DANIEL: April 18, 2012

Dear Families and Friends

How are you? I am doing very well. I hope I can help you mom with the wedding preparation but I can’t. I hope everything is going will, tell Courtney and Adam I said HI and Congratulation. How is Abbey and Dad tell them I said HI. Take care of your health mom.

This week I would like to share about The Great Apostasy. When did the apostasy stare?

I. Before Christ’s birth or death The Jews were Not United

1.      All had their scriptures and they all disagreed in their opinions and in their understandings.

2.      Christ came to this earth to fulfill Law of Moses and to set a higher Law or Levels.

3.      He was a Great Missionary and did many works.

4.      Because Jews lived do to that reason the main church head coder was in Jerusalem, After Christ’s death the Christianity grew so… fast.

5.      By this time the True CHURCH was established in Jerusalem (with Authority) by Jesus Christ.

6.      These are the scriptures and Prophets talk about it Isaiah, Amos 8:11-12, Christ(Matt 24: 23-26), Peter, Jude, John, Paul, Timothy, 2 This 2: 2-4,

7.      MOST importantly the modern Christian Scholars told us the Apostasy had already happened (NOT LDS scholars).

II. The Apostasy had begun in the early stage of the church.

1.   From the church and in the Church (Gala 1:6) when Christ established HIS church it lost to simplicity of the Gospel.

2.   NOT exclusivity

3.   Now the apostles were killed.

III. This Caused the Great Apostasy (this has two parts the first one is External Causes and The second one is Internal Causes Precaution)

1.      External Cause- Persecution began with the leaders of the church

2.      Jews = the first murder Stephan in the N.T. and Jesus Christ. They stared the people of the church in 70A.D because of this many Christian were killed almost all the Christians were killed.

3.      Pagans (Roman)= Romans were started to kill Christians because Political Christians stood up for their freedom. Early Christians did not like the government

4.      In 66 A.D. Rome got burned. The Romans thought it happened because of Christians it happened.

5.      The NERO destroyed the Jerusalem because what the Christians had done to the Rome.

6.      DIOCLETIAN one who burned all the bibles. Killed everyone who had the Bible and he ruled for two and half centuries.

7.      CONSTANTINE came to power (in 306 A.D). He had too much power and became a king. This where everything stated to change for the Christians. He called himself Christian but he himself did not get baptized for 31 years. He saw Christianity was spreading very fast and in order to get support he got a do something so he stop the persecution.

IV. Internal Causes- the members themselves over zealous, high fiction, Froude, Pride, and most importantly wanting Power.

1.      The leader stared to corruption in the church and in the Gospel Principles. For an example the same church but different teachings now we see that in the churches.

2.      Nature of the Godhead (325 A.D.). everyone got confused (Nice in Creed)

3.      Body as a curse and they said body is an enemy because of this Monks, nuns stared.

4.      Fables

5.      Early Christians changed the ordinances and Ceremonies. Eventually they started to worship the Leaders of the church.

6.      Baptism two times a years (Easter & Christmas) and in the fourth century the leaders of the church added salt to their baptism.

7.      Changes in the Sacrament

8.      Changes in the Holy Ghost (Isa 24:6).

9.      Changes in the Church Organization and Government because the leaders of the church had way too much power and another reason saints started to workshop the leaders this prevented this.

10.  Bishops (became more powerful) and he became a pope. Elected by first people and clearages. This changed to only Clearages.

11.  System of Punishments (Super arrogation Margate is deeds of the people this happened during the 400A.D).   

12.  Scriptures (council of Trent) taking the scriptures from the people.

13.  Claim of continuation of the Priesthood authority? The scripture tells us “by their fruit ye shall know them”. Pope fourteen and the sixteen were killed by their daughters and wife so there sons can be a pope. People killed some popes do to their actions. Some popes were 14 and 16 years old. Some popes were sold their power for money.

v.         Consequences of the Apostasy

               1. There were no resemblances to primitive church

               2. Lots of authority

               3. Lots of questions

4. Wanting the Bible for themselves so they can have the understanding of the scriptures (John wittclife)

5. Martin Luther in 517 A.D.

6. Reformation and Protests stated.

7. New age of religious freedom and many churches.

8. Finally others acknowledgement of the apostasy awaited the Restoration of the Gospel.

The finally the Restoration Predicted

1.   John ( Revelations 4: 6-7)

2.   Peter ( Acts 3: 19-21)

3.   Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Malachi talks about the restoration of the church.

