A Dance with the Angels‏

At the sign of the conductor,
The band begins to play.
The angels take the dance floor
To waltz the night away.

Every angel takes a partner;
They dance with you and me.
We step within the rhythm,
And keep the beat of three.

The conductor picks up speed now,
His purpose to perform.
The tempo starts to hasten-
Allegro is the norm

As the angels start to quicken,
Some people fall behind
The devil hates the music
And wants it undermined

The hastening of this music
Is fought by shouts from hell.
Who will join us in the work
And dance with an angel?

Happy October! I have often considered October to be one of my favorite months, and I look forward to the experiences and stories from everyone, that in store this time around. A quick shout-out to my brother Brady; he will be eleven years of age on the 9th of the month.

This week was a week filled with meetings, but I felt extremely blessed to be serving the missionaries in our stewardship. We went on 2 exchanges, met with the District Leaders to provide additional training, gave a baptismal interview, and held what was perhaps the greatest zone meeting I've ever attended. The Spirit was strong within each of these meetings, and in each instance, all I had to do was prepare; when the time came, the Spirit was able to draw upon the things which we had prepared to accomplish the Lord's purposes.

This weekend's General Conference was phenomenal, and just what each of us needed. What a historic event it was to witness and sustain the calling of three new Apostles. Many of the talks given provided great comfort, and President Nelson and Elder Holland spoke eloquently on the rights and responsibilities of motherhood and the divine role of women in the Lord's plan. Love you, mom!

One of the commitments from Conference was to select one scripture each week to ponderize (80% pondering, 20% memorizing). My scripture of the week is Alma 13:24, which reads:
"For behold, angels are declaring it unto many at this time in our land; and this is for the purpose of preparing the hearts of the children of men to receive his word at the time of his coming in his glory."

Have a great week!
Elder Reynolds

Adam's Autumn

Adam fell that men might be

As Autumn falls the leafy tree.

Since Adam's Autumn, we can see

The natural man, the enemy,

Opposes all things heavenly.

And Satan, with his enmity,

Still seeks to reign with tyranny.

But by the Lord's divine decree,

The devil's hosts shall quake and flee.

Then every soul shall bow the knee

And see Christ come in His glory.

And when we're in Eternity,

Mankind's Autumn will find mercy

For from the Fall, we finally

Have endless joy and agency.

Autumn is, by far, my favorite of the seasons, and though we often find ourselves on different doorsteps, I do miss the yearly celebration of Halloween. I've already got some costumes planned in mind!

Last night, we were able to catch a small glimpse of the blood moon, but it was a very cloudy evening, so that was a bit of a disappointment.

Last week was great! We had a lot of meetings, including Mission Leadership Council, which was phenomenal, and we had the opportunity to train some of the missionaries about Weekly Planning. Despite the amount of time that we lost, we were miraculously able to find 5 new investigators, and we've talked with many amazing people that are interested in meeting with us. Our faith is higher than ever, and it has truly been a spiritual witness to us after last week's trial of our faith. This week has no shortage of meetings either, including zone meeting, but we are hoping to find and teach even more people.

A fun fact I learned this week: Apparently British Columbia has the highest population of Indians than anywhere else in the world, except, of course, for India. From what I've seen in Delta, I would agree.

Another fun fact: most of the men that translate General Conference into Hindi live in this ward! So if you watch General Conference in Fijian Hindi, you will likely here the voice of one of the Prasad's.

Also, Kushal was ordained to the office of a priest yesterday in church, and he is preparing to go to the temple on October 9th (Brady's birthday). 

Sincerely,

Elder Reynolds

Gone a'Fishin

I decided to go for some Southern soul with this week's poem. I wrote a specific rhythm and melody as well, but that doesn't really convey over email:

Saint Peter was out on the sea

It was a lovely day on Galilee

But when he heard his Lord say "Follow Me,"

He cried, "Ma, we're gone a'fishin!"

My Lord said "Preach the gospel that you've heard,

"I've cared for every lily, fed every bird,

"Go feed each creature My holy word."

Ma, we're gone a'fishin!

I read His word in the Holy Book,

I'm heading on down now to the brook,

I got my bait, I got my hook,

Ma, we're gone a'fishin!

This ain't a dream or vain ambition,

It's the job of every Christian,

Ma, we're gone a'fishin!

