can't believe how the Lord is blessing us and our whole Zone. He sure blesses us.

Elder Erickson/Supinger - Rego Park 111 Sp - Oct 2, 1995 - "HUNGER TO BAPTIZE AND BREAK RECORD OF 15 - This has been the most incredible week of my mission. At the beginning of the month, we set our goal at 16 conversions, a record of 15 had been established by Elder McNairy, but it needed to be broken. We talked about it all the time, we always mentioned 16 whenever we prayed. It was not just a high ambition, we truly believed that the Lord would bless us with 16, if we maintained an intensity and stayed humble. We only ended up with 10, but every one of those people are great converts and they are all miracles. I am so grateful for those 10, they are such blessings. We asked the Lord to clean up our area halfway through the month, because we had a good size teaching pool with little progression. 85% of them were dropped within the following 2 days. We asked Him to help us know which people would be strong converts, so that we wouldn't waste time with those that were just filling space. We knew that there were at least 16 prepared people, and we know that the Lord knew it. As we became more specific in our prayers and in our faith, it was as though we were being guided to the hearts of the people, it was the same sense of revelation that Elder McNairy talked about. These 10 conversions were the most humbling thing that has happened on my mission, I have never seen so many miracles. It has taken me 15 months to understand how small of a role I play in missionary service. It is an honor to serve Him and such a privilege to be in New York City. I believe that President Hinckley put it all together for me on Saturday night, when he said "Power comes from 1. Faith 2. Prayer and 3. Humility" Hna Kidd (she truly understands faith, she is an awesome missionary!), and I discussed these principles at Conference yesterday, and we came up with this.

FAITH - As you explained in Zone Conference, but doubting nothing. James 1:6. As Hno Cruz said "Nothing Gets Me Down!" Elder Supinger would start yelling that, if we were juked or dropped or it was raining. I believe that negative feelings or a bad attitude shows doubts. I am gaining more patience, love and becoming less cynical.

PRAYER - Tell the Lord what you want and see if He agrees. General prayers get general answers. Specific prayers get specific answers.

HUMILITY - All glory to God. Love and serve with all your heart, might, mind and strength. The Lord wants us to succeed, we just can't be prideful! One companionship in this mission is going to break 20 conversions this month. We aren't afraid.

Elder Erickson/Supinger - Rego Park 111 Sp - Oct 9, 1995 - "THREE BAPTISMS IS NOT ENOUGH - We had a strange experience yesterday. We came home Sunday evening after a lovely day, with 3 baptisms, and as we were laying there we just didn't feel satisfied with 3 baptisms. I thought back to 18 months ago, and 3 baptisms in a month was awesome. 12 months ago, 3 was good, 5 - 6 was great and 7 or more was excellent. Now 3 per month is the expected minimum, 5 - 6 is good, 7 - 9 is great and excellence is "double digits." Now our vision is so much higher and the goal for us as a companionship is for 20 baptisms this month and that means 4 every Sunday, and it's truly obtainable. We were very thankful for 3 baptisms from the Lord, but we know he expects more, so we will need 5 baptisms next week just to catch up.

They are strong converts. Yesterday was typical. I have never seen a Branch rally so much to help the missionaries out. The Branch President (Mancuso) interviewed the husband (investigator) of the APs family, for receiving the Aaronic Priesthood before Sacrament Meeting. He was sustained during that meeting. The members walked our commits home and brought them back to church for their baptism. The BML prepared the service, we didn't have to do anything. The Aaronic Priesthood was conferred upon the husband after his baptism so he could baptize the wife. Afterwards, the members had so much food for a light snack. It has now become the Branch tradition every Sunday evening.

Our 16 year old convert had been attending Boy Scouts at the Branch for 3 weeks, and he enrolled himself in Seminary with his member cousin last Tuesday evening. Yesterday he got up in Testimony meeting and told everyone that he wanted to be baptized, but his mother hadn't come to church like she had promised, so he would have to wait one more week. We had already taught him everything and had him interviewed a few days before. Afterwards we kept calling the mother, who was sick, telling her that she and her husband had to come down. We showed "no fear". They came just in time, were a little put out, but the spirit worked them and they were very happy with the baptism, the friendliness of the members and we will be teaching them more positively now."

Sis. Von Cannon/Walden - Little Neck 1 - Oct 1, 1995 - "BE SPECIFIC IN PRAYERS - This is the Lord's work. We'll pray for something specific, to be led by the spirit or to find someone and then it happens. We went fearlessing the other night in one area and got 16 fearlesses in about 45 minutes. Then our faith was tested. We spent 2 hours in another area and only got 3. It has shown me how much faith I need to have, and to be specific in prayers."

Sister Yeh/Jones/Lowe - Richmond Hill 1 - Sep 10, 1995 - "70 FEARLESSES, 20 DISCUSSIONS = 300 BAPTISMS - I read in the Newsletter "70 Fearlesses and 20 Discussions per week." When I read these things, I wanted to try it. I remember that Sister Lowe was sick one day, so Sister Jones and I fearlessed 10 people. We also committed Sevan and taught some great discussions. I now know that 70 fearlesses plus 20 discussions per week = 300 baptisms per month. Having the right desire can change attitudes!" NOTE: 56 in 4 days.

Elder Gritton/Colledge (Portuguese) - Rego Park 1 - Sep 10, 1995 - "PROSELYTE DURING CHURCH SERVICES IF NO INVESTIGATORS - This Sunday we took your advice of proselyting during church services if we did not have an investigator at church. My companion stayed with our investigators at church while I went with another missionary to a 1st Discussion. It was an excellent discussion, a really humble lady with 2 humble children. They accepted the BofM more than most people I've met. They really wanted to know if it was true and felt the spirit as we shared that and the Joseph Smith principle. Their questions showed that their minds are open to know the truth. I am happy we went out that day."

