Dear Family,
The weather has been mostly excellent over the last week, and is continuing to
improve, or so it seems. Today I am e-mailing from Clarion, PA, because we came
to meet up with the Clarion Elders and volunteered with them at the Clarion
Special Olympics. It was a lot of fun to help out, and I helped out with the
Softball throw, keeping track of how far the ball made it when it first hits the
ground. I think I'm a little sunburnt from being out for about 3 and a half or
4 hours, but it's not too bad. I've been much worse from going to the beach
back home.
The Multi-Zone conference in Butler, PA was great! In the morning, we had four
break-out sessions, 30 minutes each, learning different things in each one.
Then, after having lunch, President Ashley, the Jamestown Stake President spoke
to us, followed by President Humphries, the Brookville District President.
Then, we had another surprise guest speaker, Chris Hoke of the Pittsburgh
Steelers who is a member of the church and served a mission. He talked about
how he related the gospel to football on his mission, and how he has made
sacrifices in his life for the gospel, and how he balances out the gospel with
his career. It was an enjoyable Zone Conference, and it was definitely a good
boost for the rest of the transfer. Yesterday, we had another mini Zone
Conference / Interviews in Brookville, PA and it was also very good. Our Zone
Leaders related missionary work to baseball, which I thought was well done, and
then the assistants gave a very powerful presentation to us on living the law of
consecration on our missions and how that relates to the atonement.
As far as our area is going right now, we taught a media referral in Sandy Lake,
PA last week, and the wife came to church this week, and loved it! Her name is
Laureene Wheaton, and she has been looking for a church for a long time, and
recently lost her brother. She is sincerely seeking for the truth, and I'm
hoping and praying that she will find it. She is very open and very interested
in the gospel, and I can tell she is already living a very good Christian life.
We are excited about her, and I will keep you updated as we continue to
follow-up with her and continue to invite her out to church.
There is one person that you could pray for that would be very much appreciated
by me and by some people in my area. Nicole Troilo's friend, April Chapin has
been in the hospital with cancer for months now, and is in a very critical state
right now, and so we have been praying for her more lately. She has been at
this point before, but this time they're not sure if she'll be able to get back
out of it. Please pray for her, and for those who know and love her, including
her parents and Nicole and Sam.
I love serving out here each day, and gaining a stronger faith in Christ, and
also greater love and charity for my fellow brothers and sisters in this area.
It's amazing how much my love for my brothers and sisters has grown on my
mission and how much it continues to grow. I especially love all of you, my
family, and am eternally indebted to all of you for being there for me. I hope
you have a great week and enjoy the good weather.
Love,
Andrew
Showing posts with label Elder Andrew Ostler Letters. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Elder Andrew Ostler Letters. Show all posts
Monday, May 14, 2007
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Elder Ostler
Dear Family,
My Easter was very good. After church, we had dinner with the Burns family, a
part-member family who is very good to the missionaries. They have two kids,
Raymond and Cassandra who who are about 8 and 6 (I don't know the exact ages)
who also love the missionaries. We also did some service for them by helping
them put in their kitchen cupboards, which was a lot of fun and we learned a
lot.
That is awesome that we have a bunny. I never would have guessed that we would
have one as a pet, but it is neat.
That is neat that Chad has moved in, at least for now. He has always been a
very happy kid, and always fun to be around. He always is a good friend and has
been to me.
I didn't know about Brayden, but that is great that he got his call. I'll
probably get a letter from them soon, but that is the first time I've heard it.
Things are going well in Franklin. The work is progressing very good,
especially with Bishop Butler, who is very missionary minded, and we have been
going on team-ups with him lately about twice a week. We found someone a few
days ago who was very promising, but unfortunately he called us a few days ago
and said he wasn't interested anymore. We are still working on finding the
elect, and we are trying to increase our work with members and getting referrals
from them. There have been a few neat experiences that have happened lately.
I'll share one of them with you. About a week ago, we were heading to a dinner
appointment in Polk, PA, and we couldn't find it for the life of us. We looked
through Polk, and we asked someone in the local market of Polk, and they said to
drive past Polk and try the outskirts. We drove for about 10 miles one way past
Polk, and we turned around. We started to pray for direction and guidance, me
in my heart, and my companion bowed his head and prayed. We took a fork in the
road and started heading another way past Polk. After about 10 miles in this
direction, I drove past a road, and my companion said to turn around and go on
that road, he felt prompted that we should. I did, but it was obviously not the
right road, and didn't lead to the right road either, but I trusted in his
prompting. He felt like we should pull over and knock on a house with it's
lights on and ask them where this road was, so we did. I asked them if they
knew where Time Machine road was, and they said, "My brother lives right across
from there." and they told me exactly where it was. It was about 16 miles in
the opposite direction from the house we were standing at, but the Spirit had
directed us to someone who knew exactly where it was. God does answer prayers
and watches out for us and loves us, no matter how small or insignificant our
problem may seem. To Him it is important, because we are important.
One suggestion for scripture study might be to study by Topic. Pick something
each day that interests you and study that, instead of just reading straight
through it over and over, because I know personally that that does get
monotonous.
My companion and I work very well together, and he is definitely a very
spiritual person with a very fun personality.
I know that this gospel is true, as I have felt the Holy Ghost confirm it my
heart so many times, especially when I really needed the comfort. God does
answer prayers, as I have had all of mine answered. In this area I have really
gained a very strong testimony of prayer from the comfort I have received after
praying. I know God loves us so much, and that we should show Him our love by
doing His will. I can feel your love as well, and am eternally grateful for it.
Love,
Andrew
My Easter was very good. After church, we had dinner with the Burns family, a
part-member family who is very good to the missionaries. They have two kids,
Raymond and Cassandra who who are about 8 and 6 (I don't know the exact ages)
who also love the missionaries. We also did some service for them by helping
them put in their kitchen cupboards, which was a lot of fun and we learned a
lot.
That is awesome that we have a bunny. I never would have guessed that we would
have one as a pet, but it is neat.
That is neat that Chad has moved in, at least for now. He has always been a
very happy kid, and always fun to be around. He always is a good friend and has
been to me.
I didn't know about Brayden, but that is great that he got his call. I'll
probably get a letter from them soon, but that is the first time I've heard it.
Things are going well in Franklin. The work is progressing very good,
especially with Bishop Butler, who is very missionary minded, and we have been
going on team-ups with him lately about twice a week. We found someone a few
days ago who was very promising, but unfortunately he called us a few days ago
and said he wasn't interested anymore. We are still working on finding the
elect, and we are trying to increase our work with members and getting referrals
from them. There have been a few neat experiences that have happened lately.
I'll share one of them with you. About a week ago, we were heading to a dinner
appointment in Polk, PA, and we couldn't find it for the life of us. We looked
through Polk, and we asked someone in the local market of Polk, and they said to
drive past Polk and try the outskirts. We drove for about 10 miles one way past
Polk, and we turned around. We started to pray for direction and guidance, me
in my heart, and my companion bowed his head and prayed. We took a fork in the
road and started heading another way past Polk. After about 10 miles in this
direction, I drove past a road, and my companion said to turn around and go on
that road, he felt prompted that we should. I did, but it was obviously not the
right road, and didn't lead to the right road either, but I trusted in his
prompting. He felt like we should pull over and knock on a house with it's
lights on and ask them where this road was, so we did. I asked them if they
knew where Time Machine road was, and they said, "My brother lives right across
from there." and they told me exactly where it was. It was about 16 miles in
the opposite direction from the house we were standing at, but the Spirit had
directed us to someone who knew exactly where it was. God does answer prayers
and watches out for us and loves us, no matter how small or insignificant our
problem may seem. To Him it is important, because we are important.
One suggestion for scripture study might be to study by Topic. Pick something
each day that interests you and study that, instead of just reading straight
through it over and over, because I know personally that that does get
monotonous.
My companion and I work very well together, and he is definitely a very
spiritual person with a very fun personality.
I know that this gospel is true, as I have felt the Holy Ghost confirm it my
heart so many times, especially when I really needed the comfort. God does
answer prayers, as I have had all of mine answered. In this area I have really
gained a very strong testimony of prayer from the comfort I have received after
praying. I know God loves us so much, and that we should show Him our love by
doing His will. I can feel your love as well, and am eternally grateful for it.
Love,
Andrew
Friday, March 30, 2007
News from Andrew (March 29, 2007)
>Dear Family,
>
>The weather in the last few days has been awesome, staying in the 60's and 70's all day! I have heard that we are going to get some colder weather soon, but I don't mind a few days of cold after nice weather like this.
>
>I am very excited for conference this weekend, to hear from the general authorities of the church. I always learn a lot from them, although sometimes it is a lot to take in all at once, which is why I'm grateful for notes and for the Ensign with all of the talks in it.
>
>We are continuing to do well in our missionary work here in Franklin. Yesterday, we went with Bishop to teach a less-active family from Georgia the missionary lessons over again. They were sealed in the temple and very active in Georgia, but when they moved to Franklin they have not been very active. It's hard for the mom, because she works two jobs now and a lot of hours in each one. She has a good testimony of the church and the kids have good testimonies as well, it's just a matter of helping them rekindle those testimonies and remember how going to church and participating blessed their lives. Their grandma is not a member and has been taught by the missionaries in the past, so we are hopefully going to start re-teaching her and see if she is still interested in being baptized, because I guess she had a date in the past.
>
>Bishop Butler came up with a great idea to get a lot of referrals for us, and I think it has the potential to do really well. On April 7th, he is holding a fireside where he will be showing the movie "The Testaments" at the church. He printed out flyers and is having us and the members hand them out, and having them invite their friends to the fireside. After he shows the movie, we will talk to everyone about where we get the Book of Mormon from and offer those who don't have a copy to take one and read it. We are excited about it and are really looking forward to it.
>
>It is definitely an emotional roller coaster at times out here on the mission. In this area especially, I have felt the highest of the highs and the lowest of the lows. It has been hard at times, and it was especially hard with Sam's decision, but the one thing that got me through it was prayer. Heavenly Father helped me to be at peace with the whole situation after I prayed and fasted very earnestly for Him to help me no matter what her final decision was. Prayer is such a wonderful gift from our Father in heaven and I know that without it I would not be where I am today. Our Father gives us everything, and all he asks of us is to align our will with His, which will bring us eternal happiness. It may seem hard at times to do what He asks, but when you think about it and understand that He is perfect and always knows what is best for us, it makes it much easier to obey Him. I love my Father in heaven, and I know He loves me unconditionally, just like he loves all of His children. I am grateful to have that knowledge, and share it with others.
>
>I love all of you as well and am grateful you all have the gospel in your lives. I'm grateful that I was raised in the gospel and learned it from my youth. I hope all of you have a great conference weekend and enjoy the words of the Prophets!
>
>Love,
>
>Andrew
>
>The weather in the last few days has been awesome, staying in the 60's and 70's all day! I have heard that we are going to get some colder weather soon, but I don't mind a few days of cold after nice weather like this.
>
>I am very excited for conference this weekend, to hear from the general authorities of the church. I always learn a lot from them, although sometimes it is a lot to take in all at once, which is why I'm grateful for notes and for the Ensign with all of the talks in it.
