Time is Waning Fast!

Seems like just the other day I arrived here.  Now I only have two more weeks till I fly to Prague!  Time flies when you are having fun!

 

This past week was great!  It was Christmas week!  There was excitement in the air as we waited daily for the mail for Christmas letters and packages.

I got a nice box from my sisters.  It was sweet of them.  Thank you Kylee and Casey for the Lefse, caramel apple suckers, doughnuts, and thank you Banjo Alex for the spices that I will want due to the unfamiliar spices that are in other countries.  They will be put to good use.  I also got a nice card from my Aunt and Uncle from Salem.  Thank you very much to all those who sent me things.  I really could feel the Christmas spirit here because of the gifts but also because of the feelings I had for other missionaries.  All I wanted to do is serve and love them.  Like I said in my last letter, I enjoyed shining all the shoes of the Elders in my district.

 

This last week, our teacher told us about a special holiday that the Czech and Slovak people have the first Monday after Easter.  The idea of this holiday is that the women will become younger and be more youthful.  Now for what they say makes them younger; that day until noon, the men have a special stick that they use to hit the womens' bottoms.  When this is done, they get more youthful.  The old women especially like it.  It sounds strange, I know, but listen to this next part.  After doing this, the women will give the men chocolate, eggs, and if they are old enough - alcohol.  If this tradition is done after 12pm that day, the women can throw water at the men.  Strange fact of the week.

 

So, for those people out there that know my taste in music will know why this next comment is significant.  One of the Elders in my class told me that there is an Elder Muse here!!!!  I even went through the trouble of trying to find out where his room was so I could get a picture wearing his name tag with my MUSE shirt!  The front desk doesn't give out room numbers though, so I have to write a letter to his MTC box.  I am determined to get that picture.

 

Back home before I left, I saw a tie that I really liked.  I decided not to get it.  I am now thankful I didn't get it, because there are so many people here that have that exact same tie!!!  It is green and black diagonal stripes.  I told my district about this situation and we decided to name that tie, like we name others, The Plague.  The tradition now is that whenever we see someone with this particular tie (it must be that exact tie), we go up to them and say "You have the plague."  They may ask questions but we can not give them any hints on why they have the plague.  They are left questioning.  One time an elder was a bit uneasy and was checking his back to see if there was anything there.

 

For Christmas, the MTC gave us a very nice Christmas gift.  The morning of the 25th, we woke up and took showers and the water was ICE COLD!!!  :)  One of my companions and I went to take showers and while we were doing so, his shower all of a sudden got super hot.  He got done then I decided to jump out and steal that shower so I could get hot water.  I think we were the only elders that got nice hot showers that day.  :)

 

Elder Bednar came to speak and it was outstanding.  I don't have very much time so, all I am going to say was he taught about loosing ourselves in our calling.  He said that we need to stop being selfish and inward and that whenever we find that we are only thinking about ourself, to turn outward like Christ always did.  He told us a story about when he was a stake president that there was a woman who found out that her daughter and two other young women were in a horrible accident.  She later found our her daughter was dead.  When she found out. she turned outward and only thought of the other mothers.  Her first goal was to help others.  She wanted to let the other mothers know that their daughters were fine.  He was nice and bold with all his comments and really helped us feel the spirit.

 

Lastly I want to tell you a wonderful experience I had, just yesterday.  In the middle of teaching a new investigator in the classroom one on one, I bore my testimony and I got a confirmation to an question I had and to an answer I got.  I had a weak testimony in one aspect of the gospel that I felt, if I didn't find the answer, I would only go down hill from there and potentially loose my testimony.  I prayed for an answer and went to meetings and devotionals with my question.  I didn't receive an answer till I was studying on my own.  I got a basic and simple answer to just keep me floating along till my experience yesterday.  After being satisfied with my answer for a week and a half or so, I bore my testimony tho the investigator.  As I did so, my heart swelled and I had the confirmation of the spirit that I needed.  I bore my testimony as my eyes began to fill with water.  I am so thankful that we have the gift of the spirit to help us and testify to us truths.  I testify that Christ is right by our side and especially when we need him most.  He is our very closest friend and we should hold our heads high because we have this unique friendship.  God will help us when we ask for it and search.  This gospel is here to help man through their lives and it is a blessing to me to be able to live now, when the gospel of Jesus Christ is fully restored here upon the earth.  I am thankful for my testimony and for everyone who has supported, supports, and will support me.  I wish the best for all right now and that as you live in harmony with Christs teachings you will be blessed.  Just continue to follow Christ's example, keep the commandments, do all you can to build His kingdom, and replace fear with faith.  I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

 

Have a fantastic week!!!!