Hna Hansen/Callister - Flushing 1 Sp - Sep 10, 1995 - "MISSIONARY TRIALS - Both my brothers who are married and with families both lost their jobs last week. My favorite family of 5 were committed for baptism, but just told us not to come back again. My former boyfriend just married my roommate last Friday. One of our new members has disappeared with her son. Not even her husband knows where they are. Another new member's husband is leaving her soon. Another new member is going to hide with her children, from her former boyfriend who will not leave her alone to live the Law of Chastity. Another new member's father just died. It seems that everyone I pray for, has Satan and his followers stop them from having any happiness. I thought it was just our area. The adversary appears to have sent his best troops here to our mission. Everyone feels it. It is literally a battle ground. Then I began to realize that we must be on the edge of something great for him to have such a strong presence. We're just about ready to score. The adversary has sent in back up troops and is trying to wear us down, and have us become discouraged. We will not give up! We will win the fight!"

Elder Hunter/Crouch - Richmond Hill 1 - Sep 3, 1995 - "SET DAILY GOALS - Last Tuesday, Elder Nielsen and I went on a "split" together and we made a goal of teaching 5 First Discussions. This was weird if we taught just 1. Last week we taught only 3 the entire week, but with the help of the spirit, we taught 5 Firsts and found in addition, a number of people who wanted to hear the 1st Discussion. It was great. Goals help so much as does prayer. The Lord will assist us to reach any goal. I know that!"

Elder Garza/Mavy - Brentwood Sp - Aug 27, 1995 - "EXPERIENCED ELDERS STILL SET EXAMPLE - I just have to tell you how much the two "old guys" have had such a positive effect on me, that is Elders Pena and Nicklaus. I guess it's just up to me to put what they've taught me into practice. They going home very, very soon and are still working like they just started. I want to be the same way when my turn comes. I know I might talk a lot about Elder Hernandez, but he left a big impression on me. You know I'll never forget what he told me the last time I talked to him. I asked him how he felt. He looked at me and with a long stare, then told me "Elder Garza, I feel I did the best I could. I don't regret one moment." I just pray that I can say the same. But as for now, it's time to get my rear in gear and start doing the things they taught."

Elder Peterson/Mugleston - Midwood 1 - Aug 20, 1995 - "20 DISCUSSIONS PER WEEK - I remember when my companion first arrived as a "rookie", he asked me how much we taught. I said that I would like to teach around 20 discussions per week. I said that would be a good week. What I didn't tell him was that I've only been able to teach that many discussions a few times in my entire mission. But we agreed that would be our goal. At the end of the first week we had taught 21 discussions. I asked him if that was our potential. We both agreed that it wasn't, so our goal the next week was to exceed 21. We had a couple of meetings that week, so we knew that it would be difficult. After a great week with a difficult weekend, we ended up with 26 discussions. We had almost the same number the following week. Last week we knew that we didn't have any meetings that would distract us. The first of the week went very well. By Wednesday we could see that we had very few appointments for the remainder of the week, so we spent all that night calling Media Referrals, and completing the balance of the week with appointments.

We then hit another obstacle. I wanted to go on a split with my new District Leader, Elder Spears, to see how he was doing. Could I trust my companion, who has only been out a month, to carry on the work as a "rookie"? No fear! Even although they were juked a number of times, they still taught 5 discussions by themselves. I was very proud of him. We ended the week with 32 discussions being taught. That is my personal best. The main thing that I've had reconfirmed by this experience, is that when a goal is set, and worked for with faith, God grants his grace so that it's achieved with increase. 300 x 3 isn't wishful thinking.

Elder Hoelzer/Pippin - Uniondale 1 Ward - Aug 20, 1995 - "CAR ACCIDENT - TRAINING AS PRE-MED STUDENT SAVED LIFE - After church we came upon an accident scene. As a former pre med student it was the most intense 15 minutes of my life as a nurse on the scene worked on his vitals and I went to work on his leg. It was a mess. The fracture had ripped the skin 8 inches and looked as though it had cut an artery. I was grateful for the training before my mission, but I wish I could have done more for him. They took Michael Powell to Nassau County Medical Center, where he lays in a critical condition in the Intensive Care unit. He has a chance of loosing his leg. I pray that all will go well with him. As I think how mangled his body was, I can't help but compare that with the spiritual bodies of God's children. They are so much more mangled than Michael's body, yet as a missionary I have been given all the "First Aid Equipment" necessary to heal them. I take comfort that Christ has given me the power to aid them spiritually."

Elder Michael Jensen/Perkins - Park Slope - Aug 20, 1995 - "HARD CITY WORK IS GREAT - It's great to be back in Brooklyn! We've been teaching like crazy. My toes are now deformed and feet blistered, but I love it. We taught 11 discussion, just since Thursday transfers, many want to be baptized and come to church. The are is looking good, we are on fire. The District is also doing well. My comp is a hard worker, I have bloody feet to prove it. We'll have great success here in the Lord's vineyard.

