Happy Midsommar June 21st, 2013

Happy Midsommar!  Here Midsummer is celebrated on the Summer Solstice (the 21st of June).  Although once again, like almost all Swedish holidays the actual celebration happens the day before.  This is the lightest day of the year.  For Midsommars this year we went into Stockholm to celebrate it with all of the missionaries in a big Midsummers festival that the Church helps to organize.  This year there were over 2000 people.  So it was quite large.  The missionaries helped with parking and creating the Maypole.  The maypole is usually a cross heavily decorated with green branches and flowers with two large wreathes hanging from the horizontal beam of the cross.  After the Maypole is set up everyone gets in circles around it holding hands and they sing traditional Swedish songs while a band plays live music.  

   The Midsummer celebration was really fun and before it started we were able to play some American Football (Elder Judd needless to say was quite good).  It was good seeing so many missionaries and so many members at one place.  The longer I am here during the summer the more and more I love the kingdom of Sweden, it is really beautiful.   And I guess it just gets darker and darker from here on out.  

   Back in Eskilstuna all is well.  I gave a talk yesterday in Church on fruit.  And the fruit of the church, how someone has to taste the fruit of the tree in order to know it is a good tree.  In the same way someone has to read the Book of Mormon in order to know that the Church is true.  As members we have a responsibility to share the fruit and to taste of it ourselves in order to become better missionaries.  It was not until Lehi tasted of the tree of Life (1 Nephi 8) that he was filled with an overwhelming desire that others should also taste of it.  

   Our Investigator currently has a baptismal date for the 6th of July.  I think he is being baptized then.  He is ready for it.  Unfortunately, I will not be in Eskilstuna to see it.  I am being transferred to the Vendelsö area.  It's an area in the southern part of Stockholm.  The area is the second smallest in all of Europe apparently (the smallest being Handen, the area right next to it).  I am very excited to serve there but this means I have to leave Eskilstuna and those I love here.  Next week I'll write from a new area.  

love to all,

   Äldste Jonathan Moe

An inspirational bike ride!

After our 20 mile bike ride.

    This last week Eskilstuna has seen some changes within the companionships.  In the other companionship, Äldste Svennson has left and Äldste Asp has come in.  Äldste Svennson is now in Täby, an area in Stockholm, and is now serving in the same ward that his brother and sister both live in!  So he sees them at least once a week maybe more.  That would be hard.

   This last Tuesday we had a lesson with an Investigator who prayed for the first time (out loud in front of us).  The spirit was strong when he did and edified everyone in the room.  The next day, we were about to start off our day to go and try and meet with people.  He texted us  saying he would like to meet.   We've been wanting to take a bike ride up to a city called Sundbyholm next to the lake for a while, so we decided to do it together.  The ride is a total of 20 U.S miles.  The route goes up and down rolling hills.  It was beautiful.  When we got to Sundbyholm we sat down and talked about the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  We talked how it is through his grace we are saved and have any hope for anything past this life.  And how his grace is sufficient for all.  We made a goal with him to be baptized on the sixth of July.  All three of us are excited and hopefully these dreams will become a reality.  He's looking for a change in his life and more spiritually.   Äldste Judd and myself are happy to teach and make a difference in someone's life. 

    Elder Ballard's visit was over a week ago you can still see the fire that has remained behind.  He was just what Sweden needed and very inspirational.  We're all motivated to continue forward and keep trying to work hard.  He told members there are three things they should always strive to do.  1.  Strengthen their testimony, 2.  Build Zion (strengthen wards and branches where we are), and 3.  Preach the Gospel to every son and daughter of God.

This is a very hard area but we feel that we can handle it and just need to work smart and hard.  

    Thanks for the letters!

Love,

   Äldste Moe    

Nordic Conference held in Stockholm

Missionaries in Stockholm for the Nordic Conference

This last Thursday was the Swedish National day.  The day the Kingdom of Sweden was founded as we now know it.  We talked to a Swede about how they celebrate it and she said it is actually very surprising, they don't do too much.  She said most years they forget it is Swedish National day.  

    Anyway to celebrate our Swedish National day we went and did some service for a member.  We did a lot of yard work and fixed a fence for them.  Afterwards we went fishing on Eskilstuna river.  It was pretty magnificent.  We went with our Branch President and his son.  None of us caught anything other then the Branch President, but it was fun to be out doing it.

    One of the crazier things I have seen in Sweden happened this week.  We saw the Swedish graduates partying throughout the city.  It was all of the graduates of gymnasts.  When they graduate they all get in trucks and drive throughout the city with banners and crazy loud music partying.  It stops traffic and activity in all of the city.  

   This last Saturday every missionary in Sweden was brought into Stockholm to stay with missionaries there.  We had the Nordic Regional Conference on Sunday but the day before was mission conference which was presided over by Elder Ballard of the Twelve apostles.  Unfortunately, President Monson could not make it due to the recent passing of his wife. 