 

P.S.  FAMILY- I will probably be flying out early Monday morning on the 9th of January, in TWO WEEKS.  So be ready to answer your phone because I will be calling you early.  Not super early, but maybe between 7 and 10 o'clock.  I may call later on that day too, if I have no time in the airport to call, but be ready.  Also, email me your phone numbers so I can have them to call you.  I don't have them all memorized.  I love you all!!!

 

-Elder Bahr

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Merry Christmas!!!

I found out a few weeks ago that we could not call home for Christmas.  We get the next best thing; email!!!  We don't have much time to email today and also because so many people are using the email, it is really, really slow so I will fill you in on my Christmas as much as I can!

 

I am not going to tell you about this past week because that is what P-Day is for but I will tell you some cool things that we got to today.  We watched a program from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir!  They sang Christmas songs.  They sounded beautiful.  We also heard from one of my favorite apostles this morning.  We heard from David A. Bednar.  I will tell more about it this Tuesday.  Overall, it was a great talk.  I was really able to reflect on my life.  His main message was about being truly converted to the gospel, not just having a testimony.

 

We then had a great Christmas Lunch!  Dinner is a sack dinner.  :)  It was really good though.  We had potatoes, carrots, yams, turkey, cranberry sauce, and stuffing; almost like Thanksgiving dinner, but for Christmas.

 

Our district also decided to open Christmas gifts, not as classes, but all of us.  I was able to receive some great things.  I got some food and some other things!  :D  But the most special gifts I got were two ties from my mom that she had made which say "Miluju Máma" which means "I love mom."  This was the first thing I learned in Czech back home and I said it often to my mom.  I love you mom.  The other really nice gift was receiving a photo album of me and my sisters when we hung out before I went in to the MTC.  Thank you Robbie for putting that together.  More important though was giving this year.  Last night I decided to have a gift for all the Elders in my district.  I made little cards and gave them to them yesterday, saying:  "Elder ______,  Your shoes you are planning on wearing tomorrow are cordially invited to a sleepover in residence 413 on Saturday, December 24th, 2011 at 10pm.  (Signed 'Preston Bahr')"  That night (last night) I shined 9 sets of shoes in an hour and returned them to their owners the next morning.

 

Being at the MTC and being a missionary around Christmas really has been very nice.  I can surly feel charity - the pure love of Christ.  I love serving people before myself.  I also have much more appreciation for the finer things in life.  Last night we had the privilege of watching "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens.  This movie until last night had never impacted me so much than it did.  This movie just made me really happy!

 

I am thankful for my family and love them dearly.  I wish them the best this holiday season.  I love this church and what it was to offer.  This gospel is true.  I am thankful I could write to you today and express my love for you.

 

I hope this next part makes it through on the email.  (There are special characters)

 

Já vím toto církev je pravdivý.  Já jsem vděčni pro moje rodinu a miluju vas.  Já svěči že Bůh je nás Nebeský Otec a chci nas pomahat abychom mohl být lepší.  Ježíš Kristus je náš spasitel a starší bratr.  Ve jménu Ježíše Krista, Amen.  Já mám vic mluvit ale ne vic čas.

 

Replace any fear you have with faith and you will see the hand of the Lord.

 

Vesele Vánoce!!!

(Merry Christmas)

 

-Starší Bahr

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Merry Christmas!!!

So, last week was awesome and this week was too!!!  Not many things happened, but they were significant.  I don't know where to start.

 

I see so many people here that look like other people I know back home.  I keep thinking I am seeing people from school, church, etc.  I have seen an Emily Risenmay look-a-like and get all excited then realize that it wasn't her.  Just a couple days ago, I saw my Priesthood leader look-a-like.  Brother Edwards was totally right in front of me.  It scared me for a second, then I looked closer and it was only another missionary.  Well I guess the good thing is; Brother Edwards, you don't look 30.  You look like you are 19 years old.  ;) 

 

Another cool thing was that I got a few letters!  Something especially exciting was that I got one from people in my ward!!!  My temple prep teachers got a few people my age, in my ward together and wrote a nice card.  It was very nice to hear from them and hear that that support me!  I love my ward family!!!!!!  I also got a letter from my old seminary class!  That was really special.  People said some things about how I have helped them since I've known them.  Sometimes we don't know the extent of our impact on people around us.  This is why we must always do our best and serve other people as Christ did.  Thank you ward family and thank you seminary class!!!  I love you all!

