DANIEL: February 15, 2012

Daniel's monthly mission newsletter is here.

DANIEL: February 15, 2012

This is a wonderful story about the atonement please read this is and Mosiah 14.

 

In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features save for the one wall covered with small index-card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endlessly in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read "Girls I Have Liked." I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one.

And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was. This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match.

A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching. A file named "Friends" was next to one marked "Friends I Have Betrayed."

The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird. "Books I Have Read," "Lies I Have Told," "Comfort I Have Given," "Jokes I Have Laughed At." Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: "Things I've Yelled at My Brothers." Others I couldn't laugh at: "Things I Have Done in My Anger," "Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents." I never ceased to be surprised by the contents. Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped.

I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my 20 years to write each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.

When I pulled out the file marked "Songs I Have Listened To," I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of music, but more by the vast amount of time I knew that file represented.

When I came to a file marked "Lustful Thoughts," I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded.

An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: "No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!" In an insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it.

Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh. And then I saw it. The title bore "People I Have Shared the Gospel With." The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.

And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key.

But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him. No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus.
I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one?

Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me.

Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card.

"No!" I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was "No, no," as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood.

He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "It is finished."

I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.

DANIEL: February 15, 2012

Hello families and friends,

How are you all doing? I hope you all had wonderful week. I forgat to tell you about cuple missionaries from Utha. we been working with them alot and they are little afraid about the traffic in India. my companion and I took them to shapping last night it was fun they had never had seen such a things like the market last night they were amazed. They are getting use to this culture in India. Their name is Elder and Sister. Crockstones. they had been a huge help in our area.

 

Some thing crazy and exiting news is that we had been watched over our Prophet and Apostils. My mission president told us they ask our Dwarka area everyday, because their is an experiment going on in our area that is Home Groups. In New Delhi buying land is very costly and heard do to this they rent a house and they gather in the renting place. if it's Succeeds they will start all over Asia. it kind of Scare because my mission president has to report to the quorums of the twelve every day what’s happing in Dwarka and our efforts weekly.

My Spiritual experience of this week is My companion and I doing awesome. This week was wonderful week to both of us. We had been working heard in Dwarak Mor to help our members. I have been learning some of the valuable lessons in HIS mission. Tow days ago I was reading the Book of Mormon I had learned some thing important in my life and life of those who are waiting to hear the Gospel and for (R.C/L.A) in Mosiah 23:26-28. That was Alma and the people who enter the waters of the baptism and they all separated from King Noah.

Few years later they became prospers people in the wilderness. Now the Lamanites try to find the land of the Nephi but the finds the people of Alma. The people of Alma became afraid now Alma tells this people not are afraid and He helps them to over come the fear. People of Alma put their trust in God. God soften their hearts.

The lesson that I learned was now I am hear to help this people in Dwarka when they are discouraged, going through tough time, or afraid like the people of Alma. It is my responsibility to help the members and Investigators to turn their heart towered God and His gospel.

This work is very important in the whole world, and I am glad I am a part of His work.

 

study your scriptures and pray daily. 

thank you for your love and support

Love you all.

Elder. Aruldoss  

DAVID: February 12, 2012

This week was pretty good.  We found many new people last week.  I learned that during these days here in Rajahmundry all the people like to say "How are you, I am fine." to us.  My companion is pretty famous here.  You see so many people run behind my companion's bicycle.  It's funny.

I had a cool experence last week. On Tuesday my companion was told me that we have to visit one of the less active member's house.  He reminded me so many times that day. Finally, i reliazed that there might be a reason that he was doing this.  So I told him "Lets go visit him."  The less active Santosh was not home when we got there. I looked at my companion and he looked at me.  Then i said "Lets go finding."  As we were coming to the main road, i heard a clapping sound.  It seems like someone was calling someone.  We kinda ignored the sound. But some reason i stopped my bicylce and went back to see who it was and what the sound was. 

So when i saw the direction where the sound was coming from, there was a man looking at the street where we turned right to go the main road.  So he told me to come to his house and so we went into his house. He gave us so much food to eat and did not say anything else. We were confused and again looking at
each others face. we were like  WHAT IS GOING ON!!! Who is this man!! This man finally opened his mouth and said " I know you Missionaries and you are doing the Lords work."  Making long story short, we taught this family about the Restoration and they said that they will read the BOM and ask God the truth.  It was a great experence for me because i listened to my companion  and there we found this family.

Heavenly Father really knows his children and He led this family to us.  The Father of this family said that he will read the BOM in few days. I was so happy to hear from him and i know it will help him and his family.

I love my people in India.  They are the BEST!!  The gospel is True.

Love Elder Aruldoss.

DANIEL: February 8, 2012

Hello Families and Friends,

 

How are you all? I'm doing amazingly fine and wonderful. I'm sorry to her about grandma, I hope she is doing good. I will definitly pray for her and grandpa.

It was wonderful to hear about mom went to Grand canyon. it reminded me of super activity in my teacheres quorm it was one of the hardest trip in my life. it was fun and hard.