I apologize that I was unable to write last week. It was transfer week, and we had to arrange travel plans for the missionaries in the zone, so our P-Day last week was a little hectic. Since we are also some of the closest Elders to the airport, ferries, and mission office, we were also given the task of driving missionaries around during the transfer week. We also had to drive a missionary to the hospital because of a stomach infection. (Fortunately, that has been resolved). We also had 2 of the missionary cars in the shop, which means even more driving as we facilitated the car transportation. Needless to say, we have been in the car a lot.

Within the past 2 weeks, 5 of the cars in our mission were totalled, and the mission doesn't have any spares. In order to prevent further accident, President Burt has said that phones are not to be used in the car while it is in motion, not even by the missionary in the passenger seat. It has been difficult making this adjustment due to the copious amount of time we spent in the car. However, it has made us even more effective with our phone usage; it is not something we take for granted, and we are making more calls outside of the car than we ever did while driving, so it has been a blessing in disguise.

Through various arising circumstances, our teaching pool has diminished greatly. This past week, we only taught one lesson. It has been a bit of a trying period, but we've been able to learn so much, and despite the heightened opposition we have faced, our faith is greater than ever. Any time we were out of the car, we truly were "a'fishing," and though the work seems to have slowed down a bit in Delta, I can stand with a clear conscience knowing that we are laboring with all our might. Though we have many imperfections, we strive for improvement.

At many times in our life, we face opposition on all sides. Sometimes, we're trapped between blood-thirsty Egyptians and an unforgiving Sea, with no route of escape. Sometimes, we are called upon to stretch forth our hand, the Lord parts that Sea, and we can freely walk on dry ground. However, sometimes our route of escape is less miraculous. I believe that sometimes we are called upon to jump in and start swimming, relying on the infinite mercies of the Lord to provide us the strength we need to push past the opposition and endure to the shore.

Always be mindful, however, that "Just Hang in There" is not a principle of the gospel. The phrase "Endure to the End" can be better rendered as "Enjoy to the End!"

-Elder Reynolds

Mind and Heart

Some say they have a shoulder angel

Rivaled by a little devil.

Some say a boy who has no strings

Has a cricket that can sing.

And others yet claim they have ghosts

And all sort of hellish hosts.

Now here I am with none of these,

But I'm not worried in the least;

I have my own bickering guides

Whose endless fight remains inside.

One is that constant, rhythmic Heart, 

And then, the Brain, the counterpart.

The Tell-Tale Heart, the story goes,

That beats with its poetic prose,

Will often drive my mind insane

For feelings cannot be explained.

And when the Brain demands reason,

The Heart simply cannot appease him.

My Heart's description of emotion

Can stir up a great commotion

When my Brain has much to say,

My Heart always wants his own way.

So here I am stuck in between,

And this whole thing is just obscene.

My thoughts and feelings often fight

When I'm not sure what choice is right.

But now and then the Spirit guides

And Brain and Heart become one mind.

So how is it these enemies

At last decide they can agree?

"I'll tell you in your mind and heart;

The Holy Ghost will not depart.

And with this Spirit, you can be

As Moses parting the Red Sea."

So in conclusion, my dear friends,

Follow the Spirit whom God sends.

Surprise! I'm emailing you on a Tuesday! Monday this week was Labor Day, which means our P-Day was moved to Tuesday. Not only that, but we were able to attend the temple today! It's been such an amazing day, and we have some great appointments later in the day that we're looking forward to.

Also, here's a fun little update: Deana and Emma Slack were baptized back in Salmon Arm last week! I've not written much about them, but they are a wonderful mother-daughter family that we were so blessed to teach.

Our teaching has recently dropped substantially, so we've been spending a lot more time out and about in the community. We've seen some really cool miracles as we've been talking to people. Just last night, we had an amazing, hour-long conversation with a young man named Kyle at the bus stop. He's the first white guy I've met on my mission that had never heard the word "Mormon" before. We're going to see him again this weekend.

Kushal has been doing very well! Those his understanding of Christianity is still limited, he's recently been talking a lot about how his friends need to "put the alcohol away and get Jesus." He's also now one of the happiest people I know, and he always has Christian music playing in his house, and he reads the Book of Mormon every day.

It is worth noting that next Sunday, we will be receiving our transfer calls. Personally, I doubt that Elder Kelly or I will be transferred, but I'll keep you on the update of anything that happens.

It's starting to get cold and rainy, and it's likely going to stay that way for the next 6 months. Welcome to BC winters.