>
>We are continuing to do well in our missionary work here in Franklin. Yesterday, we went with Bishop to teach a less-active family from Georgia the missionary lessons over again. They were sealed in the temple and very active in Georgia, but when they moved to Franklin they have not been very active. It's hard for the mom, because she works two jobs now and a lot of hours in each one. She has a good testimony of the church and the kids have good testimonies as well, it's just a matter of helping them rekindle those testimonies and remember how going to church and participating blessed their lives. Their grandma is not a member and has been taught by the missionaries in the past, so we are hopefully going to start re-teaching her and see if she is still interested in being baptized, because I guess she had a date in the past.
>
>Bishop Butler came up with a great idea to get a lot of referrals for us, and I think it has the potential to do really well. On April 7th, he is holding a fireside where he will be showing the movie "The Testaments" at the church. He printed out flyers and is having us and the members hand them out, and having them invite their friends to the fireside. After he shows the movie, we will talk to everyone about where we get the Book of Mormon from and offer those who don't have a copy to take one and read it. We are excited about it and are really looking forward to it.
>
>It is definitely an emotional roller coaster at times out here on the mission. In this area especially, I have felt the highest of the highs and the lowest of the lows. It has been hard at times, and it was especially hard with Sam's decision, but the one thing that got me through it was prayer. Heavenly Father helped me to be at peace with the whole situation after I prayed and fasted very earnestly for Him to help me no matter what her final decision was. Prayer is such a wonderful gift from our Father in heaven and I know that without it I would not be where I am today. Our Father gives us everything, and all he asks of us is to align our will with His, which will bring us eternal happiness. It may seem hard at times to do what He asks, but when you think about it and understand that He is perfect and always knows what is best for us, it makes it much easier to obey Him. I love my Father in heaven, and I know He loves me unconditionally, just like he loves all of His children. I am grateful to have that knowledge, and share it with others.
>
>I love all of you as well and am grateful you all have the gospel in your lives. I'm grateful that I was raised in the gospel and learned it from my youth. I hope all of you have a great conference weekend and enjoy the words of the Prophets!
>
>Love,
>
>Andrew
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Andrew's letter (March 22)
Dear Family,
The weather here is beautiful today! Our car thermometer says 66 degrees, and
Elder Croff and I are not complaining one bit! It is nice and sunny and
everyone is thinking spring is finally here to stay.
That would be fun to go to Maryland. I wish I could come, but I guess right now
my calling is still here, and I am glad about that.
Mildred Cipra is definitely doing much better, and next time we go see her, we
are planning on setting a baptismal date again with her. She had some issues,
but I don't think that they're going to be hard to overcome. Prayer has
definitely helped and we are very hopeful to see her with a date very soon.
Sam doesn't have a date anymore, but she loves church and is continuing to come
and meet with us. She heard some anti-Mormon stuff that we can't convince her
is not true, so she doesn't have a date for right now. We still see her, and it
hasn't affected the respect or friendship that we have for each other.
Shirley Winkler in Oil City is not progressing anymore either, because she just
won't commit to anything and we can't get her out to church. We are not giving
up on her by any means, but we will continue to try and commit her to church and
living the commandments as we continue to teach her.
The work has been going good here lately. Bishop Butler has been starting to
implement the set a date program with some of the members, and we have already
seen a few referrals from it. We haven't been able to contact any of the
referrals yet, but we will be seeing some of them in probably the next few days,
and we are excited to see them have a chance to receive the gospel.
With this weather, more people will be out and so we will be able to have more
success and talk to more people, so we're excited for the upcoming weeks. My
guess and hunch is that I'll be staying in Franklin for at least one more
transfer after this one, if not more than that, and I am very excited to
continue to serve here. The next potential transfer day is April 10th, but we
had interviews yesterday, and I asked him if I was going to stay in Franklin,
and he said that I would probably be there a long time. I love it here, and
love serving with Elder Croff, a great missionary.
I have high hopes for the month of April, that we will at least be able to get
one baptism, if not more, depending on who we find, and I love serving the Lord
everyday. I am so happy and I love each day that I have to be a missionary. I
hope everything continues to go well back home, and the warm weather continues
to stay. I love all of you and wish you the best.
Love,
Andrew
The weather here is beautiful today! Our car thermometer says 66 degrees, and
Elder Croff and I are not complaining one bit! It is nice and sunny and
everyone is thinking spring is finally here to stay.
That would be fun to go to Maryland. I wish I could come, but I guess right now
my calling is still here, and I am glad about that.
Mildred Cipra is definitely doing much better, and next time we go see her, we
are planning on setting a baptismal date again with her. She had some issues,
but I don't think that they're going to be hard to overcome. Prayer has
definitely helped and we are very hopeful to see her with a date very soon.
Sam doesn't have a date anymore, but she loves church and is continuing to come
and meet with us. She heard some anti-Mormon stuff that we can't convince her
is not true, so she doesn't have a date for right now. We still see her, and it
hasn't affected the respect or friendship that we have for each other.
Shirley Winkler in Oil City is not progressing anymore either, because she just
won't commit to anything and we can't get her out to church. We are not giving
up on her by any means, but we will continue to try and commit her to church and
living the commandments as we continue to teach her.
The work has been going good here lately. Bishop Butler has been starting to
implement the set a date program with some of the members, and we have already
seen a few referrals from it. We haven't been able to contact any of the
referrals yet, but we will be seeing some of them in probably the next few days,
and we are excited to see them have a chance to receive the gospel.
With this weather, more people will be out and so we will be able to have more
success and talk to more people, so we're excited for the upcoming weeks. My
guess and hunch is that I'll be staying in Franklin for at least one more
transfer after this one, if not more than that, and I am very excited to
continue to serve here. The next potential transfer day is April 10th, but we
had interviews yesterday, and I asked him if I was going to stay in Franklin,
and he said that I would probably be there a long time. I love it here, and
love serving with Elder Croff, a great missionary.
I have high hopes for the month of April, that we will at least be able to get
one baptism, if not more, depending on who we find, and I love serving the Lord
everyday. I am so happy and I love each day that I have to be a missionary. I
hope everything continues to go well back home, and the warm weather continues
to stay. I love all of you and wish you the best.
Love,
Andrew
Friday, March 09, 2007
Elder Ostler
Dear Family,
After sending the letter that said Elder Croff's height was 4'6", I asked him
what it was to make sure, and I definitely exaggerated it. He is 5'1" tall,
which I still think is the shortest Elder in the mission as far as I know. So I
think that I can still claim the shortest and tallest companions in the mission.
Sam is doing great, and she set a baptismal date on Sunday for April 10, and she
is really excited about it. She told us that Elder Croff is the one that
convinced her to get baptized, but she won't tell anyone what he said to
convince her. She said she will tell us what he said when she gets baptized.
We also have two other progressing investigators that are doing well. Mildred
Cipra, who lives in Polk, PA, is an older lady who we invited out to church this
week and came, and when we talked with her about it afterward, she said she
thinks she may want to become a member, as she really enjoyed church and loves
what she has learned so far from it. Our third progressing is Shirley Winkler,
who I have told you about before, and she lives in Oil City, PA. She didn't
make it this week to church because she was really sick and tired, but we are
still teaching her and she is still receptive. Hopefully we can set a date with
her, because she is often very negative and down on herself, and she thinks
she's not worthy of the blessings of the gospel because of past transgressions.
We continually try to reassure her that she can be forgiven for anything, but
there are some things she dwells on that are hard for her to forget. We will
still continue teaching her and testifying, and I think a change of heart will
eventually come.
As far as the weather goes, it has been cold for the last few days. Pretty much
below freezing is what it's been like most of the time lately. Luckily for us
though, Saturday is supposed to get up to 52 degrees, so we are happy about
that. Hopefully after that it will continue to stay warmer and usher in Spring,
because we are ready for it!
Zone Conference was yesterday, and it was a very stressful morning! It was in
the Butler, PA chapel, which I have only been to once, when I got a ride. I asked for directions and thought I knew how to get there. The chapel is on a road called Saw Mill Run Road, which I assumed was right off of Route 8. I drove all the way through Butler looking for this road, and then 15 miles past Butler, with no success. So we drove back through Butler, and ended up driving about 10 miles past Butler the other direction. The road was nowhere to be found, so we stopped at a gas station and asked how to get to the road. They didn't know, but said to try a gas station in Butler. So we did. We used the pay phone and I called the person who gave us directions. I then realized that there was a turn-off about 8 miles before getting to downtown Butler, and Saw Mill Run Road was off of THAT road! Needless to say, we were about 45 minutes late, which is the latest I've ever been to any meeting of missionaries. I was so stressed and worried about getting chewed out, but I found out later that all of the other missionaries from the Brookville Zone were late as well. We were the latest, but only by about 15-20 minutes. The other ones were late because our Zone Leaders called and told us to take our time, because the roads would be icy. I guess of all the times to get lost and be late, I picked the best one!
That is wonderful news that Snow received the funding to build a new library,
and that it will be shared as the county library as well. That will be great
for the community as well as Snow.
I got a few wedding invitations in the mail lately. I got Andrea's about a week
or so ago and I got Josh Draper's yesterday. It is crazy to see my cousins near
my age getting married since I've been out, but I am very happy for them.
The new Stake Presidency is definitely inspired, as I can see by your testimony.
Whom the Lord calls, he qualifies, and I know that all of these new leaders will
be wonderful in fulfilling their callings.
That is great that Ben is becoming an Elder on Sunday. I am so proud of him and
his accomplishments in life. It makes me very happy to see him being so valiant
in the gospel, and so motivated to get his papers in for his mission. It makes
my joy full to see him progress so much in the gospel.
I am enjoying serving in Franklin, and I would venture to say that this is my
favorite area already on my mission, from the people that I have met and the
things that are happening here. Steubenville is a close second, but I think
that his has surpassed it. The love I feel for the people in this area is
overflowing, and it makes all the difference as I see that love change people's
lives. I love this gospel and I love to preach it and feel the Spirit work
through me and others. I know without any doubts in my mind that it is true and
I can't deny that, because the Spirit has let me know it so many times. I love
all of you and your support is priceless to me out here. It is great to hear
good news and I hope it continues. I hope this next week is even better than
this one, and I wish you all the best.
Love,
Andrew
After sending the letter that said Elder Croff's height was 4'6", I asked him
what it was to make sure, and I definitely exaggerated it. He is 5'1" tall,
which I still think is the shortest Elder in the mission as far as I know. So I
think that I can still claim the shortest and tallest companions in the mission.
Sam is doing great, and she set a baptismal date on Sunday for April 10, and she
is really excited about it. She told us that Elder Croff is the one that
convinced her to get baptized, but she won't tell anyone what he said to
convince her. She said she will tell us what he said when she gets baptized.
We also have two other progressing investigators that are doing well. Mildred
Cipra, who lives in Polk, PA, is an older lady who we invited out to church this
week and came, and when we talked with her about it afterward, she said she
thinks she may want to become a member, as she really enjoyed church and loves
what she has learned so far from it. Our third progressing is Shirley Winkler,
who I have told you about before, and she lives in Oil City, PA. She didn't
make it this week to church because she was really sick and tired, but we are
still teaching her and she is still receptive. Hopefully we can set a date with
her, because she is often very negative and down on herself, and she thinks
she's not worthy of the blessings of the gospel because of past transgressions.
We continually try to reassure her that she can be forgiven for anything, but
there are some things she dwells on that are hard for her to forget. We will
still continue teaching her and testifying, and I think a change of heart will
eventually come.