 

I didn't get just letters this week, I got 5 packages!!!!!  Friday, I got 2; Saturday, I got one; and Monday, I got 2!  Receiving packages really makes my day, and week!!!  I am getting a lot of junk food as well.  I haven't gained a bunch of weight yet, but if I get more food before I leave to MTC, I am going to have to pay for an extra seat on the flight to Prague.  No, I am just kidding.  The basketball games during gym help me.  I love playing basketball now!  My cousin Damian would love it here!!!

 

Now for the spiritual excitement of this week.

 

This week I was teaching another missionary in my class as an investigator.  As I was teaching, I started another sentence and two words into it, it was as if my auto-pilot put the emergency brake on.  The Holy Ghost told me to stop talking and I immediately stopped.  It was like the spirit telling me that my companion needed to say the next few things.  The message of the Holy Ghost to me was like cool, clear water.  It was said in a way to me that I could not mistake it to be from any other messenger.

 

Also, while I was teaching and I realized, if you want to receive revelation from the spirit; don't just stop, sit, and think - stop and seek for that inspiration.  Physically search your mind wait for the Holy Ghost to manifest the truth to you.  I can promise that if you are desiring the Holy Ghost to speak to you and you work to gain answers, you will get them.

 

I can testify that through the Holy Ghost, we can know all things.  We can ask God through prayer and he will deliver an answer to you by the Holy Ghost.

 

This was a short week.  I only have three more here.  I must make the best use of my time here.  I love life, I love being able to serve this mission.  I am glad that this Christmas season, I can give the ultimate gift to people; the gospel of Christ.  I am excited to go to the Czech Republic to bring the Czech people unto Christ.  I love my family and friends.  Remember that you are all sons and daughters of our Father in Heaven and that he loves and cares about each of you.

 

Replace fear with faith and you will be blessed.

 

Merry Christmas to all!!!

 

-Starší Bahr

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Endure to the End

Here at the MTC the branch presidency chooses a topic that we are supposed to write a talk on for sacrament meeting. It is a mystery who will be chosen so everyone is supposed to prepare one. I wrote mine prayerfully and definitely felt the Spirit help me write it. I really wanted to speak, but I wasn't chosen. I still would like to share it with though so here it is:

"The first thing I thought of when I heard our topic for this week was something I am very fond of. Cross country, or XC for short. In the competitive, manly sport of XC, runners must race 16,368 feet of mud, hills, creeks, sand, rain, and cold. Not to mention making it through a few elbows thrown at you. The runner goes through all this pain and difficulty to cross a line drawn on the ground, making it to the end.

Life is like XC. We must fight through our challenges and do our best.

In the premortal life we were training for this journey. Our Heavenly Father and Christ were our coaches. They prepared us and gave us all we need. However, this journey we must do on our own. Our coaches are not going to race for us, but they will cheer us on; praying we will do our best.

In XC there is equipment we need to do our best. In life, we have those too.
We have:
A racing singlet- This racing singlet in relation to our eternal quest represents the Holy Ghost. He is all around us reminds us of what team we're on.
A watch- This is the process of repentance. It is there to see what we need to work on. We look down at our watch and think 'I need to do better. I am not on pace.'
The course- The straight and narrow path. It is very narrow at times, and we are sometimes alone.
The warm up- This is Faith. It sets the pace and gets us ready for what is to come. We can't do without it.
Race food- The scriptures. They are to keep us going and give us energy to endure.
Opponents- Our opponents are in fact our family, leaders, and friends which inspire us to catch up and work harder toward our goal.
Our spikes (shoes)- Your spikes are the most important. They represent Christ. They make up for what we can't do, even working at our best. He provides the grip into the mud when we would otherwise slip an fall.
Even with all these supplies and pieces of equipment, if we do not work and endure to the end; we can not finish. A runner can't stop in a race and expect to finish. It is not possible.

Now for some scripture.
2 Nephi 31:20
'Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.'
This scripture tells us that we can gain eternal life if we push forward through our struggles and study the scriptures diligently. We must continue on in faith and act on our faith by doing works.

1 Nephi 13:37
'And blessed are they who shall seek to bring forth my Zion at that day, for they shall have the gift and the power of the Holy Ghost; and if they endure unto the end they shall be lifted up at the last day, and shall be saved in the everlasting kingdom of the Lamb; and whoso shall publish peace, yea, tidings of great joy, how beautiful upon the mountains shall they be.'
Those who help establish Zion and do all they can in their power will have great joy and everlasting peace.

Doctrine and Covenants 14:7
'And, if you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God.'
The greatest gift we can receive is eternal life. We do this by, like in previous scriptures, endure to the end. I like how it is summarized in to one powerful scripture.