I had learned many lessions in this past week. one of them is comanionship study and how important it is in the life of the missionary. last monday we went to eat as a district in Dwarak Mor. we had wonderful food and the food was too havey for him and he having loose motion. now he is little better. 

my companion and I working very very hard to be a preach my goapel missionay (PMGM). in India New Delhi it is very very hard, not only for us very one in New Delhi. But we try our best to follow it. because it is the first generation Chuch all the missionaries have expond purposes Those are Pick up the invistigators and membes, home teach five families, BMP families three (Branch mission prosess families), reactivate the priesthood holders, teach English Class, Have a FHE for all the members in our church, help our Branch President and all the leaders in the church, and help the young man to get a mission call in our branches. These are our some important purposes. I tell you these things because this what like in first generation church, and also how important is our calling in mission in DELHI. 

 

We had a Baptism last sunday. it was fun to see people's life get changed through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I love it. 

Where david it now is one of the safest place in India, members are all very good people. We have some missionaries from that place in New Delhi, that's how I know.

 

ONE REQUIST TO VERY ONE WHO READ THIS MESSAGE READ THE SCRIPTURES AND PRAY OFTEN, AND ESPICALLY GO TO CHURCH.

Love you all take care,

Elder Aruldoss

DAVID: February 6, 2012

This week was so crazy!!!! I got my new companion and he is from Utah.  He is reallly good and his dad is a current Bishop in his area.

The first day here in Rajahmundry i was dead scared to ride the bike. On top of that my companion's first day in India.  He is also scared to death.  Man!!  We are both white washed and didn't know where to go. My companion Elder Hodgson almost crashed his bicycle into to running auto.  I am fine now, we are slowly getting hang of the bicycle.  My leg is fine. But my bum is killing!! My companion is also dying.  We are not use to this.  Haven't rode the bicycle for 7 months, especially in India.

I think it is a adventure here in my new area.  so yesterday, we ate so much food. this morning both of us suffered with loose motion.

In Church i really like the members because they are ALWAYS willing to help the Elders.  Many people are calling this place as the Land of Bountiful.  I like it a lot.

Mom, Thank goodness the mother is still alive.  She wanted to commit suicide but the members really helped her and comforted her. She is not dead!!

The new area is like a village, not a developed city.  The people are so good.  People of different religion dont know who mormon's are. But they do know where the A/C Church is.  It's funny I think.  When i asked this one man, he said this " The AC Church is this way and the Luthern Church is the opposite way"

I really like Rajahmandry.  I just have to find more poeple to teach.

Love,

Elder Aruldoss

PS: Elder Hodgson loves the Cocunut water and Mango juice.

SISTER ANDREA FUNK (DAVID'S MISSION PRESIDENT'S WIFE): February 2, 2012

Dear family of Elder Aruldoss,

I spent part of the day today with Elder Aruldoss.  He has been transferred to Rajahmundry and will be training Elder Hodgson.  President Funk and I appreciate Elder Aruldoss's goodness and willingness to serve.  He is very trusted to be a trainer.

I have attached some pictures.

Love, Sister Funk

Elder Hodgson and Elder Aruldoss

New Missionaries and Their Trainers with President and Sister Funk

Trainers Waiting to See Who Their New Companions Are

DAVID: January 30, 2012

This week was very crazy.  I am transfering to a new area Rajahmandry.  I am also going to be a trainer again and Pre.Funk wants me to be a District Leader.  I am so excited for this new opportunity to meet other Church members and others.  I am leaving this Wednesday with my companion to Banglore to pick up our new companions. We are both trainers this time.  However, i was really sad because my trainer left home today.  It was very sad.  I will miss him.

 

My companion and I baptized 3 people this week.  It was such a great experence for both of us.  The people whom we baptized are going to be a stong members of the Church.  I will send photos...

 

I will never forget this week because something happened which i will never forget.  I told you about this girl who had Cancer and was going to die soon.  So we went to visit her on Wednesday.  The previous day we were suppose to visit her, but i completely forgot. I dont know why i forgot.  We went to visit her exactly 1:00pm.  When I enter into her house i felt something different.  It was sad to see sister Pavani.  She was still struglling so much to do everything.  As we were talking to the mother Pavani called her mother few times.  After sometime she did not speak at all. I knew someting was wrong.  We found out that Pavani passed away.  SHE passed away front of me. Her mother was crying so much and just within few minutes all the neigbors gathered around her house.  I was sitting there like a stature watching all these happening. I felt really bad for the mother because she lost her second daugher.  I was crying as well.  Soon afer we left he house.  I did not understand why this event took place in front of us.  I was confused.... then my companion told me that he wants to tell me something when we reached to our apartment because we dicided to go and take a shower.

 

What i am going to tell you is TRUE!!  My companion told me that he talk to the Holy spirit at Pavani's house(girl who died).  He said that he was praying to Heavenly Faher asking why she has to suffer all these things. Why this is all happening to this mother.  The spirit told him that she, sister Pavani is going to die soon. So right after his prayer  when he said AMEN, sister Pacani passed away. At this house i was also observing my companion and he was stirring at this sister. I thought to myself that God wanted us to be there for this very purpose to witness this experence.  I told you that i did feel something different when i enter into her house.  That whole day did not go well for me because what had happened to this family. [EDITOR'S NOTE:  See David's letter from February 6 for an update on this story. Keep in mind that editors do not explain, they only edit.  Or in the case of this blog, they only post UNEDITED emails. . .]