As far as the weather goes, it has been cold for the last few days. Pretty much
below freezing is what it's been like most of the time lately. Luckily for us
though, Saturday is supposed to get up to 52 degrees, so we are happy about
that. Hopefully after that it will continue to stay warmer and usher in Spring,
because we are ready for it!
Zone Conference was yesterday, and it was a very stressful morning! It was in
the Butler, PA chapel, which I have only been to once, when I got a ride. I asked for directions and thought I knew how to get there. The chapel is on a road called Saw Mill Run Road, which I assumed was right off of Route 8. I drove all the way through Butler looking for this road, and then 15 miles past Butler, with no success. So we drove back through Butler, and ended up driving about 10 miles past Butler the other direction. The road was nowhere to be found, so we stopped at a gas station and asked how to get to the road. They didn't know, but said to try a gas station in Butler. So we did. We used the pay phone and I called the person who gave us directions. I then realized that there was a turn-off about 8 miles before getting to downtown Butler, and Saw Mill Run Road was off of THAT road! Needless to say, we were about 45 minutes late, which is the latest I've ever been to any meeting of missionaries. I was so stressed and worried about getting chewed out, but I found out later that all of the other missionaries from the Brookville Zone were late as well. We were the latest, but only by about 15-20 minutes. The other ones were late because our Zone Leaders called and told us to take our time, because the roads would be icy. I guess of all the times to get lost and be late, I picked the best one!
That is wonderful news that Snow received the funding to build a new library,
and that it will be shared as the county library as well. That will be great
for the community as well as Snow.
I got a few wedding invitations in the mail lately. I got Andrea's about a week
or so ago and I got Josh Draper's yesterday. It is crazy to see my cousins near
my age getting married since I've been out, but I am very happy for them.
The new Stake Presidency is definitely inspired, as I can see by your testimony.
Whom the Lord calls, he qualifies, and I know that all of these new leaders will
be wonderful in fulfilling their callings.
That is great that Ben is becoming an Elder on Sunday. I am so proud of him and
his accomplishments in life. It makes me very happy to see him being so valiant
in the gospel, and so motivated to get his papers in for his mission. It makes
my joy full to see him progress so much in the gospel.
I am enjoying serving in Franklin, and I would venture to say that this is my
favorite area already on my mission, from the people that I have met and the
things that are happening here. Steubenville is a close second, but I think
that his has surpassed it. The love I feel for the people in this area is
overflowing, and it makes all the difference as I see that love change people's
lives. I love this gospel and I love to preach it and feel the Spirit work
through me and others. I know without any doubts in my mind that it is true and
I can't deny that, because the Spirit has let me know it so many times. I love
all of you and your support is priceless to me out here. It is great to hear
good news and I hope it continues. I hope this next week is even better than
this one, and I wish you all the best.
Love,
Andrew
Sunday, March 04, 2007
Elder Ostler
Dear Family,
Tuesday was transfers, and it was a very long day, but a good day to see some
missionaries that I haven't seen in a while. Elder Theobald got transferred to
Cranberry, PA, and he is now with Elder Hamilton. My new companion is Elder
Croff, from Appleton, Wisconsin. He has been out for 13 months and has had a
very successful mission so far. He is about 4' 6" and can play the piano very
well. It is great to finally serve with another fellow pianist! I think we're
going to have to do play a duet while we're together! He is a great missionary
with a great personality. He is very happy and loves to work hard, so I'm glad
to be with him. As far as our district goes, Elder Hood was transferred out and
Elder Watson from Provo, Utah is now with Elder Hale in Clarion. I can tell
that he a great missionary as well with an awesome personality. He has been out
6 months, and is glad to be in Clarion.
Lately our weather has been fairly cold, from about low to upper 30's, with some
rain and snow, but nothing too crazy in the last little bit. We're all hopeful
that it starts warming up and stays that way, but whatever happens will be fine.
It sounds like you had a crazy adventure down in St. George, and I'm glad it all
worked out alright in the end.
I'm hoping you get a new library since you have been waiting for so long to get
one. It would be great to see that happen, and definitely let me know next week
if you got the funding or not, as I'm excited to find out.
That's good that Duane is doing good and moving to the city. I'm sure he'll
love it there and he and Stacey will be very happy there.
That is great to hear that Ben is getting his papers started, and starting all
of his appointments. I just hope that I'm able to see him before he goes out,
but, on the other hand, I don't want to hold him up on when he goes out either.
I'm very happy for him, and am glad that he's getting on his papers.
Well, I'd better get going, because we're going bowling today with Clarion and
some investigators and members in a little bit. Like I said last week, I do
have lots of pictures from the last six weeks, but I forgot to bring my camera
to the library, but I will get them to you sooner or later, so please be patient
with my forgetfulness. I love all of you and thank you for your continued
e-mails, letters, and support in general and hope you all have a great week.
Love,
Andrew
| |
Tuesday was transfers, and it was a very long day, but a good day to see some
missionaries that I haven't seen in a while. Elder Theobald got transferred to
Cranberry, PA, and he is now with Elder Hamilton. My new companion is Elder
Croff, from Appleton, Wisconsin. He has been out for 13 months and has had a
very successful mission so far. He is about 4' 6" and can play the piano very
well. It is great to finally serve with another fellow pianist! I think we're
going to have to do play a duet while we're together! He is a great missionary
with a great personality. He is very happy and loves to work hard, so I'm glad
to be with him. As far as our district goes, Elder Hood was transferred out and
Elder Watson from Provo, Utah is now with Elder Hale in Clarion. I can tell
that he a great missionary as well with an awesome personality. He has been out
6 months, and is glad to be in Clarion.
Lately our weather has been fairly cold, from about low to upper 30's, with some
rain and snow, but nothing too crazy in the last little bit. We're all hopeful
that it starts warming up and stays that way, but whatever happens will be fine.
It sounds like you had a crazy adventure down in St. George, and I'm glad it all
worked out alright in the end.
I'm hoping you get a new library since you have been waiting for so long to get
one. It would be great to see that happen, and definitely let me know next week
if you got the funding or not, as I'm excited to find out.
That's good that Duane is doing good and moving to the city. I'm sure he'll
love it there and he and Stacey will be very happy there.
That is great to hear that Ben is getting his papers started, and starting all
of his appointments. I just hope that I'm able to see him before he goes out,
but, on the other hand, I don't want to hold him up on when he goes out either.
I'm very happy for him, and am glad that he's getting on his papers.
Well, I'd better get going, because we're going bowling today with Clarion and
some investigators and members in a little bit. Like I said last week, I do
have lots of pictures from the last six weeks, but I forgot to bring my camera
to the library, but I will get them to you sooner or later, so please be patient
with my forgetfulness. I love all of you and thank you for your continued
e-mails, letters, and support in general and hope you all have a great week.
Love,
Andrew
| |
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Andrew's latest
Dear Family,
I heard that Punxsatauwney Phil, the groundhog from my mission, did not see his
shadow, so it should start warming up around here as well. It has been in the
low teens lately, which is definitely warmer than it has been the last few days.
Some of the snow has melted, but we also have some residual snow left over from
the last few weeks. It is supposed to continue to warm up and get better in the
upcoming weeks, so we are excited about that.
We had interviews with President Francis in Brookville, PA on Monday, and it was
a learning experience for all of us as always. One of the things that we talked
about is setting up planned weekly service, which we are now going to do at an
old folks home by our house, starting this Saturday.
That would be great if Snow College could get the funding to build a new
library, I think it would be beneficial for everyone. I know the students and
staff would all use a new libraries resources to their full advantage.
I'm proud of Ben, and glad that he is heading in the right direction, and
staying on the path. He's always been good to me, and has a great heart. Tell
him to keep up the good work, and to get his Jeep fixed for when I come home, so
I can use it! :)
That is neat that all the girls play instruments now, and I definitely think
that we should get some awesome duets going. Music can be a great way to bring
families closer together and keep love for each other strong in the home. I met
a family out here in Brookville, PA on my exchange with Elder Hardinger, and
they are a very musical family, and I saw the common bond that they shared.
This week we met quite a few potential investigators, but no one that really
stuck out in my mind. We are continuing to hit the streets hard every day,
trying to find those who have been prepared to receive the gospel. It's
sometimes hard, because we sometimes have to go through a lot of people to find
those who have been prepared, but it is definitely worth the effort.
A crazy thing happened in our district last week. Elder Hood and Elder Hale
wrecked their vehicle. They were driving home for the night, going the speed
limit on a fairly dry road, and they hit a patch of black ice on a turn, and
lost control of all of the wheels. They spun around backwards, and with the
back of the vehicle, hit a tree, a sign, and a mailbox. They also did some
damage to a retaining wall, which they found out later. Luckily, neither of
them were hurt at all, and the car is fixable. They popped the front left and
rear right tires, broke the right rear tail light, the bumper came off, and the
rear right side was dented a little. Unfortunately for them, the mission
doesn't have any extra cars right now, so they are currently without a car, and
just walking around for now until it is fixed. The funny part is that two
minutes before the accident, Elder Hale was talking about how he wrecked a
vehicle before, and the driver, Elder Hood told him that he never has been
pulled over, got a ticket, or got in a wreck. They are doing as good as can be
expected, and since they live out of town in a neighborhood, they have been
knocking in there mostly for right now. Sometimes they go out with members on
team-ups, which helps them as well.
I can't end this e-mail on a bad note, so I want you all to know that the work
is rolling forth here in Franklin, PA, and many seeds are being planted here,
and hopefully I will see some of them grow into trees, but if not, I know that
many will eventually. It is great sharing with people the message of the
Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and I would rather be here right now
than anywhere else, because I know I have been called and set apart, and this is
where I'm supposed to be right now. I love all of you, and wish you a great
Valentine's day, with lots of love for everyone.
Love,
Andrew
I heard that Punxsatauwney Phil, the groundhog from my mission, did not see his
shadow, so it should start warming up around here as well. It has been in the
low teens lately, which is definitely warmer than it has been the last few days.
Some of the snow has melted, but we also have some residual snow left over from
the last few weeks. It is supposed to continue to warm up and get better in the
upcoming weeks, so we are excited about that.
We had interviews with President Francis in Brookville, PA on Monday, and it was
a learning experience for all of us as always. One of the things that we talked
about is setting up planned weekly service, which we are now going to do at an
old folks home by our house, starting this Saturday.
That would be great if Snow College could get the funding to build a new
library, I think it would be beneficial for everyone. I know the students and
staff would all use a new libraries resources to their full advantage.
I'm proud of Ben, and glad that he is heading in the right direction, and
staying on the path. He's always been good to me, and has a great heart. Tell
him to keep up the good work, and to get his Jeep fixed for when I come home, so
I can use it! :)
That is neat that all the girls play instruments now, and I definitely think
that we should get some awesome duets going. Music can be a great way to bring
families closer together and keep love for each other strong in the home. I met
a family out here in Brookville, PA on my exchange with Elder Hardinger, and
they are a very musical family, and I saw the common bond that they shared.
This week we met quite a few potential investigators, but no one that really
stuck out in my mind. We are continuing to hit the streets hard every day,
trying to find those who have been prepared to receive the gospel. It's
sometimes hard, because we sometimes have to go through a lot of people to find
those who have been prepared, but it is definitely worth the effort.