Elder Shae Johnson/Pierce - Midwood 11 Sp - Aug 21, 1995 - "CALLING IN BRANCH PRESIDENCY - As a 2nd Counselor in the Branch Presidency, I have seen much of what the Lord is doing for the Branch. We have been in need of priesthood leaders, responsible and firm enough to be called to work with the Young Men, and other auxiliaries. In the last few weeks, the Lord has sent us a strong Chilean brother, a returned missionary and others. I had a meeting with the Primary Presidency, to discuss their goals and their concerns. We all remarked how the Branch is being blessed with leadership now. As I prayed to close the meeting, I felt the love of my Savior expressing thanks for my service in the Branch Presidency, although it is difficult as a missionary, but I have been able to see the branch side of the work. I have witnessed the many miracles, God works to bless his faithful members, his sons and daughters, so they will remain active in building His kingdom."

Hna Callister/Kidd - Dyker Heights 111 Sp - Aug 3, 1995 - "NYS VISION LEADS TO POWERFUL FAITH - BASED ON GOAL SETTING - Letter to her father - The biggest thing that happened this week was Zone Conference. In the mission we have the goal of having 300 baptisms in the one month. President Bailey talked about faith, and it helped me a lot. I've also been studying Alma 32 a lot about my faith, and how it has grown in the last 6 months especially. When Hna Kidd and I first got to Richmond Hill last January, we sat down and really decided that we felt we could have 7 baptisms. Number goals have actually come alive for me now, I've realized it isn't so much the number of people we want to baptize, but the amount of work we are deciding that we must do to be able to have that many baptisms. That goal of 7 baptisms seemed so huge , and it took all the faith that we could gather, to believe that we could accomplish it. We ended the month of February, with 5 baptisms, a new record for sisters in the mission. Although it was not the 7 we had planned, we could look back and see the difference in how hard we had worked compared to the months before that. The second month together was good too, but we slacked a touch, and with only 3 baptisms, didn't reach what we had before. We could tell the difference in our effort.

When I got to Coney Island, I saw a lot of potential. The area had only baptized 3 people in the whole year previous. I couldn't understand why, because the area had so many Spanish people. My companion at the time, Hna Porter, had been in the area for about 4 months, and had not as yet realized the possibilities. When I told her I would like to have 5 baptisms, she thought that there would be no way that we could reach out goal. It's because we were not working like "5 baptism missionaries."

Then President sent in Hna Kidd and told us, "I'm expecting you both to create miracles in Coney Island." We both felt a little pressure, but were very ready to run with the new challenge. We wondered what we should set our goal at. The number 5 was an old number. we'd already accomplished that with the help of the Lord, and so needed to set our goal higher. We needed to "stretch our faith." We had also found that more and more companionships had started baptizing 5, when the previous records were 3 and 4, and so it was no longer a "faith goal." It was well established that many missionaries had been able to baptize 5. There had also been a very few number of companionships in the mission baptizing 10 and 11 in a month. Well, with this information, and knowing that higher numbers were possible, we set our goal at 15. It was a large goal, but we got bikes and started working like crazy. We ended up meeting some wonderful people, and were able to see 7 people baptized. The thing I love, is that all along, we have prayed for top-quality people, families and priesthood leaders, and those are the kind we have found. One of the new members has actually brought in two of his friends.

Well we decided that 15 was a little too high for us, I don't think our faith was ready to be stretched that far. So we decided at 13 for the next month. We knew with no doubt that it was possible to have at least 7, because we knew what it took to do it, and we had decided to work at least that hard, if not harder. This month (July), we came a little closer to our goal, with 9 baptisms. Back in Richmond Hill in February, I never would have dreamed I could have 9 baptisms, that was only for those rare companionships. But I look back and see how my faith has been literally stretched, and every time it stretched, my previous goals seemed to become knowledge, rather than just faith.

I know that I can never set my goals lower than they should be (depending on areas, companions and priesthood leadership). I am so grateful for the things I am learning. The thing I wish for is to be able to help other missionaries understand the possibilities. So many just sit back and let the "top baptizers" baptize. Hna Kidd and I are really trying to help others to see that 300 baptisms is truly possible to do here in NYC, but only with everyone giving it their very best effort and all at the same time.

President Bailey taught on faith:-

1. Faith is only possible if based soundly upon truth.

2. Knowledge will come if based upon truth.

3. Faith is a gift from God, and is granted according to our personal righteousness. We cannot nor our investigators generate faith without these principles.

4. Miracles are only granted after personal righteousness is demonstrated, and the endowment of faith is granted from on high.

I can now see why he has each of us participate in Mission Prayer every morning at 8.30 am, and praying for specific things like being led to whole families (something of a rarity in NYC), men who will make strong priesthood leaders and quality converts. Alma 32 now means so much more to me. I couldn't put down the Book of Mormon."

Elder Mastrocola/Hammond - Bushwick Deaf - Aug 20, 1995 - "INCREASE IN DEAF WORK - I was excited to baptize Celia yesterday. My feelings are wonderful as I look back on my baptism on October 17, 1992. This week will be very busy for us. Last week, 8 appointments and we taught 8 discussions. This week we have 12 discussions to teach just now. I know that when we work hard, God will bless us with the best gifts."

Sister Barker/Black - Jamaica 1 - Aug 6, 1995 - "LORD CONFIRMED 300 X 3 IS HIS WILL - I really had a problem with the 300 x 3 concept. I had a lot of doubt. I decided to take it up with the Lord as you have offered, since he's the only one who could really help me with this. I must tell you that He certainly let me know that this is what He wants. He does want 300 conversions. I now have no doubt that this is possible. I know that with faith, exact obedience, hunger, determination and total commitment, we can achieve this goal that we have set, and we can rise to an even greater goal within this mission. This is the "mission of miracles". We can achieve anything we set our mind to. As long as we do our part and more and then let the Lord do the rest, we cannot go wrong. NYC is ready for the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are going to do our part. We have set a goal of 10 baptisms in our companionship this month. We can do it!"