What does Enduring to the End mean?
One can answer simply with the seminary answers like reading the Scriptures, praying, keeping the commandments, going to church... But let's think a little deeper.

From one of my favorite chapters in the Book of Mormon comes some great answers to this question. In Jacob 6 the following can be picked out: Build the Kingdom of God; Repent and cleave unto God, meaning follow His commandments with the most intricate detail; soften your hearts and be humble; 'Harken' to the council of the prophets; and lastly as said in Jacob 6:11 'Enter in at the strait gate until ye obtain eternal life.'

Finally to conclude all the teachings in Jacob 6, he says in verse 12: 'O be wise; what can I say more?' This scripture applies to any doctrine shared by the prophets. The Lord has spoken to us through the prophets and has said what He will say. It is up to us to put our training to the test and 'run our hearts out.'
There is a famous quote by someone, I don't remember who, that says 'I never said it would be easy, I only said it would be worth it.' This is true. No matter what struggles we go through, the Lord will be there to help us every step we take, and he will provide the grip in to the mud of life, taking care of what we can't do. We all need to spike up and be ready for the day's race.

I have a testimony that what I have said is true. Christ is here to help us. He has suffered on the cross to help us gain our eternal salvation. He is our brother and savior. God loves us and also wants to help. We don't even know the capacity at which he loves us. We can only know a small percentage of his love. We know of this love because he gave us a body, families, friends, Christ's church in our day, the Bible and Book of Mormon. I testify of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon and the Bible. They are the word of God. Both of which, God has held in His hands. The Book of Mormon has helped be gain a testimony many times. The Holy Ghost has testified to me when I have read it. This book was translated through a prophet of God, Joseph Smith. We have the restored gospel in our day and have a loving prophet to lead us. I know that prayer is communication with God and as long as we ask for blessings, He will open the windows of heaven and pour out His blessings to us. Being a missionary, I have a testimony of missionary work and it is a major part in the gathering of Israel. We are helping people come unto Christ. We must strive to follow the example of Jesus Christ. We must have faith, repent, be baptized in the name of Christ, receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, and endure to the end. If we do this, we will gain our place in the Celestial Kingdom. I love my family and I love this church. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen."

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It is Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas...

Hello Everyone!

 

I write this letter with love and hope that all is well in your lives.  This past week was fantastic.  Like I said in the last letter, I knew I would forget something right when I logged off.  Those were that I have been going up to new people on my floor and been speaking German.  It is funny.  A few people think I am from Germany.  A couple times though, I accidentally spoke English right next to them in the lunch line.  So, some people know the truth.  It was fun while it lasted though.  The other thing was... Last week I was reading in the scriptures and I got finished and set them on my desk and rested my chin on them.  A scripture cam to mind.  It was the one that says "Feast upon the words of Christ..."  I thought this not because I was hungry, but because my scriptures smelled like carrots.  My new quote is "Feast upon the words of Christ, for they taste like carrots."

 

Well now.  Now comes the news of this week.  It was really good.  It wasn't stale like last week.  Many exciting things happened.

 

I saw a good friend.  Elder Lemperle, now Brother Lemperle teaches here and I got to see him.  He was a missionary in my ward earlier this year.  The first time I showed up to visit, he wasn't there, but I gave him a lot of information about when he was serving.  They later talked to him and said things like; How is the Meadows?  What about Bishop Bacon, how is he?  Do you remember that time when...?  Their class had fun messing around with him.  Brother Lemperle soon understood how they knew.  :)

 

Another thing that happened was I wrote a letter to my sister and she hadn't replied for about a week and a half, so I wrote a letter to guilt her in sending me a letter.  I sent it out Saturday morning and by mid day, I got a letter from her.  It was kind of ironic that I get a letter that day from her.  I had to quickly write another letter to explain the funny situation.

 

I was going to write out my sacrament talk I prepared for last Sunday and told a few people to look out for it, but I forgot to bring my talk with me to type up, so I might put it up sometime today.  It was really good though.  It was about Enduring to the End.  Here at the MTC, I feel I can write better talks and teach a lot better.  I know it is the spirit helping me.  Being a missionary, you are blessed with gifts like this.  :)  I am not saying non-missionaries can't right good talks, but you improve greatly in gospel related things; like writing talks.

 

Hey, it is snowing now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  A whole bunch!!!  I just looked out the window.