 

This experience really changed my attitude towards God.  I know that he is there who is watching over us.  I know that the Spirit of God is REAL.

 

I love my mission and missionary work is so fun.  I love each of you very much.

 

Elder Aruldoss

DANIEL: January 24, 2012

Hello Families and Friends,

How are you all? I am doing very good. Thank you for writing me mail.

This is my spiritual experience of the week.  I had learned one of the valuable lesson past week. That was to be strong and never give up on the people that I or our missionaries work with.  My experience was this my companion and I made a goal to bring fifty people to church. Not for only one week but every week before this transfer ends we want everyone to come to church every week. We started to focus on the members more and especially with the inactive family in Dwarka Mor Branch. We worked so heard and did our best to and we called every one to church. My companion and I said to ourselves we will have at least fifty five people to church. The Sunday day came and we waited for our members to overflow the chapel. We even waited for 15 minutes extra, but we had the sacrament attendance was 30. My companion and I was really sad and made because we put our whole efforts to bring them to church. We went to our apartment and I had this question of what happened and How can we do better next time? I stated to read the (B.O.M.) My question was answered and I shared with my companion in (Jacob 5).

This what I had learned God given us agency to chose and I also I had learned that some times some we may not get or have what we want but through our efforts and diligence we can accomplish slowly but surely. After I had shared with my companion we both said to our self if it is not this week but we always have next week to help and strengthen our member’s testimony. But we were happy because what we had accomplished on that week.

Love you all,

Elder Aruldoss

DAVID: January 23, 2012

My week was little tough because we went finding for many days.  It was really hard for us to find new people who speak english. The rich people diffently think that they know everything.  I would say that they are little prideful.   Next week we have planned to baptize 3 people and they are so good.  I want to tell you about this couples Madhu (husband), Maduri (wife). They are married for five years.  They are  struglling finacially because of one decision that they maid.  They dicided not to work on Sundays.  They rather keep the commandments of God than being canally minded. After teaching the WOW they stopped drinking Coffee and Tea.  Brother Madhu mother came to visit him last week and the mother asked him for Coffee.  I was also there bit late.  I was so impressed by them because they did not drink Coffee and told the mother that they stopped that habit.  We are going to baptize them next week.  I am so excited for them.   Before we teaching them the lessons they already came to Church for 3 weeks to a different branch.  I like this family very much, they are going to be a great members of the Church.

 

BAD NEWS!!  It was really shocking week for my companion.  One of his brothers also serving in the same mission for 8 months.  He is a good missionary.  We found out that he ran away from the mission.  He left a note saying that there is some problems in the family, so that's why he is leaving the mission. No one knew where he was and what he was doing until few days back.  He was in a member's house in Chennai.  Long story short he did come back to finish his mission. we don't know the details of why he did that.  But we are so happy that he came back.  My companion was stressed out so much. Because he doesn't have parents and only 3 brothers take care of themselves.  so his mind was totally out for few days.

 

It looks like i am going to a different place, I dont know that yet.  I am expressing it because i had a dream and in my dream i got a companion who is my bachmate.  He was also my MTC companion.  I told Pre. Funk i cant do this and i don't want him again.  He told me that JUST DEAL WITH IT!!!  I was so confused when i woke up in the morning.  So i think that i will be transferred sooon.

 

I love my family so much.

Elder Aruldoss.  

DANIEL: January 16, 2012

[EDITOR'S NOTE: This week Daniel sent his mission newsletter.  You can read it here.]

DAVID: January 16, 2012

Hello my dear family and friends,

 

This week was so good.  It looks like we will have at least 3 baptism this month. My companion and i worked really hard to find people to teach last week.  I am happy about our effort.  It looks like I might be going to another place soon.  Transfer coming soon.  Many new  missionaries are coming to our mission.  We will have average of 84 missionaries this year.  I think i told you that we have baptized 596 last year and we have not told the goals for this year. 

 

We went to play cricket for Preparation day.  It was so fun to play with the members.  I did ok.

 

I got all the letters from the ward.  Tell them thanks to all the members for writeng the letter to me. I was really happy to read them.  Also, special thanks to sister Slater for the letter.

 

It is really cold here in my area Vizag.  I was so cold at night traveling to different places.  I wish i could take my Batman blankit with me everywhere.  

 

One day we were waiting for a bus.  This one man named Ravi came up to us at the bus stand and asked us to help him with his personal problems.  As we met and talk with him the next day.  He told us that his own family is making fun of him for not finding a job and kicked him out of the house until he finds a job.  He recently for married as well. so he was asking What is the soultion for me?  What can i do now?  We gave him 3 simple steps as an answer to him. first, we told him to read the scriptures daily. Second, have daily prayer and third go to church weekly once.  He said that he will follow these steps.

I am so happy that i am on mission to rescue the people in India and to teach them about the restored Gospel.  I am really enjoying my mission. 

 

I love you my dear family and keep praying for the people in India.

 

Love Elder Aruldoss