Elder Crouch/Rasmussen - .Park Slope - Aug 7, 1995 - "PRIDE IN RED KNIGHT STAGE - I have been evaluating the White/Red/Black Knight letter, and comparing it with the scriptures. The White Knight is Innocent. The Red Knight is Prideful, and the Black Knight is humble. In the Red Knight stage, a prideful missionary cannot do the work of the Lord. Either because he is too proud or that he is not obedient, or he works hard yet does not give the Lord the credit for any success, or does not even include the Lord. I know that when I was struggling with Elder Alexander, it was my pride that kept us from becoming a team. Also it was my pride that kept us from baptizing our potential # of converts. In short, the Lord could not trust us with His children. Sure, we were blessed with a few converts, but not as many as we could have had.

I look back when I was with Elder Aquino and how in the 2 months that we were together, we found 5 great people that were baptized. But because of pride, we were not as obedient as we should have been, and therefore Lord did not trust us with His children, we didn't baptize as many as we could have. This past 4 weeks with Elder Rasmussen have been very hard. It seems like every time we find a great family, they fall away. Why, because of pride. I am trying so hard to be humble, and I see it in others yet how can I point out the mote in my brother's eye when I have a beam in my own. As long as the missionaries are in the Red Knight stage and full of pride, we will not reach our full potential. The only way to reach our goal and beyond is to become like the Master.

President Kimball said "If the Lord was meek and humble, then to become humble, one must do what He did in boldly denouncing evil, bravely advancing righteous works, courageously meeting every problem, becoming the master of himself and the situations about Him and being nearly oblivious to personal credit ... humility is not pretentious, presumptuous or proud. It is not weak, vacillating or servile." I am trying so hard to be like Jesus. I know that He is the only way back to the Father.

Elder Reynolds - Brentwood Sp - July 24, 1995 - "LORD HONORS FAITH - The first night in this area, after a long day of finding, my companion was tired, unexcited and kept saying he wanted to call it a day. It was only 8 pm, so I told him there was no way we were going home early. I tried to explain that if we just kept working the Lord would bless us. He didn't really take that line, so with a little push we started walking away from the pad. We walked and walked, trying to "fearless" people. After 30 minutes, I too was getting discouraged, but knew I couldn't quit. Then all of a sudden, a man came running to us, saying that his brother had talked with missionaries before, but stopped due to personal reasons. He also told us that his brother now wanted to continue the discussions giving us his name and address. I was very thankful to see that blessing for his own good, as well as to show my companion the importance of enduring to the end."

Elder Raul Perez/Avena - Uniondale 11 Sp - July 20, 1995 - "LEADER FOLLOWS SPIRIT TO LIFT ONE WHO IS DOWN - I had a really great spiritual experience Saturday night. Elder Davidson called me. He said he was laying in bed and felt he needed to call me and see how I was doing. I have had zero desire because I'm leaving and I've felt like I have no friends. My companion said you didn't even like me. When he called I felt really good because it reminded me I do have someone that cares how I feel out here. I know you don't think very much of me but I want to try to salvage what's left of my mission. I feel I have a lot to offer the mission but I'm just being tossed in the corner for a while. With the proper missionary to guide me, I could do a lot for the Lord."

Elder Spears/Richins - Midwood 1 - July 17, 1995 - "NYS HUNGER LIFTS US FROM MEDIOCRITY - This "hunger" idea is amazing. In my mind it is safe to say that a missionary that has no vision and has no hunger is not living up to his full potential. Regardless of how much he says he wants it, true hunger can be felt, almost touched, and seen in the eyes of those who have mastered it. It truly can be felt amongst some in the Spanish program. Rather than take that as competition, I look to it as an example. To attain that hunger all together as servants of the Lord will take us far beyond the level of mediocrity, far beyond the mark. If I can focus and discipline myself to a degree of personal righteousness, that all I desire and think about is building the kingdom of God, and how many people can the Lord use me to help get there, then not only have I improved as a missionary, but also as a child of God. It seems that anytime you seek after a righteous desire, even if in the beginning you thought it was for the people of New York City, the Lord blesses you more than anybody. Seeing this in my life this week has truly been a spiritual experience.

Hna Hansen/Arroyo - Flushing 1 Sp - Jul 11, 1995 - "ROOKIE’S PERSONAL BAPTISMAL GOAL - I've been thinking and praying about my personal baptismal goal while I'm out here in NY. It seems to me like the number should be large. If the mission is going to continue increasing the number of baptisms each month, the missionaries should also increase in their numbers individually. So, I figured out a plan and prayed about it. It didn't feel right, so I added to the number (the Lord needs room for miracles). I am so excited! Now I'll keep working hard, having faith, expecting miracles and following the spirit."

Elder Parker/Harmon - Terryville Ward - Jul 9, 1995 - "PERSONAL BAPTISMAL GOAL - My testimony grew a lot this week. I took your challenge to set a goal for how many baptisms I will have. I have seen almost immediate results after doing so. I thank you for extending the idea and the challenge. It made and is making a difference in my work.

Elder Savage/Bangerter - Bushwick 11 Sp - Jun 12, 1995 - "PERSONAL BAPTISMAL GOAL REACHED AT 100 CONVERSIONS - Last Sunday I counted 25 converts of mine at Church. I finally did it. I met my goal of 100 conversions. NOTE: This is the mission’s highest ever.) We had a great week. The Zone is 12 short of the record of 29, with 2 weeks to go. I know we can do it. Thanks to Elder Curtis. Our new convert gave us 2 baptisms yesterday and afterward she said to me "see, you thought I was only going to give you one, and I gave you two.." In our Zone, the average age of our converts is 29 years and we have baptized more males than females, i.e.. 9 to 8."