 

Basketball is so much fun here!  I love it.  Before my mission, I didn't really like it.  I do now.  However, basketball is not fun when bad things happen to you.  Last Thursday, my companion from England was playing Basketball and got an elbow to the face.  He had to get 6 stitches and a root canal because his front right tooth broke in have horizontally up inside the gums.  Is was bad.  He now has a carbon rod in his tooth to hold it in.  He can't eat apples or corn on the cob like most people would and when he is older, possibly in the next few years, he will have to get a whole fake tooth.  We went to the ER to get him stitched up.  The doctor was hilarious and really sarcastic.  On our way back, the driver said "I haven't had dinner yet.  You mind if we stop at Little Caesars?"  We he left I looked over and saw a Sonic.  A few minutes later I screamed "MY SISTER WORKS THERE!!!!"  That evening (if she was working) I was only about 200 ft from my sister and she didn't even know!

 

Sad news; no Christmas calls on Christmas.  :'(  There are too many missionaries to be able to do that.  Instead, family: right before I fly to Prague, I can call.  We just need to wait till January 9th.

 

A couple other things before I wrap up.

 

I keep hearing how my brother Adam in improving substantially.  I keep thinking back to when I was set apart as a missionary.  My stake president had said in the setting apart that as result of me serving a mission, Adam will gain much understanding!  That would be cool if when I got back, Adam would be like a normal kid!

 

The post office closes Dec. 23rd for Christmas, so if you would like to send wnything, send it about a week before that.

 

I got a letter yesterday from all the people in my seminary class and my teacher Sister Cronin.  I love them.  It was nice of them to think of me during Christmas.

 

Lastly, My teachers are wonderful people.  I love them.  Yesterday, they brought in a baby Christmas tree for our class and they mailed us cookies, because they can't just bring stuff in for us.  I am excited for Christmas.  Our class is going to put all our Christmas gifts under the tree and have Christmas in the class room.  While on my mission, they are like my family.  It will be fun with them.  I do, however, miss my family and wish I could be there for Christmas.  I know I and my family will be blessed though for this sacrifice.

 

Well that is the majority of this week's events.  I love you all and wish you Marry Christmas!  Help others this Christmas, share the ultimate Christmas gift; the gospel of Jesus Christ, and Replace Fear with Faith.

 

-Starsi Bahr

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Wow! Week 5 already and Christmas just around the Corner!

It is hard to believe that Christmas is THIS month!  I have already been here a whole month and it feels like a couple weeks.

 

So this last week I met Brother and Sister Nally.  My sister Robbie took care of their mother.  They have been looking for me for a while now and stopping every "orange-head" (it is not red, it is orange) and asking them if they were Elder Bahr.  Finally after a devotional I went down and said hi.  Sister Nally then played the organ.  She was practicing for a performance for the MTC leadership.  She played "Phantom of the Opera"!!!!  I was in heaven.  She played so beautifully, it brought peace, joy, and happiness to my soul.

 

I got a package from my sister Robbie this week too!!!!!!  It made my week!!!  I got BBQ Pringles, granola bars, and Junior Mints, along with a nice letter.  I got a few letters from other people too.  My dad sent me a letter and my friend Kristina.  I love getting mail and packages.

 

I finished up my root canal.  It was a joy.  I had "happy gas".  I have no idea why I needed it.  My tooth was hurting and was became loose one morning and my gums were a bit swollen.  It was weird.  My dentist said it might be from what I told him.  I chipped my teeth when I was about 11 and that trauma could have done it.  He said it is usually after a couple years, not 8.  But that is the best guess.  I am glad I got it done in the MTC rather than in the Czech Republic with their not so great dental care.  It is a blessing in a way to have that tooth trouble now than later.

 

Funny quote that my Branch President said in a ZL and DL meeting;  "Life is hard.  Stupid makes it harder."  I just thought I'ld share that.  He is an older man that it is just funny that he said it.

 

So we taught an investigator this week and it was almost a flawless lesson.  We taught Faith in Christ, Repentance, Baptism, Gift of the Holy Ghost, and Enduring to the End.  We said everything needed perfectly except in Czech "Vira" means faith AND belief.  So we needed to explain faith is also works, not just faith/ belief.  It took us a while to understand that from the investigator.

 

I decided I am going to audition to sing during a devotional or fireside here at the MTC.  I want to sing a solo.  I REALLY want to sing "O Holy Night" but I have other options I am going to pray about.  They are "Here Am I, Send Me", "I Feel My Saviors Love", or "Still, Still, Still".  I want to sing around Christmas time.  That is why two of my options are Christmas songs.