4.   People simply a waiting for the Restored church.

In the end as we know the TRUE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST IS RESTORED IN THE LATTER- DAY.  This I had learned in this week from my specialized training. When I heard this WOW… to myself because it is amazing to see the history of the church and how God brought this church.

Love you all,

Elder Aruldoss 

DAVID: April 16, 2012

I had the opportunity to go to Vizag last week for the leadership meeting.  Yes! it was my previous area.  I was thrilled to see my recent converts and the members.  We also had a wonderful training for two days.  during the training pre.Funk asked us my companion and i to come to the front for a small practice.  so we did and from no where sister Fun brought her Camera to video tape us, the practice.  We did well helping one of the investigators concern.  Right after this they played on the big screen.  It was little embarrassing. But i had learned to correct my weak places where i need to improve in teaching.  On the way back we had a wonderful train ride.

It was amazing how out recent convert Devi wanted to help us in the missionary work.  She came with us to teach a family and she also assisted  that family to come to church. Hey confirmation in the sacrament meeting was special.

Sunday was pretty good and many of our investigators came to Church. I think it was the best Sunday I had in Rajahmundry.  Our investigatos Mary Grace and Naomi were on of a kind of investigators.  We gave a
Book of Mormon chapter to read before the next visit. During our follow up, we came to know that they had read it 5 times the same chapter and their mother who cant read Telugu at all and so they help her to understand that chapter as well. That's why i want to call them "one of a kind investigators."  They will be taking baptism last week of this month.  Great Family!!

I will call you on May 8th. So let me know the exact times.

Also, we will have a unbelievable and unmemorable month of May in India.  We are finally organizing a first Stake in India.  I am so excited for the Church in India.  I think one of the Apostles attending this special occasion.

I want to express my love to each of you.

Elder Aruldoss

DANIEL: April 11, 2012

Hello families and friends

 
how are you all doing? I'm doing very will. It was fun to see the Pictures of Adam’s graduation. So Casey’s wedding is really close I hope every thing is going. 

Yesterday I had a meeting with President. Jackson it was a jest a meeting.  I would like to share some thing that I learned few day s ago.

1.       Is there is a God? Alma 22

2.       What does Jesus Christ expect of ME? 2 Nephi 9

3.       How can a belief in Jesus Christ help ME? Alma 36

4.       Why does God allow evil and Suffering to occur? 2Nephi 2; Alma 14:9-11; 60:13

5.       Does infant need to be baptized? Moroni 8

6.       Does God know Me? Alma 5:38,58

7.       How can I find Peace and Joy? Mosiah 2; 4

8.       How can my family be happier and more united? Mosiah 2

9.       How can I balance my Family and Courier? 3Nephi 13

10.   How can I strengthen my family relationship with my spouse? 3Nephi 14

11.   How can I avoid the evils that threaten my family? Alma39

12.   How can I avoid sin? Helaman 5  

Thank you for you love and support every one love you all.

Elder Daniel Aruldoss  

DAVID: April 9, 2012

A fun surprise from Elder David Aruldoss.  (Click on the link and then click "download.")

DANIEL: April 4, 2012

Dear families and Friends

Happy Easter to Every one

How are you all? I am doing great. Today I went to India Gate so I do not have huch time I will write you next week much more Information.

this coming Sunday we have two baptism is coming up Vinay and Emmanuel. I am exited for them. 
Nope we haven't watched any of the General Conference. we are going to watch this Sunday I'm very exited to hear about our Leaders of the church.

once again I am sorry for not writing you I will do it next week.

Love you all.

Elder Daniel Aruldoss.

DAVID: April 1, 2012

I had a great week.  We found a great family to teach last week.  This sister name is Amulia and her mother-in-law name is Rukmani.  These two sister are so great.  They actually invited us to thier house. Amulia was a Christian, but her mother in law was Hindu.  So now the Hindu sister also believes on Jesus Christ.  Sister Amulia had read the Bible 3 times and has well knowledge about it.  Her brother also runs 3 different Churches near Rajahmundry. There were people told her wrong information about the Church after we teaching her to confuse her.  She told us about it, then we helped her to understand more about the Church. She is really good and committed to finish the full Book of Mormon  One day when we went to her house she maid us delicious food called (Ubma). Another night she pulled me over and asked if i had finished my dinner and i said no.  She maid us fried rice.  We are really hoping that she will get the witness of the
truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. She could be an amazing member of the Church.

We also have a baptism this coming week.  We have been preparing sister Devi for a month for baptism.  We are really excited for her. This will be my first baptism in my new area.  My companion and i are working really hard, especially last week. We have also found some other potential families who will be baptized soon.  Looking forward for that day.