   President Ballard spoke to us about teaching with power and how to be confident we have the power of the Holy Ghost in all that we do.  We did not actually stay in Stockholm because we live close enough but they did give us a car for us to commute back and forth.  Driving as a missionary and in Sweden felt so weird.  Nothing was too different but it just felt weird since it had been a while.

   It was fun seeing so many missionaries and getting to see all the missionaries I know and haven't seen for a while.  When you see all 153 it helps give you strength and remind you that you owe it to all them to stay strong and dedicated because they are all going through the same things you are in some degree.  The only thing that may have given us more strength was seeing the conference hall fill up with 3000 saints from Sweden joined in by the many saints from all of the Nordic countries by broadcast.  I even got to see some members from Skövde that I never got to say goodbye to.

Aldste Moe and Aldste Judd shaking hands with President and Sister Newell and Elder Ballard

love you all,

Aldste Moe

  

P-Day looking for Viking ruins!

Ancient Viking writings

 So last Monday we went up to find some Viking ruins but never were able to actually find them...  We found some other really cool things like a Viking saga carved into a rock, and a big lake where the castle used to be (there is nothing left now).

   An exciting side note is that we now have bikes and have been riding around Eskilstuna on them.  The city is so beautiful during the summer, I love it here.  Its all just too good, we feel like we have a lot to do here now and that just because there are now four missionaries it doesn't mean there is less work, it means there is more that can get done, once again, we are not divided the work with so many missionaries, we are multiplying it.

Estilstuna Stads Park

Me with my new bike

   Around 6 weeks ago we knocked on this family's door and they said we could come back but they didn't have time just then.  We have returned every week (they said to try on Saturdays) and every time they are home, but, no time.  This last Saturday we went by and he said yes, for the first time, it was just him, but still a yes.  He said though, he didn't have much time.  He said he would have around ten minutes.  At first I thought no, we cant do that, we cant share our message effectively in ten minutes.  But then I heard 'Ja, det funkar', from my mouth.  And the spirit told me it was true.  We sat down on two small benches in his garden where he was working and talked about The Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  We testified with power and he agreed to read from the Book of Mormon, We will return soon.  It was one of the clearest ways I have ever shared the message of the restoration, and it was in ten minutes, the spirit was able to pick up all slack.

   This last week we had mission Tour.  We had the enormous privilege of having elder Richards from the Quorum of the Seventy at our Mission Tour.  He was planning on talking about teaching, and about teaching by the spirit.  But he got up and because of something said by someone else he decided that together we would discuss the Plan of Salvation.  We would spend three hours together talking about, and sharing everything we know about the Plan God has for us.  I am so grateful for my faith in this plan, it truly gives hope, not just for the individual but for everyone.  Knowing that all mankind will be resurrected, how the infinite mercy of Christ has redeemed everyone from death, physical and spiritual.

love,

  Äldste Jonathan Moe

Memorial Day from Eskilstuna!

So, this was a really good week.  When I came into this area, I felt like we had nothing to do and our time was filled with just working and not much progress.  Now we feel like we have purpose with specific people to work with.  Something was definitely confirmed to me though with all the new missionaries coming we aren't splitting the work, we truly are doubling it.  The Lord wouldn't send this many missionaries out if there was no need, he is more efficient then that.  

   I can also see how being a senior companion has blessed me.  It has made me grow and have more responsibility.  I have been translating in Sacrament meeting for all of those who speak English.  Two weeks ago when the person with the Sunday school lesson wasn't able to come to church I got asked three minutes before if I could do it.  In Swedish, and it went really well and having these extra responsibilities has really been helping me to grow and to become better.

   This last week we did something really cool, we taught English classes at the local High School.  We just went in and gave them a chance to speak with native English speakers and learn about the American Culture.  Its funny because we didn't let them know that we can speak Swedish so they can practice their English.  Then as we're leaving we break into Swedish and they all get surprised.  It is something about the country.  I know plenty of people who have been here for a while and don't need to learn Swedish because almost everyone can speak English.  So, it's very unique apparently for Americans in Sweden to learn Swedish.  

    The school we went to was a high school which allows students to graduate as workers with animals.  So in the High school they had a bunch of dogs, snakes, birds, rodents, and who knows what else all over the school.  They also have horses they work with.  

    We have some really interesting weeks coming up that I am really excited for.  We have a Mission tour, Mission Conference, Nordic Regional Conference (with the Prophet), and then Mid summers, then Zone training.  But today were going to go out into the skog (forest) to find some old viking ruins that are apparently nearby. It's fun and rejuvenating to have a day off to do personal things and explore the country a little bit.  It'll be great to get out and get some exercise too.  I hope everyone back home had a great Memorial Day.  I miss and love you all.

Äldste Jonathan Moe

I'm enjoying the Sunshine and Springtime weather!