 

I got a haircut today and it was great because the barber was a guy and sitting there talking to him was kind of like the old barber that my dad took me to when I was young.  It was like a man's barber.  They just don't have those these days.  I sat there and talked about good places to fish, the Wallowa Mountains and hiking with my dad, the beautiful Northwest, and other men stuff.  ;)  It was very enjoyable and I got an amazing haircut out of it.  It is longer on the top and shorter on the sides.  I don't know why I didn't do this haircut sooner.  I wish I could post a picture of it because I can't really descibe it.  We can't upload pictures here though.

 

I understand my lovely twin sister is dating someone.  Remember Casey, you can't get married till I get off my mission.  You know why.  Enough said.  :)

 

Well other than that, this week was average.  Once I send this e-mail, I'll probably remember something to write.

 

I love it here.  I love my family and miss them.  Especially my brother Adam.  I have been blessed with the best family ever.  I have faith in Christ and God that they are blessing me and my family for my mission.  I love you all.  I love friends too.  Keep in touch.

 

Until next week, Replace Fear with Faith!

 

Elder (Starsi) Bahr

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On to Week 4!

The MTC has been wonderful.  I always start the letters like this, but I just have to say it.  This last week has been very spiritual and I was so lucky to have had two apostles come!  I will speak more on that shortly.

 

Thanksgiving was great.  I didn't think it would be as good as it honestly was.  Dinner was great.  We had turkey, potato's, pumpkin pie and all that good stuff!  I ate so much!  Like always, my family knows of this, I doused it all in cranberry sauce.  I love that stuff.  I wish I could upload pictures here, I would show you all my food.  That same day we did a humanitarian project.  We made first aid kits to send to Haiti, Sudan, Japan, and a couple other places.  I could truly feel the Lords hand in this.  I really felt the love and charity of Christ.  We made I think around 10k kits!!!

 

Now on the the apostles.  Elder D Todd Christofferson came.  Something he said that was really funny was about technology these days and sharing the gospel.  He said; "If Peter (I think from the Bible) were looking sown on us he would probably say - You wimps, with all your satellites, iPhones, iPods, iPads, internet, and everything, I could have converted the whole world in 10 months."He talked about Yielding your Heart to God.

The other apostle I REALLY enjoyed.  It was Elder Russell M. Nelson.  He is SOOOOOOOO intelligent.  He thanked us personally for what we do.  He mainly taught to be persistent in the Lords work.  He recounted of when he was called to open religion in Russia.  He had to go to Mr. Kartchner the director of religious affairs.  After trying hard multiple times and having to do so many things and wait years it worked.  He continued speaking and said regarding the man making it difficult to open religion in Russia "Brother Kartchner... I mean Mr. Kartchner... (everyone laughed)  That is what you want to think of not very nice people.  Imagine them dressed in white, all ready to be baptized..."  He went on in his talk and came up to talking of the word "Alleluia", which means Praise to the Lord God, Jehovah, and he showed us a song by the Men of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir - Alleluia.  The only lyric IS Alleluia.  It is beautiful.  As he played it, and I can't explain enough, I wanted to jump up and praise God and yell the desires of my heart.  This recording was 1000x better that the live MUSE concert I went to, and that is saying a lot.  I had to restrain myself from jumping up.  I had to think to myself: Is this appropriate?  I don't know how to explain enough how I felt.  It was like the spirit were sitting right behind me with a megaphone testifying of the gospel of Christ.  I went to the BYU Bookstore on campus the very next day to try to find the CD.  I found one!!!  ...but don't have a CD player.

 

I had a neat experience this week too.  I was teaching an investigator in Czech and I all of a sudden had the words come to me and the spirit felt so strong.  I almost got too emotional to speak when I bore my testimony.  It was a definite Duchovni Facka (Czech for "Spiritual Slap in the Face")  It was amazing.

 

Anyway, I need to finish up some stuff today, it is nice to be able to email people and share the gospel.  I know the church is true and that Jesus Christ lives!  He is our savior and will do anything for us.  Any trials we are going through are to strengthen us, no doubt.  I have felt the love of Christ in my life and am excited to continue to hear how my family is being blessed from my decision to serve a mission.  I love this gospel with all my heart and cannot wait to share the gospel in the Czech Republic in 5 more weeks.  Until next week, Replce Fear with Faith!  (I love that quote, it is from a great missionary Elder Draper).  I love you all!

 

-Starsi (Elder) Bahr!

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Another Week Goes By!!!