A crazy thing happened in our district last week. Elder Hood and Elder Hale
wrecked their vehicle. They were driving home for the night, going the speed
limit on a fairly dry road, and they hit a patch of black ice on a turn, and
lost control of all of the wheels. They spun around backwards, and with the
back of the vehicle, hit a tree, a sign, and a mailbox. They also did some
damage to a retaining wall, which they found out later. Luckily, neither of
them were hurt at all, and the car is fixable. They popped the front left and
rear right tires, broke the right rear tail light, the bumper came off, and the
rear right side was dented a little. Unfortunately for them, the mission
doesn't have any extra cars right now, so they are currently without a car, and
just walking around for now until it is fixed. The funny part is that two
minutes before the accident, Elder Hale was talking about how he wrecked a
vehicle before, and the driver, Elder Hood told him that he never has been
pulled over, got a ticket, or got in a wreck. They are doing as good as can be
expected, and since they live out of town in a neighborhood, they have been
knocking in there mostly for right now. Sometimes they go out with members on
team-ups, which helps them as well.
I can't end this e-mail on a bad note, so I want you all to know that the work
is rolling forth here in Franklin, PA, and many seeds are being planted here,
and hopefully I will see some of them grow into trees, but if not, I know that
many will eventually. It is great sharing with people the message of the
Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and I would rather be here right now
than anywhere else, because I know I have been called and set apart, and this is
where I'm supposed to be right now. I love all of you, and wish you a great
Valentine's day, with lots of love for everyone.
Love,
Andrew
Friday, February 02, 2007
Andrew's Letter
(Andrew and his former comp Elder Draper)
Dear Family,
My new comp is definitely awesome, he relies on the spirit, and is a very motivated and goal-oriented missionary, which will be good for both of us. I think that I have been sent to him to help him relax a little, because he does get over-anxious sometimes about little things, so we will try to help each other out by putting our strengths together.
Oil City is named because it is one of the first places that oil was discovered in the United States, and I guess some people there still have pumps in their backyards. It used to be the headquarters of Penzoil, so it definitely has an interesting history behind it. The church attendance on Sunday is a probably a little less than half that of my last ward in Wintersville, with about 50-55 average attendance. Bishop Butler, my new Bishop is very missionary-minded and is a very kind man, and his son, Eric, a return missionary, is our Ward Mission Leader.
Now for an experience that happened to me this week. We were out tracting in Oil City, having a great night. We had already found three new investigators, and we decided that we would find one more solid new investigator. After about 45 minutes, we knocked into Shannon, who was definitely prepared to hear our message, and loved what we shared with her. When I shared the first vision with, she was crying, and said that it really was what she needed. We didn't have any more Book of Mormon's, so we gave her a pamphlet, and came back a few days later and gave her a Book of Mormon. Anyway, after we left her house, Elder Theobald said, "That is a great new investigator. Let us thank the Lord." Just as we bowed our heads and were about to pray, someone drove by and yelled, "Get a job!". We were laughing pretty good after that, and I think that was definitely a great example of Satan trying to always hinder things. After a minute or two of laughing, we decided that we had better say a pray to thank the Lord, and this time I offered it with no interruptions, and we were definitely walking on cloud 9 that night, feeling the spirit so strong with us, and so thankful for our blessings.
Saturday, the missionaries in my district in Clarion, PA, Elder Hood and Elder Hale are going to have a baptism, a lady named Cheryl Calendar, which they are very excited for, and so I am going to have the opportunity to interview her tomorrow for that. I am looking forward to doing that as it will be my first time conducting a baptismal interview, but I know that the Spirit will be with me to guide me as I do it.
I am doing excellent here in Franklin with Elder Theobald, and I'm enjoying serving the Lord and trying to bring others unto Christ. I hope you all have a great week and remember to look for opportunities to share the gospel with everyone, or to strengthen and uplift those who are down.
Love,Andrew
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Andrew's letter and new address
Dear Family,
Transfers have come and gone, and I'm finding myself much colder than I was before. It was snowing pretty good when I came to Franklin, and my first night out proselyting we had snow on the ground. The last few days have been high teens and low twenties, but compared to Ephraim, it sounds mild.
Transfers were Tuesday, and I have now been transferred to Franklin, Pennsylvania with Elder Theobald. I am still District Leader up here, but now I am in the Brookville Zone. Elder Theobald is a great missionary and he came out with Elder Olson and Elder Draper, so I have heard a little about him already. He is from Phoenix, Arizona and has been out for almost 5 months now. Working with him the last day and a half has been great. He is an awesome teacher and he is a very articulate and an intelligent person, definitely has a knack for teaching people. He has had a lot of success in December and November, having had something like five baptisms in that span of time. I can tell already in the short time that I have been here that there are a lot of great members and recent converts in our area.
I had a dinner appointment yesterday with the Browns, a family in Oil City. She is from Bountiful originally, but she didn't know any Dennys. She did know a Roy Ostler from Bountiful, but I don't know what the relation is to him, if any. Yesterday, I was actually able to go to three different towns in my area: Franklin, PA, Polk, PA, and Oil City, PA. There is another little town in my area called Cranberry which I haven't been to yet, but I'm sure we'll get out there soon enough. Elder Theobald knows the area well, but I think it will take me a little while to get used to the new area and learn all the new people, but that is part of the fun of missionary work.
I will miss my old Steubenville district, but I look forward to getting to know my new district here. Elder Hood and Elder Hale are the two missionaries that I am serving in the Frankling district, and they seem like great missionaries and I have heard good things about them, so I am excited to be able to continue to serve the Lord, wherever I'm at.
That is scary to hear about you getting in a wreck, but I'm glad that no one was hurt, and also that the insurance covered the accident for you. I can just picture you guys all trying to squeeze into the little Mercury Capri. Just picturing that makes me smile. I am glad for Emma and happy that she is taking Piano lessons. Tell her to keep up the good work. Is Olivia taking lessons still as well? Also I am excited for Kate playing in seminary, because that's what I did when I was in seminary. I played "Called to Serve" at transfer meeting, and I really got into it. I just started bobbing around I guess without even realizing it, and I saw Elder Jones and Elder Hardinger watching me, and laughing, because that's how I play. Afterward I got a good laugh out of looking back at myself as well. Elder Jones was at transfers and Elder Hardinger and Elder Dayley were as well, and it was great to be able to all be together in the same room again. They were a great district to be a part of when I was in Steubenville, and I was glad to be able to reunite for a little bit. One great thing about being in the Brookvile Zone is that Elder Hardinger is my Zone Leader! Elder Edwards is the other Zone Leader in Brookville, and they are both great missionaries with awesome testimonies. Elder Hardinger and I are both excited for Zone Leader exchanges, because we had a lot of fun working together in the past. It is great to be able to talk him almost every night now for nightly calls, and I am definitely also excited about my area as well. The work is definitely rolling forth here in Franklin, PA, and nothing can stop it until it fills the whole earth. Although I am sending out a letter today, I will include my new address in this e-mail for you so that you will have it and can send it out to whoever wants it. My new address is: Elder Andrew J. Ostler
1328 Otter st. #2
Franklin, PA 16323
Tell Ben congratulations on getting his recommend for his patriarchal blessing and send my love to him for the great choices he is making in his life. Also, tell Mitchell and Ethan hi for me, and tell them that I am thinking about them and that I send my love. I am hopeful that we will be able to have a baptism soon, as we are teaching some people that are close and only have a few minor concerns. We are also looking for new people to teach, and working with part members and less-actives, as well as recent converts. We definitely have our hands full, and are busy, but that's how we like it our here! I hope you are doing well, and enduring the cold weather you're having.
I'm enjoying serving the Lord one day at a time, and love all of the experiences that I have been able to have and still am able to have each day as I teach and testify of the Savior. I definitely know that I am where I need to be and that I'm with who I'm supposed to be with right now. I hope you all have a great week and stay safe and warm.
Love, Elder Andrew J Ostler
Transfers have come and gone, and I'm finding myself much colder than I was before. It was snowing pretty good when I came to Franklin, and my first night out proselyting we had snow on the ground. The last few days have been high teens and low twenties, but compared to Ephraim, it sounds mild.
Transfers were Tuesday, and I have now been transferred to Franklin, Pennsylvania with Elder Theobald. I am still District Leader up here, but now I am in the Brookville Zone. Elder Theobald is a great missionary and he came out with Elder Olson and Elder Draper, so I have heard a little about him already. He is from Phoenix, Arizona and has been out for almost 5 months now. Working with him the last day and a half has been great. He is an awesome teacher and he is a very articulate and an intelligent person, definitely has a knack for teaching people. He has had a lot of success in December and November, having had something like five baptisms in that span of time. I can tell already in the short time that I have been here that there are a lot of great members and recent converts in our area.
I had a dinner appointment yesterday with the Browns, a family in Oil City. She is from Bountiful originally, but she didn't know any Dennys. She did know a Roy Ostler from Bountiful, but I don't know what the relation is to him, if any. Yesterday, I was actually able to go to three different towns in my area: Franklin, PA, Polk, PA, and Oil City, PA. There is another little town in my area called Cranberry which I haven't been to yet, but I'm sure we'll get out there soon enough. Elder Theobald knows the area well, but I think it will take me a little while to get used to the new area and learn all the new people, but that is part of the fun of missionary work.
I will miss my old Steubenville district, but I look forward to getting to know my new district here. Elder Hood and Elder Hale are the two missionaries that I am serving in the Frankling district, and they seem like great missionaries and I have heard good things about them, so I am excited to be able to continue to serve the Lord, wherever I'm at.
That is scary to hear about you getting in a wreck, but I'm glad that no one was hurt, and also that the insurance covered the accident for you. I can just picture you guys all trying to squeeze into the little Mercury Capri. Just picturing that makes me smile. I am glad for Emma and happy that she is taking Piano lessons. Tell her to keep up the good work. Is Olivia taking lessons still as well? Also I am excited for Kate playing in seminary, because that's what I did when I was in seminary. I played "Called to Serve" at transfer meeting, and I really got into it. I just started bobbing around I guess without even realizing it, and I saw Elder Jones and Elder Hardinger watching me, and laughing, because that's how I play. Afterward I got a good laugh out of looking back at myself as well. Elder Jones was at transfers and Elder Hardinger and Elder Dayley were as well, and it was great to be able to all be together in the same room again. They were a great district to be a part of when I was in Steubenville, and I was glad to be able to reunite for a little bit. One great thing about being in the Brookvile Zone is that Elder Hardinger is my Zone Leader! Elder Edwards is the other Zone Leader in Brookville, and they are both great missionaries with awesome testimonies. Elder Hardinger and I are both excited for Zone Leader exchanges, because we had a lot of fun working together in the past. It is great to be able to talk him almost every night now for nightly calls, and I am definitely also excited about my area as well. The work is definitely rolling forth here in Franklin, PA, and nothing can stop it until it fills the whole earth. Although I am sending out a letter today, I will include my new address in this e-mail for you so that you will have it and can send it out to whoever wants it. My new address is: Elder Andrew J. Ostler
1328 Otter st. #2
Franklin, PA 16323
Tell Ben congratulations on getting his recommend for his patriarchal blessing and send my love to him for the great choices he is making in his life. Also, tell Mitchell and Ethan hi for me, and tell them that I am thinking about them and that I send my love. I am hopeful that we will be able to have a baptism soon, as we are teaching some people that are close and only have a few minor concerns. We are also looking for new people to teach, and working with part members and less-actives, as well as recent converts. We definitely have our hands full, and are busy, but that's how we like it our here! I hope you are doing well, and enduring the cold weather you're having.