Until Monday,

Elder Reynolds

The Outage

When we awoke on that unforgettable Saturday morning, we never could have imagined what was in store. From our limited perspectives, the weekend was going to be as ordinary as any other weekend; the cloudy skies and light breeze was nothing notable in the eyes of a couple of young men with a purpose. The sprinkling rain was no bother; in fact, it was extremely welcome, and the occasional broken branch created a humorous scene as it was carried away by the wind.


That afternoon, we were feasting on pizza as we eagerly prepared for the upcoming baptismal service. Our spirits were high as we anticipated the beautiful ordinance which was about to take place. Access to activate the baptismal font faucet was denied us by a locked door. Immediately, Elder Kelly retrieved several small materials for the purpose of picking the lock. Harnessing skills he'd acquired in Coquitlam, the lock was picked within seconds, and the lever was pulled to free the water. As we set up chairs for the wonderful people we were anxious to see, our ears alerted us to the diminishing sound of water filling up the font. Our eyes, demanding explanation, were drawn to the font, where the water pressure had indeed decreased to a slow trickle. This was an obstacle, but no cause for alarm, for we devised a plan to start filling up buckets and dump the water in the font.

And then... it happened.


The lights began to flicker, as though struggling for dear life to stay on. The struggle was quickly lost, and electricity fled the building, leaving only the emergency lights for illumination. Puzzled, though not deterred, we continued to set up chairs and tables; the ordinance did not require electricity, and surely the Lord, who "seeth in secret," could observe the baptism regardless. However, our ears soon alerted us to the utter silence filling the room. Now filled with concern, we checked the baptismal font to confirm our fears: the water had completely ceased. We frantically rushed to the kitchen, where we collected several pots, buckets, and bowls. We turned on the kitchen sink faucets, whose water pressure soon came to a deadening stop. We hurried to every washroom, every sink, every drinking fountain, retrieving every last drop that we could muster, but it was hopeless. We walked through the building, desperately searching for solutions. We saw the gym, where we had once shared memories of basketball and soccer. We walked through the classrooms, where laughter and wisdom has once exuded. Now, only darkness remained, and the hallways were filled with the faint sound of an emergency alarm buzzing from a maintenance panel. How sad it was that the only source of life within the entire building was a solitary alarm, desperately attempting to reach out to someone, anyone, that could assist the situation. The depressing sight was almost too much to bear, and we departed.


However, the Lord's purposes shall not be stopped. The baptism proceeded at another building half an hour away. It was a delightful service, and Kushal Sra made sacred promises with his Father in Heaven and committed to follow Christ.


The following day, we happily prepared to attend church. We received a phone call that the chapel still had no power, but sacrament meeting would still be held to accommodate for Kushal's confirmation. We arrived at the building an hour early, and the bishop gave us several assignments as we prepared to have the meeting in one of the large classrooms, and we labored side-by-side with our members to ensure the service still happened. Armed with flashlights and willpower, we delved into the shadowy corridors to retrieve the necessary supplies. We journeyed into the empty chapel; as we collected hymnbooks, we could not help but reflect upon the many things which we had learned as we sat on the now-abandoned benches. What a sight it was to travel back with our minds to when we would take this chapel for granted. There we were, young men in darkness, standing within walls that contained no light, no power, and worst of all, no water. The back-up lights had lost all resolve to combat the darkness, and now hung lifelessly upon the blackened walls. The cry of the little alarm continued to pierce our hearts as we completed our tasks.


Sacrament meeting was amazing; huddled in that little room, we were all filled with the Spirit of the Lord, and Kushal was confirmed and sustained as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. No power, or lack thereof, can halt this work.


Today is Day 3 after the Outage. Many are still without power, including our once-beloved chapel. The storms continue and roads are blocked as trees are uprooted. The Surrey 1st West Elders' car was smashed by such a tree, but fortunately the car was empty. We've had missionaries stay at our apartment, for we were blessed to receive power again, and we've stored others' food within our refrigerator to preserve what food remains. I do not know whether we shall survive this impending apocalypse, nor does there seem to be an end in sight, but this I do know: I've been called of God to minister to His children, rain or shine.


(It's really not as bad as I'm making it sound, I just wanted to write a dramatic story. All of the above is true though.)



Haiku:

Baptized with water

Though the font was never filled.

We cannot be stopped.