Wow, time sure has flown by.  I love the MTC.  At times it is hard and discouraging, but then something really spiritual happens.  Just yesterday I was really upset because the language was so difficult and I am not getting it.  I felt behind in the class.  I kind of likened it to a child being forgotten about and needing to walk home in the rain after school because the parents forgot about it.  That isn't saying anything about my parents because I know they love me, but that is the sadness I felt.  I literally did not know what to do.  I was speechless when asked about my issue from my teacher.  A few minutes later, I was sitting in class and it was like the voice of the Lord spoke to me.  He said: "Peace, I am preparing you for greater things."  The spirit hit me so strong and even now writing this, I get chills and almost start crying.  I know God loves me and it is a great opportunity being here.  The ways I have felt here are so different.  I often feel so spiritual then sad, then spiritual and then sad again.  It is like when you break a bone though, it grows back stronger.  All these times I feel down just strengthen me even more then before and this happening repeatedly is going to help me a bunch.  It sounds odd, but I am glad to have these challenges.

 

So I found out the other day when we taught our "Investigator" that when we asked him to be baptized by my companion Elder Sewell, he thought we were saying "Will you come to Elder Sewells baptism?"  That explains why he was so willing to say yes.  I got a few packages this last week.  One was a whole box of See's Candy from my mom.  Miluju svou mamu.  I love my mom!!!  She is the best lady in the world.  It said Happy Thanksgiving.  I was so excited about it.  The other one I got today from my sister Casey.  She sent me some Burt's Bees chap stick, vinegar (for my cold and sore throat remedy), some Zebra G-301 pens, a letter and I think some other cool things.  I love my twin.  I couldn't ask for a sweeter twin.  All my other sisters I love dearly too.  They are so supportive of me.  They each gave me a letter to read the first night I was in the MTC.  They were nice heart-felt letters.  Hmmm, what else... I go ta letter from a friend the other day from Erika Juengling.  It was a fun letter.  Thanks Erika.  I also got a letter from my dad.  It was great.  I love letters.  I love you dad.  Thank you especially to my great family.

 

Hey so yesterday our district decided to do 100 push-ups in 5 minutes every morning.  I did it once and I am now sore ALL OVER.  It is good though.  When I get out of the MTC in 7 weeks, I will be BUFFFFF!!!!  We all do something else fun in the mornings.  Yesterday we sang Lion King and also made a didgeridoo band and attempted to sound like didgeridoos.  I have the best district.

 

We got 2 more districts in last Wednesday.  It was like Christmas getting new people.  Us zone leaders gave them an orientation and tour of the MTC.  It was fun because it was only a week in the MTC for me when I had to do this.  I just got done learning my way around.

 

Earlier this week I thought of a great analogy when teaching new people interested in the church.  "Our message should be a well tailored suit to the investigator.  If it doesn't fit well, they will not like it and try elsewhere.  We need to help our investigators love our message and want to come back for more."  Also, our teacher said "Don't throw your bucket of doctrine at investigators.  Use your bucket to give them what they need."

 

Well I only have a couple more minutes left on the computer so I just want to say that dispite the bad times (that are strengthening me) all is well and I LOVE it here.  I can't wait to serve the people in the Czech Republic.  I love you all and well write again next Tuesday.

 

Replace Fear with Faith.

 

~Starsi Bahr

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The Mission is GREAT!

Hello everyone.  The mission has been great.  I got here and was greeted by a guy from Scotland and he carried my bags as we were all processed into the MTC.  We have really full days here.  So little time for being lazy and so much time to be learning to gospel and language.

 

Let me tell you about my companions.  I am in a "tripanionship" it is me, Elder Sewell from England and Elder de Angelis from Italy.  The first day we had our first branch meeting.  We had a few speakers and it was very nice.  The presidency shows their love all the time.  Next we got to our room and went to language class and class instruction.  It was crazy!  We started learning the language immediately!  No Czech was spoken by the teacher for a couple hours.  We then were able, as a branch to teach people.  It was like a little conference where we talked to an "investigator".  I remember a lady Hely that we talked to and her daughter has cerebral palsy and whe doesn't know what to say to her to be comforted.  I stood up and spoke to her about how I have a mentally handicapped brother who I know is here to bless us in life.  I received inspiration while there.  One reason my brother Adam is in my life so that I can relate to people I meet and share my testimony of how these disabled people we care for are blessings to us and others.

 

The second day we were here was busy too but also kind of scary.  We had to teach our first lesson... In Czech!!!  Our "investigator" is Stepan (Shtye-pan).  It was nice to be engulfed in the language but it comes with it's challenges too.  I know that the Lord will help with the language.  I got a little discouraged because I was having trouble learning it but when we taught in the language I felt much better.