I Cant believe that Casey's wedding is next month.  I am excited for her.  Wish i was there for that, but I will be thinking of her.

The Gospel is so TRUE, it truly changes the lives of others.  I am so grateful to be a missionary to help people to taste the fruit.

I want to express my love to each of you that i love you so much.

Elder David Aruldoss

DANIEL: March 28, 2012

Danny shared his mission newsletter this week.  You can read it here.

Hello Families and Friends

I want to share a story with you all because I love stories that inspire me. These two stories are amazing stories.

The first story was told by mission president. Jackson.

Pushing the Rock

A man was sleeping one night in his cabin when suddenly his room filled with light, and God appeared.  The Lord told the man he had work for him to do, and showed him a large rock in front of his cabin.  The Lord explained that the man was to push against the rock with all his might...

So, this the man did, day after day. For many years he toiled from sunup to sundown, his shoulders set squarely against the cold, massive surface of the unmoving rock, pushing with all his might!
Each night the man returned to his cabin sore and worn out, feeling that his whole day had been spent in vain.
Since the man was showing discouragement, the Adversary (Satan) decided to enter the picture by placing thoughts into the man's weary mind. (He will do it every time!)  "You have been pushing against that rock for a long time and it hasn't moved." Thus, he gave the man the impression that the task was impossible and that he was a failure.  These thoughts discouraged and disheartened the man.

Satan said, "Why kill yourself over this? Just put in your time, giving just the minimum effort, and that will be good enough."  That's what the weary man planned to do, but decided to make it a matter of prayer and to take his troubled thoughts to the Lord.

"Lord," he said, "I have labored long and hard in Your Service, putting all my strength to do that which you have asked.  Yet, after all this time, I have not even budged that rock by half a millimeter. What is wrong? Why am I failing?"

The Lord responded compassionately, "My friend, when I asked you to serve Me and you accepted, I told you that your task was to push against the rock with all of your strength, which you have done.  Never once did I mention to you that I expected you to move it. Your task was to push.
And now you come to Me with your strength spent, thinking that you have failed. But, is that really so? Look at yourself.  Your arms are strong and muscled, your back shiny and brown; your hands are callused from constant pressure, your legs have become massive and hard. Through opposition you have grown much, and your abilities now surpass that which you used to have. True, you haven't moved the rock.

But your calling was to be obedient and to push and to exercise your faith and trust in My wisdom.
That you have done. Now I, my friend, will move the rock.."

At times, when we hear a word from God, we tend to use our own intellect to decipher what He wants, when actually what God wants is just simple obedience and faith in Him.

By all means, exercise the faith that moves mountains, but know that it is still God Who moves the mountains.

When everything seems to go wrong................................Just P.U.S.H.
When the job gets you down.............................................Just P.U.S.H.
When people don't do as you think they should...............Just P.U.S.H.
When your money is "gone" and the bills are due...........Just P.U.S.H.
When people just don't understand you.............................Just P.U.S.H.

P = Pray
U = Until
S = Something
H = Happens

The second story was shared by Elder Bradley’s Grandma . The Pencil Story

A boy was watching his grandmother write a letter. At one point he asked: Are you writing a story about what we’ve done? Is it a story about me?’
His grandmother stopped writing her letter and said to her grandson:  I am writing about you, actually, but more important than the words is the pencil I’m using. I hope you will be like this pencil when you grow up.’

Intrigued, the boy looked at the pencil. It didn’t seem very special.  ‘But it’s just like any other pencil I’ve ever seen!’

‘That depends on how you look at things. It has five qualities which, if you manage to hang on them, will make you a person who is always at peace with the world.’

‘First quality: you are capable of great things, but you must never forget that there is a hand guiding your steps. We call that hand God, and He always guides us according to His will.’

‘Second quality: now and then, I have to stop writing and use a sharpner. That makes the pencil suffer a little, but afterwards, he’s much sharper. So you, too, must learn to bear certain pains and sorrows, because they will make you a better person.

‘Third quality: the pencil always allows us to use an eraser to rub out any mistakes. This means that correcting something we did is not necessarily a bad thing; it helps to keep us on the road to justice.’

‘Fourth quality: what really matters in a pencil is not its wooden exterior, but the graphite inside. So always pay attention to what is happening inside you.’

‘Finally, the pencil’s fifth quality: it always leaves a mark. in just the same way, you should know that everything you do in life will leave a mark, so try to be conscious of that in your every action’

These stories helped me to see what I can do to better myself and How can I help others.

Thank you for you Love and support.

Elder Daniel Aruldoss