-Elder Reynolds

Instruments

How sweetly sings the violin,

How beautiful and free,

How deeply it can touch the heart,

Whoe'er the hearer be.



Its polished wood reflects the gleam

Of every bright-eyed tear,

Its strings are waxed and tuned to be

Exquisite to the ear.



And yet inside its hollow mind

The instrument is flawed,

Its deep maroon turns envious green

For 'tis the player they applaud.



"I create the lovely tune,"

It squeals in agony,

"Although my player holds my bow,

They should all bow to me!"



The strings then all fall out of tune

When tangled up with pride,

The music that could once fulfill

Can now only deride.



The violin always forgets

The One who tunes the strings,

Or who it is that shines the wood

And who plays everything.



All praise and glory be to He

That orchestrates the Plan,

And we are all but instruments

Within the Master's hand.



This week was crazy! Tuesday evening, we were accompanied by Brother Peterson, the head of the In-Field Representatives Department (it's a cool thing for mission presidents). He took us out to White Spot for dinner, and we took him out teaching with us (thankfully, the rest of the night was booked with appointments). As he asked us questions about missionary work and taught us about teaching, we learned so much. We really grew to love him, and it was hard having to say goodbye, which was very strange considering that he critiqued us very bluntly and tore out any pride that we may have had. Repentance can truly be a wonderful feeling.



On Friday, we had our Mission Leadership Council. Brother Peterson was there, as well as Brother Hemingway, the head of the Proselyting Department. He was the executive producer of the "District" videos and had a major part to play in the creation of the "Preach My Gospel" manual. He taught us so much, and the craziest part was that he taught us out of the scriptures and "Preach My Gospel." These are things that we read for almost 2 hours every morning, and yet there is so much that we have yet to comprehend.



Also, on Saturday, Elder Daniel L. Johnson of the Seventy visited our mission. We had a big meeting at the Langley YSA chapel, which is in none other than Willoughby! It was really nice seeing my first area after almost a year, and being able to greet so many of the members as well.



We've been working very closely this week with a man named Kushal Sra. Kushal is a prime example of the blessings of the gospel. When we'd first meet with Kushal, he was a very sad man. Seriously, very sad. As in, our early lessons with him consisted of him crying for 40 minutes. Well, Kushal is getting baptized this Saturday. Now, he holds his head high with a wide smile. Our lessons are becoming more and more enjoyable as his personality starts to shine. A few days ago, we sat for several minutes laughing because one of his light bulbs died. This is truly a gospel of happiness.



Pictures to come next week!


-Elder Reynolds

Hurrah for Israel

Hurrah for Israel! The cry is heard

As two young men leave home and family

They're not afraid; they're off to teach the word,

And for two years, they serve whole-heartedly.

The stone cut without hands will fill the Earth;

The gathering of Israel is nigh.

These two Elders were called before their birth

To teach their fellow man and testify,

They work in cutting cold and summer's sun

Until the Lord shall say: "The work is done."

Life is great here with the Delta Squadron! This is a really cool area to be serving in, and that's not just because we have the only Krispy Kreme in BC!

We've been doing tons of exchanges, and as such, we are seeing tons of miracles with the Elders that we are serving with. "Have miracles ceased? Behold I say unto you, Nay; neither have angels ceased to minister unto the children of men." (Moroni 7:29)

Also, this week, we will be visited by some of the heads of the missionary department in Salt Lake City, and Elder Kelly and I will have the privilege of spending several hours with one of them as we go about the work in Delta. And this Saturday we have a meeting with Elder Daniel L. Johnson of the Seventy. And in 2 weeks we have a special meeting with the Surrey Stake President. Awesome meetings with awesome people. 

I recommitted to keeping a daily journal; I fell behind on that for a few months. I would recommend anybody keep a journal; if nothing else, you can read it in a few years and see how far you've come. 

Elder Maloy is also teaching me some sign language. I learned the alphabet yesterday, so at least I can spell.

Finally, I doubt my mother would be satisfied if I did not mention that I've now completed my one year milestone. Honestly, it feels like so much has happened, but within so little time. It's a funny thought; I'd been looking forward to serving a mission for most of my life, and now I'm halfway through. That's a little daunting! However, I look forward to what this year has to offer. I've learned a lot, and plan to keep learning. One of the most important things I've learned would be this:

Get off the internet, go outside, and learn something new!

-Elder Reynolds