I'm enjoying serving the Lord one day at a time, and love all of the experiences that I have been able to have and still am able to have each day as I teach and testify of the Savior. I definitely know that I am where I need to be and that I'm with who I'm supposed to be with right now. I hope you all have a great week and stay safe and warm.
Love, Elder Andrew J Ostler
Friday, January 05, 2007
Andrew's letter
Dear Family,
That is scary to hear about Mitch having a seizure, but it is good to hear that he is alright. I am definitely blessed to be healthy and well with everyone getting sick at this time of the year.
We are hopefully going to be able to commit Allison Poole for baptism tomorrow. We have a lunch appointment at a members house and are going to talk to her about the plan of salvation and set her with a baptism date for a few weeks away. (she is the one from Kentucky) She came to church this week and stayed for all the meetings. She loved it, and asked when she could be baptized. She does have a few Word of Wisdom issues, but she is willing to change those things to be baptized, so we are excited for her. She had a lot of good questions at church, and was happy to see us, and to attend church.
I love sharing my testimony and hearing other's testimonies, as it always strengthens my own testimony. A short, powerful testimony can definitely go along way.
It is still pretty warm here during the day, staying about in the 50's and dropping to about 30 at night, but still no snow to speak of. I am wondering if we are going to get any.
Elder Draper and I had exchanges last week with the Zone Leaders, Elder Porter and Elder Hyre, and we had a good time working with them. I went to Washington,PA, with Elder Porter. Another set of missionaries, Elder Dayley and ElderFauvell live right below the Zone Leaders, but they are walking only, focusing on the inner city of Washington, PA. I have pictures from the exchange, and Ican print them out and send you a letter with them, so you can see all of us. Since I got e-mail back, I have been much worse at letter writing, but I will get one sent out soon with some pictures for you. A funny thing happened to us on the way back from exchanges. We got lost and drove about 15 miles out of the way, but then we stopped and asked someone, and got to the freeway back to Steubenville shortly after. I don't think I'll get lost up in Washington again now!
Thank you so much for praying for me, because it has definitely worked. I think that Allison will be baptized in a few weeks, and hopefully I am still here to see her baptized. We had interviews yesterday, and it was good to learn from each other and also it was good to talk to President Francis. I always enjoy interviews, and I have always learned something from them. President didn't say if I was staying in Steubenville or leaving this transfer, which is in mid-January so I don't know. My guess is that I will be leaving, because I will have been here for 7 months at the end of this transfer. Whatever happens, I know that President is inspired and he has been called to be the Mission President for this mission, and he does receive inspiration from the Lord for us.
I can feel your love across the miles, and I hope you all had a great New Year celebration and I hope you all gave Dad a great birthday celebration. I hope you have a great week and polish up some good stones. Love,Elder Andrew Ostler
That is scary to hear about Mitch having a seizure, but it is good to hear that he is alright. I am definitely blessed to be healthy and well with everyone getting sick at this time of the year.
We are hopefully going to be able to commit Allison Poole for baptism tomorrow. We have a lunch appointment at a members house and are going to talk to her about the plan of salvation and set her with a baptism date for a few weeks away. (she is the one from Kentucky) She came to church this week and stayed for all the meetings. She loved it, and asked when she could be baptized. She does have a few Word of Wisdom issues, but she is willing to change those things to be baptized, so we are excited for her. She had a lot of good questions at church, and was happy to see us, and to attend church.
I love sharing my testimony and hearing other's testimonies, as it always strengthens my own testimony. A short, powerful testimony can definitely go along way.
It is still pretty warm here during the day, staying about in the 50's and dropping to about 30 at night, but still no snow to speak of. I am wondering if we are going to get any.
Elder Draper and I had exchanges last week with the Zone Leaders, Elder Porter and Elder Hyre, and we had a good time working with them. I went to Washington,PA, with Elder Porter. Another set of missionaries, Elder Dayley and ElderFauvell live right below the Zone Leaders, but they are walking only, focusing on the inner city of Washington, PA. I have pictures from the exchange, and Ican print them out and send you a letter with them, so you can see all of us. Since I got e-mail back, I have been much worse at letter writing, but I will get one sent out soon with some pictures for you. A funny thing happened to us on the way back from exchanges. We got lost and drove about 15 miles out of the way, but then we stopped and asked someone, and got to the freeway back to Steubenville shortly after. I don't think I'll get lost up in Washington again now!
Thank you so much for praying for me, because it has definitely worked. I think that Allison will be baptized in a few weeks, and hopefully I am still here to see her baptized. We had interviews yesterday, and it was good to learn from each other and also it was good to talk to President Francis. I always enjoy interviews, and I have always learned something from them. President didn't say if I was staying in Steubenville or leaving this transfer, which is in mid-January so I don't know. My guess is that I will be leaving, because I will have been here for 7 months at the end of this transfer. Whatever happens, I know that President is inspired and he has been called to be the Mission President for this mission, and he does receive inspiration from the Lord for us.
I can feel your love across the miles, and I hope you all had a great New Year celebration and I hope you all gave Dad a great birthday celebration. I hope you have a great week and polish up some good stones. Love,Elder Andrew Ostler
Thursday, December 21, 2006
A Missionary Christmas
Dear Family, I am planning to call at about 3 or 3:30 your time from a member's phone. I wrote down Grandma's number and will call at 2 PM at the earliest to make sure you guys will be there. I am definitely looking forward to talking to all of you on Christmas, and maybe saying hi to Grandma and Grandpa and a few of the relatives. ;)
On Christmas we are planning to go to a member's parents house. The best part is that the parents aren't members and most all of their relatives aren't, so it is a good missionary opportunity. We went there for Thanksgiving as well, so we are excited to go there again for Christmas. We also have a member in the Ward bringing us Christmas Eve dinner on Sunday, which we will have to save, because we have another dinner planned out already. He is going to make us lots of chicken, pasta and salad, and it sounds like he is a very good cook. I am proud of Kate for sticking with soccer because I love that sport and wish Iwould have continued to play it. I played it out here and my team won, so maybe I do still have some of it in me. My area is doing great and we are received a lot of good media referrals for the Christmas DVD's. I sent you guys a letter which should be there soon, probably today, tomorrow, or Saturday, which goes into detail on some other good referrals that we have been blessed with. I won't go into a lot of detail here on our referrals so that I can update you on Monday with their status. The weather here has been in the 50's and 60's mostly, sometimes dipping down a little bit colder, but according to what I've heard, we won't be getting any snow for Christmas, which is kind of a bummer, but it's not too bad, at least we can enjoy the warm weather. I want to thank you for the black slacks and white shirts that you sent. Now I have two good pairs of slacks, (the ones I came out with are still kind of tight) so I don't have to wear suit pants everyday, and can keep my suit pants nice. Thank you also for the garments that you sent, and the food as well. Also thank you, Kate, Olivia, and Emma for the CD. You guys are awesome! I couldn't wait until Christmas this year to open the presents, so I opened all of them already. I have truly been blessed this year on my mission, as well as received a lot of packages and letters this Christmas, which was great. I love all of you so much and look forward to talk to you on Christmas Day. I hope you enjoy the time that you have together during the school breaks. Make sure you cherish every minute of it, because it goes so fast. Until we talk on Monday, stay safe and keep the Spirit with you. Love, Elder Andrew Ostler
On Christmas we are planning to go to a member's parents house. The best part is that the parents aren't members and most all of their relatives aren't, so it is a good missionary opportunity. We went there for Thanksgiving as well, so we are excited to go there again for Christmas. We also have a member in the Ward bringing us Christmas Eve dinner on Sunday, which we will have to save, because we have another dinner planned out already. He is going to make us lots of chicken, pasta and salad, and it sounds like he is a very good cook. I am proud of Kate for sticking with soccer because I love that sport and wish Iwould have continued to play it. I played it out here and my team won, so maybe I do still have some of it in me. My area is doing great and we are received a lot of good media referrals for the Christmas DVD's. I sent you guys a letter which should be there soon, probably today, tomorrow, or Saturday, which goes into detail on some other good referrals that we have been blessed with. I won't go into a lot of detail here on our referrals so that I can update you on Monday with their status. The weather here has been in the 50's and 60's mostly, sometimes dipping down a little bit colder, but according to what I've heard, we won't be getting any snow for Christmas, which is kind of a bummer, but it's not too bad, at least we can enjoy the warm weather. I want to thank you for the black slacks and white shirts that you sent. Now I have two good pairs of slacks, (the ones I came out with are still kind of tight) so I don't have to wear suit pants everyday, and can keep my suit pants nice. Thank you also for the garments that you sent, and the food as well. Also thank you, Kate, Olivia, and Emma for the CD. You guys are awesome! I couldn't wait until Christmas this year to open the presents, so I opened all of them already. I have truly been blessed this year on my mission, as well as received a lot of packages and letters this Christmas, which was great. I love all of you so much and look forward to talk to you on Christmas Day. I hope you enjoy the time that you have together during the school breaks. Make sure you cherish every minute of it, because it goes so fast. Until we talk on Monday, stay safe and keep the Spirit with you. Love, Elder Andrew Ostler
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Dear Family,
Today we are receiving the first steady snowfall, and as I type this letter in the warm library, it is 31 degrees outside and snow is falling and covering the ground! I hope it stays, as I love when there's snow on the ground, although most people don't. Transfers were the 5th of December, and Elder Jones was transferred out of Weirton. I will miss him as he was fun to be around. The crazy thing is that right before he left, on Sunday we ate dinner at a members house with all four of us, and he was driving our car back home, and took a corner going too fast, went up a little hillside on accident, and broke the front axle of our car! So now we have their old car, and they received an even older car at transfers. President wasn't too happy about it either, and that's why we shouldn't change the driver of our assigned vehicle. Luckily none of us were hurt, and we weren't far from the member's house that we ate at, so we were able to get his help. It's probably the craziest thing that's happened this week, but we learned from it. An expensive lesson, but sometimes it takes that.
In good news, we received a new Elder to replace Elder Jones. His name is Elder Price, and he is from Sandy, Utah. He has been out 17 months, and he seems like a great missionary.
As far as things I need, maybe two pairs of slacks (the ones I came out with fit better than they did when I first came out, but they are still tight). Probably the kind of slacks with the elastic expandable waist would be best, especially for the holidays! Other than that, you already do so much in the way of prayers, letters, and the occasional package. I will try to think of other stuff that I need in next weeks letter. I definitely have all I need to stay warm.
The work is going great, and I have been called as District Leader over my district to replace Elder Jones. President Francis moved the District Leader over to me, and I accepted the calling. I am nervous, but also excited to lead my District and help them be more successful in their efforts to teach and baptize people. I didn't expect the calling, but I will never turn down a calling, and I have a great district to lead. Send my love to Grandpa Denny, as well as to Grandma Norma, and Grandpa andGrandma Ostler and Grandpa Allen and his new wife. I will pray for Grandpa Denny, and I hope he is able to recover from his knee injury and with the Lord's help decide if surgery is the right thing to have done. Thank you so much again for the great support you all have been for me and will always be. I wonder what everyone is up to sometimes, and sometimes you're even in my dreams, so I am definitely thinking about you, and am grateful for your love and prayers. I hope you have a great week, and enjoy the countdown to Christmas, and remember the reason for the season.