 

We had a meeting on the 10th and a quote by Jeffery R. Holland was brought up.  It says "Even though it is the still, small voice, there is a thunder pounding in the heart of the investigator and the missionary."  I don't know why I want to share this quote, but I really like it and it is true.  In that same meeting I had a chance to bear my testimony and I did.  After that I was shaking.  Not because I was nervous, but because I felt the spirit so strong.  I sure love it here in the MTC.  Next we had a Branch Presidency welcome.  In there we all bore our testimonies and introduced ourselves.  After that I was called back and was asked if I would accept the calling as Zone Leader.  I DID!  I am excited about it, but it is a lot of work.

 

While in class I was nervous about our second lesson to teach Stepan so I prayed about it and I got the impression to open to Acts 1:5.  It came into my mind after praying that we would be able to teach by the spirit.  It talks about having the spirit.  I don't remember ever studying this scripture, but it came into my mind.

 

In sacrament meeting this Sunday District D sang a special musical number.  They sang "Praise to the Man".  I could feel other people in the room from the spirit world singing along with them.

 

I love the MTC and know this is where I need to be.  I KNOW the church is true.  I used to think; How can you KNOW the church is true...  but during the most recent general conference I noticed a lot of church leaders said "I testify..."  But that doesn't mean you can't know...  In the MTC, my testimony has sky rocketed.  I can say know the church is true and I have a testimony that this is the Lords work.  God is our Heavenly Father, Jesus is our Savior and Brother.  The spirit testifies of Christ and the Book of Mormon is TRUE.  I am grateful for the opportunity I have to serve my God and be a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

 

I will write again in a week!  Replace Fear with Faith!

 

Starsi Bahr

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The day after I sent the last letter I wanted to send another one because I have great news and some updates.

I am already a zone leader!

It is such and exciting job but loads of work.

Yes, dad, I am obeying every rule, don't worry. :) The MTC is great. It is perfect for revelation. Just the other day we were group (20+ missionaries) teaching a lady who's daughter has cerebral palsy. The revelation- as clear as the sky after a fresh rainstorm- was that Adam is in my life so I can relate to those who I come in contact with. I can share that he is a blessing to people who doubt God's work and timing. God will do things that are for our eternal gain. God's will is not set in stone; it can change and is for us to be happy.

I know the church is true. The Book of Mormon is the word of God. Jesus is our savior and brother. We have purpose in life. I have faith that the Czech Republic will be different after our district of missionaries serve there. God loves us. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

P.S. I got to teach a Czech person a lesson in Czech! Only after 2 days. We teach again tomorrow. Also I have the 2 best companions. I love you! Give Adam a hug for me.

The first day of the MTC was so much fun. I really enjoy the friendliness of everyone here. We had orange stickers on our name tags saying we are new and people were nicer and said welcome. It was great. I took my sticker off half way through the day though so I didn't look new. :) I have great companions. We are a trio. They are Elder Sewell from England and Elder De Angelis from Italy. We are such good friends now! I saw Derek today. It was a great reunion. Life is good and I can see the Lords hand in all we do here. The language training is fun, but challenging. I am ready for a good challenge! Today, we also got to speak to some investigators in a conference room type deal. Arnold loved talking about nature. His wife died and he is looking for the peace that the church can provide if the commandments are kept and we do all we can. Hely has a daughter with cerebral palsy and she wants to find out how to let her daughter know that all is well and that in the resurrection she will be whole. Junichi is from Japan and he wants his family to be together forever. His family struggles with love in the home. All of which I added my 2 cents and could truely feel revelation of what I shall say. I love taking notes during meetings. This is the safest place to be and I LOVE IT! Thank you for supporting me and I love you. Give Adam a big hug for me!

Got My Mission Call!!!!!!

I have been blessed to have received a mission call. (I got it August 9th, 2011) I decided to open it in my room alone after praying to invite the spirit. When I opened it and read it, I started to cry. I am such a baby when it comes to spiritual things, those of you who have heard me at the end of my talk and also during testimony meeting. Anyway, the spirit was SO strong when I opened it. When I read where I would be serving, I KNEW this was where I am supposed to be and I testify that apostles are truly inspired as to where missionaries serve. I would have never guessed I would serve in the Czech Republic!!!

I have been anxiously waiting for the day I report and I just have to wait one more week.

November 9th, 2011!!!!!!!!!!!

P.S. I got a letter from the mission office that says my mission is a 25 month mission due to unpredictable transfer schedules! I am so excited I get an automatic extension!

I am thankful for all my who visited this weekend, especially my family; I am so glad I could spend time with you! I love you guys, and I'll see you in 2 years and a month!