Elder Cowley/Bair - Brentwood Sp - Jun 4, 1995 - "UNITY - A WINNING TEAM - Zones, Districts and companionships are like a basketball team. You have 2 forwards, a point guard and a center. You don't put the center at the point guard position and vice versa. But with the players in the proper position and using tact and teamwork, you will have a winning team.

Sometimes when 2 missionaries are together, they function well. One missy has the "height" while the other may have "quickness". They combine their attributes and become powerful. However if they both are too much alike or too different, then that doesn't always create the most successful of situations. I'm sure you already realize that when I was with Elder Hyatt, I could work off his hard work and dedication/organization and steer that into vision and faith and pushing people to keep their commitments. It was a team.

Sister Black/Bell - Coney Island 1 - May 28, 1995 - "BAPTISM IN THE OCEAN - Sunday morning we went to a baptism being performed of the beach in the Atlantic Ocean. It was a neat thing to watch as Elder Randall and Slava walked out into the water. It was freezing but Slava said it warmed up very quick. Even though there were no chairs to sit on no piano to lead the singing, and the confirmation was performed later at a member's home, the spirit was still there and confirmed the occasion."

Elder Utley/Price - Brooklyn Deaf - May 7, 1995 - "100 HOUR PROSELYTING WEEK - Whew! Elder Price and I did it. We accomplished our goal of 100 hours (and more) this week and we feel really good about what took place. We had "tons" of positive contacts and we did a lot of "deaf" work also. We found that rather than leave early at 6.45 am, we left at 8.30 and did deaf work until about 11.00 or 11.30 pm and went to bed at 12.00. We set goals together and felt as though we accomplished the majority of them. I met more deaf people in that week than I have in any other week. In addition we also helped Hermonio Lopez prepare some of his family member's names for Temple work and on June 3, he will be able to perform baptisms for those 6 people in the Washington DC Temple."

Elder Gerald Davis/Peterson - Staten Island 1 (Eng) - Apr 16, 1995 - "EVEN ONE ROCK SONG CAUSES FOCUS TO BE LOST - I learned another lesson in 110% obedience. I received my tape player from home, so I could listen to some Hymns. Well my Mum accidentally sent a tape I had left inside it. It was my favorite rock group, so I listened to one song. I was so tempted, even though I knew I had to give it away, or I would continuously listen to it. My peers asked "What are you listening to?" I then had a worse feeling about me. I didn't know how bad it was until this week. My preaching ability went to the dogs and I really missed having the Spirit that helped me a week earlier to do the work. I know now, how much strict obedience is to my mission. That may have not been the only thing, but it gave me a better understanding of how even a "tiny" thing can adversely affect my concentration on the work."

Elder McNairy/Liston - Midwood 11 (Sp) - Apr 10, 1995 - "SET DAILY GOALS - Thursday we had no appointments. We prayed and set some goals with Heavenly Father. We wanted 10 good "fearlesses", and teach 4 discussions. It was an awesome day. We found many good investigators and ended the day with 12 fearlesses and 2 discussions. A guy even stopped us on the street as he was driving by, to tell us that a few days earlier, he had given us a fake address. Afterwards, he felt really bad, so looked for us to give us the correct address. We see him tomorrow."

Elder Welch/Sampson - Park Slope (Eng) - Apr 10, 1995 - "FATHERS - VERY FEW IN NYC - Going into the projects to teach people, strengthens my own testimony and makes me appreciate all that I have. Especially about the Word of Wisdom and just being blessed to have a Mom and a Dad. Many of these people don't have fathers or husbands. I can't imagine not even having one."

Elder Bell/Pixton - Bushwick 1 (Eng) - Apr 2, 1995 - "PERSONAL BAPTISMAL GOAL - I am the happiest missionary. I love the gospel so much. I am thankful for all it has brought into my life. I am currently at 58 souls that I have assisted "unto Christ." I have broken our Zone record at 14; I have had my goal of 10 baptisms in one month, which I believe is an English record for one month. I am not sure but between myself and the Lord, I love my mission and I love Norman Doctrine. (Push, push, push. Bother, bother, bother.) Zone 4 is now converted also. It has taken a lot of work. Their hearts were a little hard, at first, but I wish the whole English program could convert, as then they would really understand the happiness and seek it."

I love this work. I am doing all within my power to break another record this month, and break the companionship record of 10. Yes, working hard and being obedient, that's all the Lord asks. It's not hard, that's what I expect out of Zone 14. I cannot tolerate disobedience, there should be none. You're a great Mission President. I am so thankful for the missionaries I am able to work with. I love each and everyone. I am thankful for all you have taught me. You are the best Mission President ever. I will love you always."

NOTE: Even after two months baptizing as an AP, he went home in June 1995, with the highest English baptizing record along with Elder Hall of 63. Elder Pixton upped that record by May 1996 to 100.

Elder Greg Smith/Ward - Bushwick 11 (Sp) - Mar 4, 1995 - "630 IS POSSIBLE - On the last Sunday when we only had 190 baptisms, all of us in the apartment (Elders Ward/Smith and Devereaux/Shae Johnson), decided to fast that we would have at least 1 baptism between the 4 of us for that's Sunday. The day ended with 1 baptism for Devereaux and Johnson. Our investigator committed for Monday night. The night came and we baptized her. My testimony grew tremendously through the experience.