Love, Elder Andrew Ostler
Today we are receiving the first steady snowfall, and as I type this letter in the warm library, it is 31 degrees outside and snow is falling and covering the ground! I hope it stays, as I love when there's snow on the ground, although most people don't. Transfers were the 5th of December, and Elder Jones was transferred out of Weirton. I will miss him as he was fun to be around. The crazy thing is that right before he left, on Sunday we ate dinner at a members house with all four of us, and he was driving our car back home, and took a corner going too fast, went up a little hillside on accident, and broke the front axle of our car! So now we have their old car, and they received an even older car at transfers. President wasn't too happy about it either, and that's why we shouldn't change the driver of our assigned vehicle. Luckily none of us were hurt, and we weren't far from the member's house that we ate at, so we were able to get his help. It's probably the craziest thing that's happened this week, but we learned from it. An expensive lesson, but sometimes it takes that.
In good news, we received a new Elder to replace Elder Jones. His name is Elder Price, and he is from Sandy, Utah. He has been out 17 months, and he seems like a great missionary.
As far as things I need, maybe two pairs of slacks (the ones I came out with fit better than they did when I first came out, but they are still tight). Probably the kind of slacks with the elastic expandable waist would be best, especially for the holidays! Other than that, you already do so much in the way of prayers, letters, and the occasional package. I will try to think of other stuff that I need in next weeks letter. I definitely have all I need to stay warm.
The work is going great, and I have been called as District Leader over my district to replace Elder Jones. President Francis moved the District Leader over to me, and I accepted the calling. I am nervous, but also excited to lead my District and help them be more successful in their efforts to teach and baptize people. I didn't expect the calling, but I will never turn down a calling, and I have a great district to lead. Send my love to Grandpa Denny, as well as to Grandma Norma, and Grandpa andGrandma Ostler and Grandpa Allen and his new wife. I will pray for Grandpa Denny, and I hope he is able to recover from his knee injury and with the Lord's help decide if surgery is the right thing to have done. Thank you so much again for the great support you all have been for me and will always be. I wonder what everyone is up to sometimes, and sometimes you're even in my dreams, so I am definitely thinking about you, and am grateful for your love and prayers. I hope you have a great week, and enjoy the countdown to Christmas, and remember the reason for the season.
Love, Elder Andrew Ostler
Saturday, November 25, 2006
News from Andrew
Dear Family,
After a long time of being banned from e-mail, President Francis has finally decided to let the mission use e-mail again! He is now going to punish individual missionaries that violate the rules of e-mail instead of everyone in the mission. It has been so long since I have been able to e-mail that it almost feels weird. This week at church we had a less-active, Sister Miller, come back for the second week in a row. We didn't do anything special to get her to come back, all we did is stop by her house and talk to her and show her that we care about her. We took a member with us, and she is now beginning to build a relationship with that member, and with us. I love seeing less-actives come back to church again, and see the change that happens in their lives.
Mom, thank you for the printed letter I got a few days ago. It looks like you guys have a nice printer now, so make sure it doesn't get beat up too much! Also, I want to thank you so much again for the awesome package I got for my year mark. It is great to see pictures of the family growing up so that I can still recognize them when I am done with my mission. :)
The greatest part about being a missionary is seeing all of the work that you've put into people pay off. Now that I have had a baptism that I have been a part of, I have a great happiness that I was able to help someone receive the restored gospel, and they went through and took all the steps necessary to enter into the gate. It is a great feeling to know that I have had some small part in helping them receive their salvation.
I miss all of you, but I know that you are doing good things in Ephraim. You can make a huge impact, just by living Christ-like lives each day, and doing what He would do, no matter where you are. Your actions each day affect many other people besides yourself. Be a shining example in all that you do and continue to choose the right, especially when it's not popular to do so. I love all of you so much, and I have realized since I came on my mission that family is the one universal thing that everyone tries to hold onto. I am glad that our family is eternal, and that we don't have to worry about so many problems of the world that are so prevalent out here in families. It has been a while, so hopefully this first e-mail is a treat for you. Next week I will try to get on the ball and send you guys some more pictures through e-mail so you will have something more than just my words. I hope you all have a great week and enjoy this e-mail.
Love, Elder Andrew J Ostler
PS - I will continue to write snail mail, but it probably won't be every week, it will probably be every other week.
After a long time of being banned from e-mail, President Francis has finally decided to let the mission use e-mail again! He is now going to punish individual missionaries that violate the rules of e-mail instead of everyone in the mission. It has been so long since I have been able to e-mail that it almost feels weird. This week at church we had a less-active, Sister Miller, come back for the second week in a row. We didn't do anything special to get her to come back, all we did is stop by her house and talk to her and show her that we care about her. We took a member with us, and she is now beginning to build a relationship with that member, and with us. I love seeing less-actives come back to church again, and see the change that happens in their lives.
Mom, thank you for the printed letter I got a few days ago. It looks like you guys have a nice printer now, so make sure it doesn't get beat up too much! Also, I want to thank you so much again for the awesome package I got for my year mark. It is great to see pictures of the family growing up so that I can still recognize them when I am done with my mission. :)
The greatest part about being a missionary is seeing all of the work that you've put into people pay off. Now that I have had a baptism that I have been a part of, I have a great happiness that I was able to help someone receive the restored gospel, and they went through and took all the steps necessary to enter into the gate. It is a great feeling to know that I have had some small part in helping them receive their salvation.
I miss all of you, but I know that you are doing good things in Ephraim. You can make a huge impact, just by living Christ-like lives each day, and doing what He would do, no matter where you are. Your actions each day affect many other people besides yourself. Be a shining example in all that you do and continue to choose the right, especially when it's not popular to do so. I love all of you so much, and I have realized since I came on my mission that family is the one universal thing that everyone tries to hold onto. I am glad that our family is eternal, and that we don't have to worry about so many problems of the world that are so prevalent out here in families. It has been a while, so hopefully this first e-mail is a treat for you. Next week I will try to get on the ball and send you guys some more pictures through e-mail so you will have something more than just my words. I hope you all have a great week and enjoy this e-mail.
Love, Elder Andrew J Ostler
PS - I will continue to write snail mail, but it probably won't be every week, it will probably be every other week.
Thursday, July 06, 2006
A letter from Andrew
It has been awhile since you have heard from Elder Ostler. He is a faithful writer, but can not email any more. It now sounds like he will not be able to for the rest of his mission, so I will try to type his letter here from time to time.
Dear Family,
I am now gone from my (almost) hometown of Olean NY! Yesterday was transfers at Greentree Chapel in Pittsburgh, and I was assigned to my new area, Steubenville, Ohio! It is about one hour southwest of Pittsburgh. There is a ward here, and it is a huge area, with a few prospects and possibilities for baptism. I am sad to leave Olean in one way, but happy in another, because I was there for 7 1/2 months, and also because Olean is far away from anywhere else, so we only get to see our Zone twice a transfer. Here, it will definitely be more often because we're closer. Also there are Elders a few miles from us in Weirton, West Virginia, so we will be able to hang out with them on P-Day .
My new companion is Elder Jones, from St. George UT. He and I get along fine as he is a very relaxed Elder. I do worry about him, as he wants to go home as soon as he can, and he is 10 1/2 months out. He doesn't have any desire to do missionary work, yet has baptized 7 people. We did work today, which I am glad for. We went and volunteered at the hospital here in Steubenvillein the morning until 2:30, then we tried to see a media fererral which wasn't home, so we tracted for about an hour. We met a guy named Rich, who is now a new investigator. After dinner we went to the chapel and taught some non-members in the young women's class. We taught them about the restoration, and it was a good lesson. The girl we were focusing on to try to commit to be baptized is named Charity. She is very shy and didn't say anything the whole time, but she knows it is true and has been attending church and mutual a long time now. I also met Bishop Zook who used to be a Seventy. His wife's nephew runs the Pizza Gallery (in Ephraim). I also met a few other members, all of whom were very nice.
Anyway, to go back to Elder Jones. A few days ago he wrote Pres. Francis and his mom a letter about wanting to go home. I definitely still want to be out here and bring people to Christ, but he doesn't have that desire, so doesn't want to waste my time or his. He does have a strong testimony of the church, he just doesn't have that desire to share it. Anyway, pray for us that whatever happens with him, everything will work out alright. He is a good teacher and has good potential, but just doesn't want to be out here sharing the gospel with people. Don't worry about me though, as I will be fine, because as he has written the Pres. about it, and I'm sure he will be calling in a few days.
The good news about this area is that I will get to work with the other Elders on exchanges. Elder Hardlinger from Las Vegas and Elder Dayley from Arizona.
Once we get this situation with Elder Jones worked out, I know this area will take off. If he changes his mind about leaving and focuses on the work or I get someone else, then this area will do well. Thank you so much for supporting me every day, and always being there. I will write my new address here:
Elder Andrew J Ostler
493 Dresden Ave
Steubenville, OH 43952
Have a good week, and always remember to pray. Your Father in Heaven wants to hear from you.
Love, Elder Ostler
Dear Family,
I am now gone from my (almost) hometown of Olean NY! Yesterday was transfers at Greentree Chapel in Pittsburgh, and I was assigned to my new area, Steubenville, Ohio! It is about one hour southwest of Pittsburgh. There is a ward here, and it is a huge area, with a few prospects and possibilities for baptism. I am sad to leave Olean in one way, but happy in another, because I was there for 7 1/2 months, and also because Olean is far away from anywhere else, so we only get to see our Zone twice a transfer. Here, it will definitely be more often because we're closer. Also there are Elders a few miles from us in Weirton, West Virginia, so we will be able to hang out with them on P-Day .
My new companion is Elder Jones, from St. George UT. He and I get along fine as he is a very relaxed Elder. I do worry about him, as he wants to go home as soon as he can, and he is 10 1/2 months out. He doesn't have any desire to do missionary work, yet has baptized 7 people. We did work today, which I am glad for. We went and volunteered at the hospital here in Steubenvillein the morning until 2:30, then we tried to see a media fererral which wasn't home, so we tracted for about an hour. We met a guy named Rich, who is now a new investigator. After dinner we went to the chapel and taught some non-members in the young women's class. We taught them about the restoration, and it was a good lesson. The girl we were focusing on to try to commit to be baptized is named Charity. She is very shy and didn't say anything the whole time, but she knows it is true and has been attending church and mutual a long time now. I also met Bishop Zook who used to be a Seventy. His wife's nephew runs the Pizza Gallery (in Ephraim). I also met a few other members, all of whom were very nice.
Anyway, to go back to Elder Jones. A few days ago he wrote Pres. Francis and his mom a letter about wanting to go home. I definitely still want to be out here and bring people to Christ, but he doesn't have that desire, so doesn't want to waste my time or his. He does have a strong testimony of the church, he just doesn't have that desire to share it. Anyway, pray for us that whatever happens with him, everything will work out alright. He is a good teacher and has good potential, but just doesn't want to be out here sharing the gospel with people. Don't worry about me though, as I will be fine, because as he has written the Pres. about it, and I'm sure he will be calling in a few days.