Walking down the street by our house in Eskilstuna

Kloster Kyrka in Eskilstuna

River in the small town of Torshälla to Eskilstunas North

Hey everyone, 

     Summer seems like it's finally here.  Everything is so green and beautiful.  I am so grateful to be in Sweden and to get to enjoy the country, culture, and people here, (But hey, ask me again in October-March, my view might change).  For now anyway, everything is really nice.  From what I've heard though it should start showering soon.  So, I got that coming.  

     All of the members and missionaries have been getting excited for the Prophet and his visit to Sweden.  We are so blessed to have a prophet in our day just as the Israelites had Moses, Samuel, Joshua, and all the other prophets.  It is unfortunate, however, to hear of the passing of his wife.  It reminds us that he to is just as human as us, and is subject to pain and hard times.  We are all praying for him and his family at this difficult time.

       This week after District Meeting we had exchanges so Äldste Svensson and I stayed up in our area and did some work.  Miracles happened.  Shortly after we got together, I had a feeling we should go by a member's place that the church had completely lost contact with.  Problem was his building has a portkod.  I told Äldste Svensson about him and when he asked why we had never gone by before I said because his building is coded, but today, the doors opened.  We walked to the building, up to the door, and sure enough, it opened, The magnetic lock didn't connect.  Amazed we went up to his apartment, and he wasn't home.  We kind of looked at each other and decided we would wait because we got into the building so we were meant to meet with him.  After literally two minutes he came up the stairs from outside.  He was busy then but asked us to come back later.  Now we have contact and are meeting later this week.  He was happy to see us. I'm blessed to have great companions to work with.

       The next day, we went to swing by another member who we didn't have contact with.  The feeling I had when we decided to visit this person was so strong.  I knew it was meant to be.  We walked up to the building and there was a port code.  And no open door this time.  Kind of frustrated I started punching numbers into the port code, then the door opened.  Just like that.  It didn't feel like inspiration, but luck cannot justify that "guess".  Feeling victorious we went upstairs to their apartment and once again, no one was home.  We looked at each other and decided to wait again.  No one came, after ten or so minutes Äldste Svensson said, hey, lets knock on that door.  The door opened and we were allowed in.  We taught and invited him to learn more and he agreed.  We are going to return this week and meet again. 

    It is through Faith that Miracles are brought to pass.  If I learned one thing from this week it's that wherever a disciple of Christ filled with faith is, there also can be found the inspirations, healings, miracles, manifestations, and conversions that have accompanied the true gospel since the time of Adam.  I am grateful to be a witness to this great work and to be a part of it.  I just hope I can do my best to show others the true value of it.  It's up to them if they'll embrace it but it's the path to happiness.    Love,

   Äldste Jonathan Moe

President Monson is coming to Sweden June 8th & 9th!

Sweden Stockholm Temple

This last week the most exciting thing that happened was news on the Nordic regional conference happening on the ninth of June.  All five Nordic countries will be watching it (Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, and Iceland), it will take place here in Sweden at the Waterfront Congress hall.  And the most exciting news is President Thomas S. Monson will be there to speak to all of Scandinavia.  Our mission President is trying to get all of the missionaries there so we can all see the Prophet and be there to hear him speak.  All of the members here are very excited for this.  Not only is President Monson our Prophet but he has a kinship with Sweden.  He is the one that dedicated the land of Sweden for missionary work over 30 years ago(1977).  Within his dedication prayer we now know what it is we must do to bring to pass the salvation of many.  It is through him we have Gods promise of the second harvest given to us.

    The fact that he is coming has given missionaries around Sweden the fire to go out and do the Lords work.  It has given us the faith that people who are seeking the gospel are out there and through hard work we can find them.  But such work can never be done effectively by missionaries alone, it should be missionaries with members.  When missionaries and members work together in a spirit of unity nothing is impossible.  

    With a new MTC group arriving here in Sweden (17 Sister missionaries and just two elders) comes a transfer.  I wont be moving right now, but Elder Larson one of the other elders here in Eskilstuna will be moving to Linköping and Elder Svensson will be coming here to take his place.  Elder Svensson is a native Swede and comes from the area bordering ours to the east.  That would be really hard.  It would be as if I served in Brooklyn and I knew I could hop on a train and be home in 30 minutes.

   Anyway this week something significant happened to me.  We were in a neighborhood in northern Eskilstuna and we went to visit someone that said we could come back at this time.  It has been one of our only promising contacts.  We got there and were told promptly to leave and that they weren't interested.  We left, feeling defeated.  As we were leaving I said a prayer in my heart asking where someone was that would accept us, willing to go anywhere do anything.  I didn't receive an answer right then but I got a really good feeling, I was comforted, I no longer felt the pain or the defeat.  I felt the spirit so strongly right then.  It's moments like that that reaffirm to me that I am not alone, I never have been, and I never will be. No one is if they believe and trust in the Lord.

love,

   Äldste Jon Moe