President, to be completely honest with you, when I heard how many missionaries we had in this mission and the mission goal of 200, I wasn't (how can I say this), lacking faith. To me I could see no reason why the goal wasn't obtained previously. I understand that some months are harder than others, but those are the months when other missionaries carry these others through. Some companionships may have only one baptism, and others 7 - 10.

At the Zone Conference when you said that this mission has the potential of .1% of the total population of 7.5 m or 630 baptisms per month, I totally agreed. To me, I feel there is no reason why we shouldn't have 200 baptisms a month already. When we reached the 215 mark, I thought "all right", but I wasn't jumping for joy! I KNOW that this mission can have a lot more than this a month. At least that's the way I feel. I believe that missionaries are not meeting their potential. Maybe I feel this way because I'm only a "rookie", but I already know that this mission WILL have baptized 630 people in one month, before my time is up!"

Elder Keller/Oslund - Plainview 1 Sp - Mar 6, 1995 - "ACHIEVEMENT OF 215 - This week we reached 215. Oh, what a great miracle. Especially Monday and Tuesday when all of us were united together, all working and giving it all we had. We could just feel the unity and love grow as we worked to accomplish our goal. This last week I feel we'll remember for the rest of our lives."

Elder Majors/Degraffenreid - Rego Park 111 Sp - Mar 6, 1995 - "HUNGER TO BAPTIZE MONDAY AND TUESDAY - Last Monday and Tuesday as we hunted for people to be baptized, I was very hungry. I wanted to "dam it" (Zone term for Dam the river, so the early missionaries could baptize), so bad. Those were 2 of the hardest days of my mission, but I loved it. I never tried to baptize as hard as I did on those days. All I wanted was to take each person that I saw into the waters of baptism."

Hermana Kellogg/Barrios - Rego Park 111 (Sp) - Mar 6, 1995 - "HUNGER TO BAPTIZE MONDAY AND TUESDAY - Buenos. This has been the most exciting week. I loved Monday and Tuesday. Hna Barrios and I were running around like crazy, trying to find anyone to be baptized. Hilda had her interview, but she wouldn't commit to live the law of Chastity, but we're still trying to get her married. We also found Pedro, who had been to Church but had only 2 discussions, and was moving to Florida on Thursday, so that didn't work either. Tuesday was the same. We ran around looking up all the people/investigators/ Area Book/anyone. Nothing came of it, but we have great commits for next Sunday. I LOVED the feeling of Monday and Tuesday. It was an excitement I've never felt before. All we wanted to do was "bring souls unto Christ." I want to have that same excitement always, nothing else matters. I love being a missionary. I'm so tired, but I love it. Thankyou for everything you and your family do for us. I love you. I absolutely loved the Queens Conference division."

Hna Kidd/Callister - Richmond Hill 11 Sp - Feb 28, 1995 - "HUNGER TO BAPTIZE MONDAY AND TUESDAY - I cannot believe the excitement in this mission. It is so intense and the unity that I can feel among the missionaries is so wonderful. When I talked to Elder Curtis last night about the baptisms we had (at the time it was 194), we talked about how exciting and scary this is. Scary because now we see how it can be done, that we can do it and we now need to continue onward, working in this manner. Last night as we committed Rafaela to be baptized today, I was so humbled. She is so valiant, faithful and prepared. She didn't even think twice about her answer. As she and Elder Hernandez left to do the interview, tears filled my eyes and Hna Callister went to our knees in gratitude. President I feel so unworthy of these blessings. I feel like Nephi in 2 Nephi 4:17 "O wretched man that I am?" Why would the Lord bless someone like me who has so many shortcomings. How grateful I am for repentance and for a loving God who has blessed me and especially this mission, this month! Marvelous."

Elder Randall/Zonev - Midwood 1 - Feb 7, 1995 - "THE SPIRIT ACCOMPANIES SISTERS - We received a call from Sis. Walden and Cannon. They were going through the inactive files trying to bring people back. They found a Russian boy. As they looked him up, they met his mother, whom we had already met with and who was not interested. As they talked with her however about religion, she invited them back. We went the next time but arrived first. We found a "Mad House" with TV blaring, children running and a huge commotion of talking with no listening. We tried to calm things down and succeeded as well as we could. Enter the sisters, with a rush of the spirit, following them. They came with love and kissed the mother on the cheek and with great love opened everybody's hearts. Things quieted and the discussion began. We taught, she listened. What a spirit was in that room. I pray that we may show as Elders, the same love and spirit the sisters brought in with them."

Sister Anderson - Jan 23, 1995 - "WHY HAVE SISTERS INCREASED BAPTISMS 300% - Opposition is the evidence of truth at work!" - Answer to why the sisters have increased baptisms almost 300%. 1. Areas have a definite effect. 2. Elders have more of a chance to continually improve and sharpen missionary skills - from going on a lot of splits and from Leader's Meeting. 3. Elders seem to have more of "the hunger" for baptisms which seem to come from Leaders Meeting, splits and leadership callings. 4. Sisters tend to not be "pushy" - don't want to offend people, but we need to learn to push because we love them and they need the gospel. 5. We need to learn to challenge all people to accept the gospel."

