"My work is only beginning."

"The nearer I approach the end, the plainer I hear around me the immortal symphonies of the worlds which invite me... For half a century I have been writing my thoughts in prose and verse; history... I have tried it all. But I feel I have not said a thousandth part of what is in me. When I go down to the grave, I can say, like so many others, "I have finished my day's work," but I can not say "I have finished my life." My day's work will begin again the next morning. The tomb is not a blind alley; it is a thoroughfare... My work is only beginning."


-Victor Hugo, as quoted in Tad R. Callister, Our Identity and Our Destiny


Just like Victor Hugo, I can't say that the things that I have written have summarized a thousandth part of the things that I have experienced and will yet experience in this coming week. I have faith in and a testimony of Jesus Christ as the Savior, and I trust in His promise that "I am with you alway."


ALSO our mission is going to begin a Book of Mormon challenge! From August 14th to December 25th, our goal is to do a complete read through the entire book! That's about 4 pages a day. You can do it! Will you take the challenge?

Elder Reynolds






Elder Asi





Elder Meline, my Companion-In-Law!





The District





Elder Frye, Elder Nielsen, Elder Walker; The Zone Leaders I Trained

The Third Verse

I'm trying to be like Jesus;
I'm following in His ways.
I'm trying to love as He did, in all that I do and say.
At times I am tempted to make a wrong choice,
But I try to listen as the still small voice whispers,
"Love one another as Jesus loves you.
Try to show kindness in all that you do.
Be gentle and loving in deed and in thought,
For these are the things Jesus taught."


I'm trying to love my neighbor;
I'm learning to serve my friends.
I watch for the day of gladness when Jesus will come again.
I try to remember the lessons He taught.
Then the Holy Spirit enters into my thoughts, saying:
"Love one another as Jesus loves you.
Try to show kindness in all that you do.
Be gentle and loving in deed and in thought,
For these are the things Jesus taught."


I'm trying to serve my Savior.
I'm sharing His gospel true.
I'm seeking the friends and family that once before life I knew.
And when I return and I take off my tag,
May I ever cherish the Canadian flag, singing:
Love, serve, obey wherever you may be.
Try to always be a missionary.
Remember Vancouver, your work to convert
With President and Sister Burt.


The first two verses were written by Janice Kapp Perry, and remains one of the most cherished children's songs in the church. The third verse I wrote this week. I was asked to coordinate the musical number for the departing missionary meeting, so I wrote this for the departing missionaries.


I've decided to pattern my final days as a missionary off of the final days of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ was a missionary that was never homesick. He never allowed His work to be hindered by thoughts of the end. At the same time, He never tried to hide how much time He had left. He never tried to deny that His end was soon, nor did He ever feel awkward when talking about the little time He had left. He went about His Father's business until the very end. I find that to be a very fitting example to try to follow.


-Elder Reynolds

Pokemon GOne Too Far

When you live in Metrotown and you need a water Pokemon, there's only one place to go.


All of those people are playing Pokemon Go, believe it or not. And that pond is always busy! This is in downtown Burnaby, known as Metrotown.

Interview

I had planned to devote a large chunk of time to update you all on the great week that we've enjoyed in our service in the Canada Vancouver Mission!


Then I got a phone call from President Burt that we need to drive to the mission office to get a temple recommend interview. So... I must be brief.


This week, we drove up to the North Shore and West Vancouver. The missionaries have been taken out of the North Shore ward this transfer, so Elder Frye and I are covering that ward as well. West Vancouver is said to be the most expensive place in the world to live. Let me just say, I believe it! But there are some wonderful people that live there!


This week, we are closing two old apartments and opening two new apartments for future missionaries. That said, I have gained a firm testimony that when the Lord requires us to administer to temporal matters, He blesses us in our spiritual ministering.


-Elder Reynolds

GO Outside

I would like to take a second to personally thank the creators of the new game, Pokemon Go. I don't know much about it, but it seems to be a smartphone app game that connects to GPS. The game requires players to walk around outside to different locations throughout their community in order to achieve some desired result. This means that a lot more people are outside! We've met several people this week simply because they were playing Pokemon Go.


Lots of driving this week as transfers have come and gone! Lots of travelling, meeting new missionaries, and several stops at the mission office.


Sorry to keep it short, but there's still much to do! Spend some extra time outside this week!


-Elder Reynolds

An Elder of Two Cities

The transfer call has come and gone! Elder Ushio has been assigned to serve in Vancouver, and Elder Walker has been called to serve in the promised land of Prince George! I will be here in Burnaby for this final transfer, and my new companion will be Elder Frye! Elder Frye is from Las Vegas, and we served for two transfers in the same ward when I was in Surrey. This certainly going to be a busy and exciting transfer.


This past week, we were blessed with the opportunity to drive to Richmond and meet with President Burt and other phenomenal missionaries for our Council meeting, where we learned a lot about ministering, leadership, and of course missionary work. We then were able to relay that same Spirit and information to the Vancouver and Burnaby zones in a combined zone meeting. We also had a great meeting with the Vancouver Stake President as we align our efforts with his.


We've had some very powerful lessons this week. One that stands out was with a man named Shawn; he is originally from Iran, and he is extremely eager to learn more about the church! He has agreed to baptism in August, and we will be meeting with the rest of his family this week.


-Elder Reynolds



Wildfire in Delta

(no homes affected, just swamp land)






Elder Ushio and mission car

Home of the Brave, eh?

God keep our land
Glorious and free,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee!


I am ashamed to say it, but I do not remember much else of the Canadian national anthem, "O Canada." On July 1st, we had the opportunity to attend a church BBQ in commemoration of Canada Day, and I was more than happy to help with the grilling. The turnout was great, and the weather was perfect.


The patriotic culture is different in Canada; the people here love their country, but it doesn't appear to be as die-hard as we are raised in America. I do not think there is a pledge of allegiance, and there aren't any patriotic songs that top the music charts. But here I am blasting the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's "Spirit of America" album out the window! I've often considered myself an American patriot, but serving in Canada has really brought out my American side.


https://mormontabernaclechoir.org/videos/god-bless-the-usa-dallyn-vail-bayles.html



That said, however, I've also never felt so patriotic to the cause of my God, who inspired these great nations! Missionary work is not easy, nor was it ever intended to be. But it is extremely fulfilling; I've never had so much fun working.


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-Elder Reynolds