The good news about this area is that I will get to work with the other Elders on exchanges. Elder Hardlinger from Las Vegas and Elder Dayley from Arizona.
Once we get this situation with Elder Jones worked out, I know this area will take off. If he changes his mind about leaving and focuses on the work or I get someone else, then this area will do well. Thank you so much for supporting me every day, and always being there. I will write my new address here:
Elder Andrew J Ostler
493 Dresden Ave
Steubenville, OH 43952
Have a good week, and always remember to pray. Your Father in Heaven wants to hear from you.
Love, Elder Ostler
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
A Letter From Elder Ostler
Here is a note from Andrew. We talked to him on Mother's Day and he sounded fantastic. He even sang to us. He loves what he is doing.
>>Date: Thu, 11 May 2006 14:22:39 -0400>>Dear Mom and Dad,>We are allowed to send an e-mail this week because of Mother's Day, in case we need to send you anything about if we got transferred.>Anyway, don't worry about me, I didn't get transferred, and am going to be here in Olean for another 6 weeks. That will make seven and a half months. The reason that President Francis is keeping me here is because he wants me to have a baptism before he moves me somewhere else. Elder Gochis and I hope to have a baptism before the end of this transfer. There are a few prospects that we are working with. The most promising one right now is Ryen Willis, a member referral. He is the grandson of a member in the branch. The only thing is that he is hard to get a hold of. We have also been finding more people, and we are persistently trying to follow up, and I think if we continue to try diligently, we will find someone that will accept the gospel and be baptized.I am thankful for such a wonderful family that I am glad to be a part of. It is good to hear all of the news about everyone, and it sounds like the family is being blessed. Seeing so many different family situations out here, I am always in awe at how blessed I have been to be raised by two wonderful, loving parents, with seven other brothers and sisters.>I am trying to serve the Lord as best I can, and I love bearing testimony of things that I know to be true. Finding just one person that is genuinely interested and really wants to learn about the gospel and change their life for the better makes it all worth it. In the past six months, I have taught many people the gospel of Jesus Christ. Every time I teach it, I feel the spirit of God reaffirm the truth of it unto me. I love the Holy Ghost, and I know that it truly does bear witness of the truth, because I have felt it witness to me many times. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only true and living church upon the face of the earth. I know that a man will get nearer to God by reading the Book of Mormon, and abiding by it's precepts, than by any other book. I know that, because I have read it for myself, and I feel the spirit as I share it with others. Remember that sincere prayer and diligent scripture study will help you out in life. I hope you all strive to become closer to God each day. I can't wait to talk to all of you on Mother's Day. Who knows, I might even sing a song over the phone for you if you're good! I love all of you, and hope you all have a great week.>>Love,>Elder Ostler
>>Date: Thu, 11 May 2006 14:22:39 -0400>>Dear Mom and Dad,>We are allowed to send an e-mail this week because of Mother's Day, in case we need to send you anything about if we got transferred.>Anyway, don't worry about me, I didn't get transferred, and am going to be here in Olean for another 6 weeks. That will make seven and a half months. The reason that President Francis is keeping me here is because he wants me to have a baptism before he moves me somewhere else. Elder Gochis and I hope to have a baptism before the end of this transfer. There are a few prospects that we are working with. The most promising one right now is Ryen Willis, a member referral. He is the grandson of a member in the branch. The only thing is that he is hard to get a hold of. We have also been finding more people, and we are persistently trying to follow up, and I think if we continue to try diligently, we will find someone that will accept the gospel and be baptized.I am thankful for such a wonderful family that I am glad to be a part of. It is good to hear all of the news about everyone, and it sounds like the family is being blessed. Seeing so many different family situations out here, I am always in awe at how blessed I have been to be raised by two wonderful, loving parents, with seven other brothers and sisters.>I am trying to serve the Lord as best I can, and I love bearing testimony of things that I know to be true. Finding just one person that is genuinely interested and really wants to learn about the gospel and change their life for the better makes it all worth it. In the past six months, I have taught many people the gospel of Jesus Christ. Every time I teach it, I feel the spirit of God reaffirm the truth of it unto me. I love the Holy Ghost, and I know that it truly does bear witness of the truth, because I have felt it witness to me many times. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only true and living church upon the face of the earth. I know that a man will get nearer to God by reading the Book of Mormon, and abiding by it's precepts, than by any other book. I know that, because I have read it for myself, and I feel the spirit as I share it with others. Remember that sincere prayer and diligent scripture study will help you out in life. I hope you all strive to become closer to God each day. I can't wait to talk to all of you on Mother's Day. Who knows, I might even sing a song over the phone for you if you're good! I love all of you, and hope you all have a great week.>>Love,>Elder Ostler
Thursday, March 23, 2006
missionary news
Dear Family,Wow, I can't believe it is already Thursday again! Time really does fly, Idon't know where the weeks go!Our weather is the same way...this Monday it was warm and muggy and the last fewdays it has been snowy and very windy. Lucky for us though, today is nice and sunny, with very little strong wind so far. We have been walking for the last two days straight! Since we had to go to Erie, PA for emissions and inspection,we have been over par in miles. Also, because we know that Elder Skifton isgetting transferred on the 28th of March, we are going to have to drive to Erie again this month for transfers, which is another 200 miles that we need to plan for. We are going to have to walk for the next few days to save miles. It's actually better to walk, because then we see a lot more people on our way to places. The only thing bad about it is my companion's tracting shoes are wornout, and so he has to wear his meeting shoes, which are very tight, and hurt his feet. I think that a member and the members' sister, who is investigating the church, are going to buy him a new pair of shoes before he leaves, so he'll befine. I love to see the stories and characters come to life in the scriptures, and Laman and Lemuel are characters that are very puzzling to me. They saw angels,were shocked by the power of God, and heard a voice of thunder rebuke them, yet they still rebelled against God. I think that is why faith is so important. They lacked faith in God, although they saw the power of God. Faith is not something that we get from being shocked or seeing angels. Faith is gained through reading the scriptures, applying them to our lives, and praying about them. I think that Laman and Lemuel were too stubborn to actually live the gospel, to try the experiment with the seed that Alma talked about. They onlyl lived it for a short season when they were compelled to live it. They did not take the necessary steps to gain the faith needed to follow God throughout their lives. The scripture that comes to mind is 1 Nephi 17:45. It describes Lamanand Lemuel's state. They were too hard-hearted to change their lives in accordance with the gospel.  Everyone can benefit from learning about and living the gospel, but the problem is that some people don't even want to hear the message. They are so hard-hearted, and some are even "past feeling" as Laman and Lemuel were. I love the people here, and I hope that we are able to share this gospel with as many as we can. We continue to try every day to share this gospel, and it is a joy to do so.A few days ago, we were following up on a media referral that we delivered. In Cuba, NY, Dale Cross ordered a Finding Faith in Christ DVD from the church. He said that they had watched it and loved it, but that he was busy with a lot of different work, so we should try back. Just then, someone runs down the stairs to the door and tells us to come inside. He had just finished recording a rapsong about Jesus. We were both laughing at the strangeness of it, and then he asked us how we differ from other churches. We spent the next 25 or 30 minutes going back and forth telling him about the restoration. He was very excited,and loved all of it. Right before Elder Skifton gave the First vision in Joseph Smith's own words, the Holy Ghost burned so powerfully within my heart to confirm the truth of that account. That happens every time I hear or give the account of the First vision. After that point in the lesson, the Spirit always rests with us very powerfully. We asked the man how he could find out if theBook of Mormon was true, and he immediately said "Of course I have to pray about it". Dale then said "It brought them all the way over here, so they must know it is true already" (that is a horrible paraphrase). Anyway, we had a very good experience that night. After that, we visited the Skowron's, our investigator family, inbetween Cuba and Hinsdale, NY, and we found out that they are moving to Alamosa, Colorado. We thought they would probably be in a small branch again, so it would be rough getting them to church. At their house we went to mormon.org and looked up Alamosa and their are four wards! We are so excited for them, and their continued progression in the gospel. I invited them to church this week powerfully, and they are going to be able to make it to Sacrament meeting. This is their second time coming. The first time they went to church, it was Fast and Testimony meeting, and they were very confused about the vocabulary people were using. We hope this time Sacrament meeting will be a little easier for them to understand. I love it here, and love all of the people that I have met and continue to meet every day. Thank you so much for the St. Patricks day package!(especially thefood!) The funny thing about it is that my companion also got a package from his family on the same day that I got your package. I hope you all have a great St. Patricks Day tomorrow. Don't worry, I'll make sure I find something green to wear. I think I have some green socks, so those will work. I hope you have a great week! Love,Elder Andrew J Ostler
Thursday, March 02, 2006
A Newsy Letter From Andrew
Dear Family,It is definitely not showing any signs of spring right now in Olean. We havehad snow and more snow. Just when you think it will stop and when it melts awayit comes right back.I will send more photos, but I have to get in the habit of taking picturesfirst! I am going to take some of the apartment and maybe some with members andinvestigators as well...(maybe even a few with Elder Skifton in them).I will definitely enjoy the time that I have left with Elder Skifton. He is awonderful companion, and as I have got to know him, he is a wonderful person. He is going through the transition from being a kid to becoming an adult, and ithas been very stressed at times, but he never complains or puts on a long facefor anyone to see, and stands out as a good example, sharing the gospel withthose he can.Time has been going fast, and every P-Day I marvel at how a whole week haspassed. It doesn't seem like that much time has gone by since I started, but ithas been over three months!We have been visiting a lot of members, recent converts and less-actives, and Ilove it! We do need to work on getting more referrals, but I am getting to knowa lot of wonderful people in the Olean/Cuba/Portville/Coudersport/PortAllegany/Hinsdale and Wherever Else area!
We had a Zone Conference on Monday in Franklin, PA, and luckily for us and ourmileage, Sister Habovstack gave us a ride (it's 2 hours away!) I love ZoneConferences because I always get such a spiritual boost from them. I know thatPresident Francis is an inspired leader, called over this mission, and I knowthat he does receive revelation for us.
I'm sorry, but I didn't get your e-mail until today...I was beginning to wonderif you forgot my e-mail, or if myldsmail was messed up. Don't feel bad though,because I did get e-mail from other people, and I did get to read yours, it wasjust a little delayed.This week I have some letters written that I am going to send out, which shouldcome next week, so I hope they arrive safely.Anyway, we are visiting a less-active member named Norman Stanton a few times aweek, and he loves the Book of Mormon! Since we have given him it a few monthsago, he is on his third time reading it! He knows all of the stories very welland definitely comprehends what he reads. He is a really wonderful person andhas had a lot of neat spiritual experiences. The sad part is that he lives inapartments where everyone hates us and the church, and he is being persecutedfor his beliefs. The good news is that he has a strong testimony, and the evenbetter news is that a member of the church just moved in the room across thehall from him, so he now has some more support.