Hermana Byrd/Oliver - Richmond Hill Sp - Oct 20, 1994 - "MISSIONARIES BECOME EXHAUSTED - HE DIED FOR US - I was riding in the car with Elder Kirkham and Hermana Barlow. He was relating a story to us from his own mission. When he and his companion sat down on a curb totally exhausted and his companion asked him, "Why are we doing this?" Elder Kirkham replied, "Because the Savior died for us." I started to cry. Sometimes President a mission does seem difficult. As we discussed it later Hermana Barlow then related a similar incident that she had with Hermana Bollman, but then Hermana Bollman replied, "Because you promised the Lord that you would." Barlow jumped up and said "Let's go!" I then felt great love and gratitude for my Savior. I now serve because He loves me and I love Him and I want to love him more each day.

Elder Rogers/Miles - DL - Terryville - Oct 16, 1994 - "LONG ISLAND - HOMES AND FAMILIES - I am finally here on Long Island. I love it out here. My first night here was great. We taught 2 discussions to people who live in houses (not apartments). That was sure scary for me. They were also wealthy people. What a blessing. The next day Elder Miles and I re-enacted the movie "Labor of Love". We knocked on a door and a man answered, was nice, but said he wasn't interested, so we left. Halfway to the next house, he yelled out, "Hey, could you come back? My wife wants to talk to you." We taught a great discussion to a family of 6. That's right, a Family! I'm so glad to be out on the island. Thankyou for the fresh start."

Elder Glen L Rudd - Former 2nd Quorum of Seventy - Sep 27, 1994 - "LOVE ALL MISSIONARIES - ESPECIALLY THE DEAF - I was particularly interested in your deaf zone with your "hearing impaired" and "hearing" missionaries. Our oldest grandson, named after me, was born deaf. He struggled through life trying to catch up with people who do not have that handicap. He served a mission. He started out in Washington DC and then moved to Ventura California. Love those missionaries! Help them a little more than the others. I was so appreciative of those who helped our grandson. At the same time, I know there are many missionaries in every mission that need a little help. I have a feeling you will be very generous, kind and helpful. Remember that many of them are "late" bloomers. They are not quite up with the others, but they will come up strong if given a little time. In the 3 missions I have presided over, with about 1,000 missionaries, I have made some great discoveries. One is, most of them think they are good and want to be good. But they all need tender, loving care."

Hermana Reynolds/Washington - Rego Park 111 Sp - Sep 26, 1994 - "SIGNING SKILLS USEFUL - This week we were teaching Ramona, who has a deaf sister. The deaf Elders Hunt and Contreras were teaching her. I know Sign Language really well, so I started translating for her sister, who told the Elders, who told me, then I told Hermana Washington and she translated it to Spanish. We were all able to communicate and the spirit helped me remember my signing skills. What a wonderful spiritually uplifting experience for us all."

Elder Shewell/Bond - DL - Brooklyn Deaf - Sep 18, 1994 - "BRIGHAM YOUNG FILES - DEAF - Last year an Elder looked through the "dead spirit" box to see who they might visit. They found the card for You-Man Ha. She accepted the gospel and was baptized in January 1994. She had a deaf brother also, Wai Ha, who didn't want to learn until his girlfriend was baptized too. In June he commenced the discussions and was baptized July 17, 1994. He gave us referrals and brought friends out to church. Two weeks ago, he received the Aaronic Priesthood and on the same day baptized his friend. Then last Sunday he was able to baptize another friend also a referral of his. All these things began with an Elder going through the "dead spirit" box. That Elder was Elder Bond, my companion."

Elder Devereaux/Cory Davis - ZL - Dyker Heights 11 Sp - Sep 12, 1994 - "THE EXTRA MILE - AFTER 8.30 PM - Last Friday Elder Davis and I were "juked" all day, noone was home. It was about 8.30 pm at night. I was ready to go home and forget about the day. We decided to look up one more "fearless". She invited us in and we began to share the first "charla" with the lady, her daughter, and daughter-in-law. The spirit was so strong in this humble home. The family loved us. The next day, we stopped by to do follow-up and found out that the lady had 9 children. We met the husband who was a great guy, he'll make a good Elders Quorum President. I've now learned, once again, to never give up. The Lord will guide us, because it is His work."

Elder Davidson/Slade - Former AP - Plainview 111 - Sep 12, 1994 - "SACRIFICED P-DAY - Last Wednesday, on our P-day, our whole Zone committed to each other to start work at 2 pm, instead of 6 pm. We felt that sacrifice would bring forth the blessings of heaven. As we sacrificed our P-day and began working, we tracted all day without teaching. We worked hard but to no avail. Instead of getting discouraged, we decided to work even harder. That Saturday, we had our best day yet. We were able to teach 5 discussions to very ready people. They wanted to hear more and were ready for the gospel. Sacrifice, truly does bring forth the blessings of heaven."

Elder Chinn/Jensen - ZL - Midwood 1 - Sep 4, 1994 - "THE EXTRA MILE - OUT AT 9.25 AM - We decided to be out of the house at 9.25 am this month and yesterday at 9.26 am, we fearlessed a lady who had met with the missionaries before and is very excited to have us over again, From the members of the "Sack Lunch Brigade."

Elder Head/Harris - DL - Staten Island 11 Cebra - Aug 14, 1994 - "SACRIFICED P-DAY - The area has been a little rough lately. So we covenanted to sacrifice our P-day and ended up with 84 hours of total proselyting time, of which we tracted a ton, more than ever before on my mission. Blessings have come. We have 2 great investigators (Shallah and Audrey) who are eager to learn and feel the spirit."

Elder West/Roberts - DL - Plainview 11 - Aug 28, 1994 - Best Zone - "ZONE UNITY IN OBEDIENCE AND EFFORT - Although only in this area for 4 days, the Lord has blessed us greatly, as well as the District and the whole Zone. This is the best Zone I have ever been in. Everyone is so obedient, working extremely hard and staying totally focused. Everyone has had instant success since Day 1. We met with a member and he gave us a referral. As soon as we saw her, at the door, the spirit was strong and we committed her for baptism on the 1st discussion. She was in tears."

Elder Johnson/Fleuriot - DL - Midwood - Haitian French/Creole - Aug 28, 1994 - "MASTERING THE CREOLE LANGUAGE - In only 2.5 weeks, I know more Creole than I expected to learn in twice the time. To me this is a spiritual experience in itself after only school French. I know the Lord is helping me. It's funny though, it takes me a while to get warmed up in the morning, my tongue needs to loosen up. We're very close to having a Haitian Branch. There are about 60 Haitian members in the Midwood Branch on the records and about 30 attend church regularly, strong priesthood holders and great sisters."

Elder Kowalski/Contreras - DL - Brooklyn Deaf - Aug 14, 1994 - "COMPANIONSHIP UNITY - I have been able to feel the Spirit of the Lord more often as things have been better between my companion and myself. I have also been able to pray and feel the spirit a lot better than before, because my feelings have also changed as I have learned to work together in harmony."

Elder Martinez/Savage - DL - Richmond Hill 11 Sp - Jul 31, 1994 - "COMPANION CORRECTING "THE GRAPEVINE" - Elder Savage is a hard worker with a love for the people. Our investigators love him for his positive attitude and although some questions have been raised about our proselyting efforts, he's getting a bad reputation, I know that he is a great missionary with a big heart with the only intent "To bring souls unto Christ". It means a lot to him what you think. As his District Leader and companion I want to let you know my opinion about him - He's a good missionary."

Elder Alexander/Sydall - DL - Park Slope - Aug 21, 1994 - "SPIRIT DWELLS IN CLEAN APARTMENTS - My testimony has grown of keeping a clean apartment. The Lord does not dwell in an unorganized mess. The spirit is so much stronger in a clean apartment."

Elder Norman/Supinger - DL - Bushwick 11 Sp - Aug 22, 1994 - "NOT A QUITTER - GO THE EXTRA MILE - My Dad told me something a long time ago, something that I've never forgotten "God and the world love a fighter, not the man that lays down and dies, but the man that fights like hell to live. When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on - and remember, there's always someone else ready to take your place!" Quitting isn't even in the dictionary. This past week has been a great story of finding. My companion and I fasted for 2 Sundays to be able to find prepared people. Now all of a sudden, we're being flooded. I know it's because we've been diligent and going the "extra mile", more than what was asked. But those things we have to stretch for, are those things that are of most worth."

Elder Alexander/Sydall - DL - Park Slope - Aug 21, 1994 - "FIRST BAPTISMAL INTERVIEW - This week I had the chance to conduct my first Baptismal interview. The spirit was so strong as I listened to this great woman bear testimony and as I followed and bore mine. It was a blessing to see someone so repentant and so prepared to enter the waters of baptism. Something I'll never forget."

Elder Hall/Nielson - DL - Far Rockaway - Aug 7, 1994 - "ELDER SLADE’S EDPE AT LEADER’S MEETING - VISION - I felt the spirit so strong. I think everyone did at that time. The next day I did the same for my District Meeting and the same spirit was there again. Testifying boldly, is surely the answer to increase the # of convert baptisms. I also relayed to my district, your entire talk about statistics, Long Island and the future of the mission. As I redrew the information on the board, the way it was at Leaders Meeting, the spirit confirmed to our minds and even more so to my own that this is the vision that the Lord has. Surely we are on the verge of exploding here in the NY NY South Mission."

Hermana Kidd/Johnson - Flushing 1 Sp - Aug 21, 1994 - "ATTENDING CHURCH BRINGS SPIRITUAL REJUVENATION - I love going to Church. I loved it before my mission, but now it's 3 hours of being with people who believe as I do, who love their Savior and want to be like Him. It's almost like a safe feeling when I go, safe from rejection and frustration, it's like being at home, a nice warm place that I love to be. It reminds me of our earthly home, the feeling that's there. I can only imagine what our Heavenly Father is like. I love attending Church."

Elder Mavy/McDonald - ZL - Uniondale Sp - Aug 14, 1994 - "BLUE PLANNERS - Our blue planners are starting to look more and more full all the time."

Elder Reese - Park Slope - Jul 17, 1994 - "NEW CONVERT WITH HOME SUPPORT - I am the youngest of 3 children and the only member of the Church for 3 years. I get a lot of support from home, which is the greatest. I have grown closer to my family being away on a mission."

Sister Ellis/Byrd - Rego Park 111 Sp - Jul 10, 1994 - "VOCAL PRAYER - I decided to do exactly as you said and pray vocally. I went into a room by myself, thought about my day and prayed to my Heavenly Father. Tears filled my eyes as I prayed for all I've been blessed with. After I finished, I waited a few moments, I didn't want to get up or open my eyes because I was afraid if I did, I may see the Savior standing in front of me. I felt so at peace."

Hermana Bishop/Johnson - Jul 10, 1994 - VOCAL PRAYER - "In conference you suggested that we pray aloud because it's more powerful. So the other night when I was having an especially hard time I prayed aloud and just cried my heart out to Heavenly Father. It was hard to let go of the worry and frustration. I had to accept the peace that was entering my heart, but I knew that I had to. After the prayer, I felt so much better and I felt like I had talked the problem out. I went to sleep feeling very calm and at peace with the problems I had."