I hope you are all doing well over in your little corner of the USA, I amdoing well in my corner! I am writing this letter from Erie, PA in the PublicLibrary. We are in Erie this P-Day because we have to get an emissions check inPA. The car is registered in Pittsburgh, and the closest dealership to Oleanthat can do the check is in Erie, so here we are. Not my idea of how to use aP-Day, but it is cool to see the city of Erie.My companion got his toe cut off...JUST KIDDING! He had an ingrown toenail andhad it removed yesterday at the local podiatrist, Richard L. Scott. Interestingly familiar name, huh? Too bad it is one letter off. Talk about anice way to approach someone about the gospel!I hope you and Mitch both get better soon, (unless you are both already better)and I hope no one else gets it from you (not likely). I hope you had a goodMardi Gras(on the 28th of Feb). I don't know what else to write, and I'vealready talked your ear off, so I guess I will wrap it up.I hope you all have a merry March!
Love,Elder Andrew J Ostler
We had a Zone Conference on Monday in Franklin, PA, and luckily for us and ourmileage, Sister Habovstack gave us a ride (it's 2 hours away!) I love ZoneConferences because I always get such a spiritual boost from them. I know thatPresident Francis is an inspired leader, called over this mission, and I knowthat he does receive revelation for us.
I'm sorry, but I didn't get your e-mail until today...I was beginning to wonderif you forgot my e-mail, or if myldsmail was messed up. Don't feel bad though,because I did get e-mail from other people, and I did get to read yours, it wasjust a little delayed.This week I have some letters written that I am going to send out, which shouldcome next week, so I hope they arrive safely.Anyway, we are visiting a less-active member named Norman Stanton a few times aweek, and he loves the Book of Mormon! Since we have given him it a few monthsago, he is on his third time reading it! He knows all of the stories very welland definitely comprehends what he reads. He is a really wonderful person andhas had a lot of neat spiritual experiences. The sad part is that he lives inapartments where everyone hates us and the church, and he is being persecutedfor his beliefs. The good news is that he has a strong testimony, and the evenbetter news is that a member of the church just moved in the room across thehall from him, so he now has some more support.
I hope you are all doing well over in your little corner of the USA, I amdoing well in my corner! I am writing this letter from Erie, PA in the PublicLibrary. We are in Erie this P-Day because we have to get an emissions check inPA. The car is registered in Pittsburgh, and the closest dealership to Oleanthat can do the check is in Erie, so here we are. Not my idea of how to use aP-Day, but it is cool to see the city of Erie.My companion got his toe cut off...JUST KIDDING! He had an ingrown toenail andhad it removed yesterday at the local podiatrist, Richard L. Scott. Interestingly familiar name, huh? Too bad it is one letter off. Talk about anice way to approach someone about the gospel!I hope you and Mitch both get better soon, (unless you are both already better)and I hope no one else gets it from you (not likely). I hope you had a goodMardi Gras(on the 28th of Feb). I don't know what else to write, and I'vealready talked your ear off, so I guess I will wrap it up.I hope you all have a merry March!
Love,Elder Andrew J Ostler
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Andrew's letter
>Dear Family,>>First of all, thank you so much for the Valentine's day package! My>companion also enjoyed the valentines he got from all of the kids. We have both enjoyed all of the candy as well.>Also, contrary to what we both thought, neither of us were transferred. President Francis said that Elder Skifton will be leaving Olean after this transfer, which means that I will probably be here for three more months (two more transfers). We did get a new sister though for the Bradford, PA area, Sister Gomez. I haven't met her yet, but I'm sure she will help out this area.>One of our best investigators right now, Maria Welka, is doing very well. She is reading a few chapters out of the Book of Mormon every day! She only used to pray once a day, but now prays about questions she has about the Book of Mormon, and can definitely see a change in her life. She has lots of questions, because she really wants to understand this gospel, which is a good thing for us. We love it when people ask good questions!>I think I might have told you about Lonnie Miller, a member of the church who is engaged to Maria, but I don't know if I told you his full story. He is from Farmington, New Mexico. He had never read the Book of Mormon or even heard anything about the church. He had a dream where he was holding onto an iron rod and made his way to a tree. He ate fruit at the tree that was the most delicious he had ever tasted, and people were mocking him because he ate the fruit. He told his wife, an inactive member of the church, about the dream, and she took him to her parents, who pulled out a church magazine with a picture of Lehi's dream in it. Because of this, she and her entire extended family are now active in the church, and they all attend the temple regularly. He is now separated from his wife, because they both messed up, but he is firm in his testimony of the gospel. He bears his testimony when we are there sometimes, and he definitely has a testimony, because the spirit is there when he bears it.>We also have been meeting with the recent convert couple, the Kiernans, who moved to Hinsdale, NY from Straussburg, PA (eastern PA) and they are very excited about the gospel. Sister Kiernan even bought an LDS dictionary so that she could understand the Book of Mormon better when she reads it! They are coming up to church, unless the roads aren't plowed, but they usually are.>We found some new potential investigators when we tracted in Eldred, PA, and will follow up with them tomorrow. We also finally found a media referral at home, and are going to deliver Finding Faith in Christ to them tomorrow.>Other than the above information, we have been visiting members and a few other investigators that we have. Time has been going by fast, and I love sharing the gospel and uplifting others each day.>I hope you all have a great week, and I hope everyone had a good Valentine's day.>>Love,>Elder Ostler
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Olean, NY 14760
Dear family,I have finally received my new e-mail account, so from now on, e-mailme at this address: andjost@myldsmail.netI will probably check my old address once or twice more, but that is it,as I am not allowed to use any other websites.I have had some great lessons with people this week, and some great visits with the members in this area.Maria Welka is one of our investigators, and she loves learning aboutthe gospel. Unfortunately, she has some major stumbling blocks in theway of getting baptized right now, but I think that she will be able to eventually. She is engaged to Lonnie Miller, a member of the churchfrom Farmington, New Mexico, but both her and Lonnie are still marriedto other people, which complicates things a bit. We are helping themmove into a new apartment, which they are cleaning up, repainting, andbasically redoing the interior of. Maria came to church last Sunday, andshe loved it there. She is planning on coming again this week withLonnie.In other news, this may be my last week with Elder Skifton. He is a funperson with a very strong testimony of this gospel. He has shared manystories with me, both sad and funny. I think that one of the things I learned from him is that showing a little love is all it takes for somepeople to come to church. Even just saying "Hi" stopping by and talkingwith someone can make a huge difference in someones life. He is a good example for me to follow, and I hope that I can take the best fromhim and apply it to my own self.A story for this week...I can't think of one right now...so much pressure.I really can't think of a really good story at the moment, so I think that I will instead write a letter to you with a story or maybe even a few in it.This is all that I can think of writing at the moment, so I will send abigger letter in the mail later.I hope you all have a great week, and remember, send any future e-mail to andjost@myldsmail.net .Love,Elder Ostler
Thursday, January 26, 2006
News from Olean, NY
Dear Family,
We have had a lot of snow here, but the problem is that it keeps
melting after it starts getting deep. Olean has a biting cold,
much colder than Utah because of the humidity. When the wind
isn't blowing it's not that bad, but there usually is wind.
Elder Skifton is a good driver, but he does have one close call a
week. When he came to pick me up, he hit a deer...a deer corpse,
that is. He also drove the car into a snowbank a while back, but no
damage was done to the car either time. It was actually kind of
exciting! I am not allowed to drive, as junior companion, which is
probably a good thing, because I think he is a better driver than me.
Michelle Bacher is a wonderful person, and I haven't bore my
testimony to her yet, but that is a good idea, a good way that she
could feel the spirit.
I don't know about the paper plate art, it is probably not original, it
is just there to cover the hole I shot in the wall...I mean....uhhh...
the old furnace...yeah, thats right, the old furnace!
We have Zone Conferences once per transfer (every six weeks).
They are held in different places every time. Sometimes in Erie,
PA and other times in Jamestown, NY, and probably somewhere
else, but I can't remember the name of the town.
I will definitely send more pictures with me in them next time. I just
didn't want to be vain or anything like that, but if you want me to I
will be. All kidding aside, I definitely need to take more pictures
with me in them and get them out to you, because I haven't given
you very many pictures yet.
I have still been slack in my letter writing. I have plenty of
stamps, and I bought a bunch of two cent stamps, so I will send
a bunch of letters out today to different people.
I am going to send a letter to Ben, but tell him that I love him and
know that he will do fine if he just keeps going, tell him not to give
up.
I have been able to play the piano some at church, and even at
some people's houses! I played "How Great Thou Art" at a random
person's house that let us in to warm up. A few days ago, the
spirit was very strong when my Companion and I sang "Joseph
Smith's First Prayer" acapella to the cooks at a soup kitchen. We
also sang that song at one of our investigator's houses, and we felt
the same spirit there. I love music!
I am unfortunately not doing well today, as I woke up with a rumbly
in my tumbly(stomach ache). I then proceeded to throw up about
half an hour later. I think I may have the stomach flu, because a
few of the people we have been visiting had the stomach flu. For
them it did not last for very long, so I hope the same holds true for
me.
I love sharing the message of the restoration with people. It is a
powerful message, and the spirit is always there to bear witness
that it is true.
I love all of you, and wish the best for you. I am also writing an
actual letter to you this week, which should be there next week.
I hope you all have a great week.
Love,
Elder Ostler
We have had a lot of snow here, but the problem is that it keeps
melting after it starts getting deep. Olean has a biting cold,
much colder than Utah because of the humidity. When the wind
isn't blowing it's not that bad, but there usually is wind.
Elder Skifton is a good driver, but he does have one close call a
week. When he came to pick me up, he hit a deer...a deer corpse,
that is. He also drove the car into a snowbank a while back, but no
damage was done to the car either time. It was actually kind of
exciting! I am not allowed to drive, as junior companion, which is
probably a good thing, because I think he is a better driver than me.
Michelle Bacher is a wonderful person, and I haven't bore my
testimony to her yet, but that is a good idea, a good way that she
could feel the spirit.
I don't know about the paper plate art, it is probably not original, it
is just there to cover the hole I shot in the wall...I mean....uhhh...
the old furnace...yeah, thats right, the old furnace!
We have Zone Conferences once per transfer (every six weeks).
They are held in different places every time. Sometimes in Erie,
PA and other times in Jamestown, NY, and probably somewhere
else, but I can't remember the name of the town.
I will definitely send more pictures with me in them next time. I just
didn't want to be vain or anything like that, but if you want me to I
will be. All kidding aside, I definitely need to take more pictures
with me in them and get them out to you, because I haven't given
you very many pictures yet.
I have still been slack in my letter writing. I have plenty of
stamps, and I bought a bunch of two cent stamps, so I will send
a bunch of letters out today to different people.
I am going to send a letter to Ben, but tell him that I love him and
know that he will do fine if he just keeps going, tell him not to give
up.
I have been able to play the piano some at church, and even at
some people's houses! I played "How Great Thou Art" at a random
person's house that let us in to warm up. A few days ago, the
spirit was very strong when my Companion and I sang "Joseph
Smith's First Prayer" acapella to the cooks at a soup kitchen. We
also sang that song at one of our investigator's houses, and we felt
the same spirit there. I love music!
I am unfortunately not doing well today, as I woke up with a rumbly
in my tumbly(stomach ache). I then proceeded to throw up about
half an hour later. I think I may have the stomach flu, because a
few of the people we have been visiting had the stomach flu. For
them it did not last for very long, so I hope the same holds true for
me.
I love sharing the message of the restoration with people. It is a
powerful message, and the spirit is always there to bear witness
that it is true.
I love all of you, and wish the best for you. I am also writing an
actual letter to you this week, which should be there next week.
I hope you all have a great week.
Love,
Elder Ostler