1st Snow?!

October 7, 2013

Hello Everyone! 

    Well Great Falls Montana is treating me well! I am truly enjoying each and every day of my mission, I still have 16 months but I get all sad thinking about how fast time is flying by! I love being a servant of my Savior, Jesus Christ, there is truly no great call, there is absolutely nothing I would rather be doing and I don't just say that to say it, I mean it with all my heart. 

   

So Monday night and Tuesday we spent most of our time trying to contact referrals and were able to get in with several people, I was able to meet perfect strangers and within 5 minutes have a true love for them and only want to help them by inviting them to come unto Christ. We had some great discussions but sadly we do not have any return appointments with them. Tuesday night I was a little down thinking about how great it all went but that none of them would let us set up a return appointment. The Holy Ghost came and comforted me and whispered the words...

"There is no such thing as a wasted effort when you give it your best." 

I was able to be calm and at peace, I know that to be true; that as long as we give our best to the Lord then we can not fail and there is no wasted efforts. 

     

Wednesday we got up early and traveled as a Zone to a Zone Conference in Helena, where there were 5 Zones in attendance and we were able to spiritually fed all day long! It was such an awesome conference with the theme being, "Becoming Masterful Teachers". Elder Rodriguez and I were blessed to be able to instruct a 45 min break out session, I testify that both teacher and student are both learning when the Spirit is present! 

I love this work and am striving to become a great teacher like my Master. 

     

Wednesday night we were coming back from Helena and driving the Fairfield Sisters. We were short on time and didn't have the time to go to Great Falls for the sisters to get their truck before going out to Fairfield for their baptism that night. We decided to take the back highway straight into Fairfield.... Well about 45 miles out, I look down and said "Elder Rodriguez and Sisters, how strong is your faith?" They asked why and I said,"I hope we all have enough faith because our gas light just came on and they say when that happens we only have about 30 miles left..." This is no joke or exaggerated story, we prayed that there would be enough gas to get us to that baptism and not only did we get to that baptism on time but afterwards drove another 14 miles to the nearest gas station! It may sound crazy to some of you but I know with all my heart that Heavenly Father heard the plea of 4 of His missionaries and put gas in that car. There is no way we should have made it 60 miles with the gas light on, I looked up in the manual and it indeed says 30 miles. Miracles have not ceased.

     

After the baptism, we got into Great Falls, had a late dinner and then I loaded up with the Choteau and Cutbank Elders and we drove the hour out to Choteau and got in about 10 PM. We all slept there and then Thursday morning drove the Elders up to Cutbank (3 hours round trip, its 20 miles South of Canada). And on the way back it started to SNOW! It wasn't much of anything and didn't really stick but it counts haha! I have been on exchanges with the Choteau Elders ever since and we have had a really fun and spiritual time! What a blessing it was been to serve with them and learn from them. I will be back in Great Falls later today until tomorrow and will do some laundry and repack to go on exchanges again for another week or so. 

     

Life is great! General Conference was amazing and it is hard to pick just one favorite talk! I testify to each of you that we have Prophets and Apostles that speak with God and in turn they speak to us! It is how God has always worked, He works through His children to help His children. I know without a doubt that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that He came to this earth and performed the Atonement. I know that true power comes into our lives as we accept Christ and His sacrifice! He lives! Let us follow His call through a prophet to join together hand in hand in taking the gospel to the world.

I love each of you and pray for you daily! Thank you for the love, support and letters! 

Love,

Elder Organ

Battle of the Wind and Chris Williams: My Longest Letter Yet...

September 30, 2013

Hello Everyone!

    First off, I need to publicly apologize to my parents... Last Monday was their wedding anniversary. They have been happily married for 36 years! I knew it was that day and totally meant to wish them a happy day but totally spaced it. I love you mom and dad and want to say thank you for being such an example to me of a Christ-centered marriage in this world of divorce. 36 years down and eternity to go, I, like the 2 of you hope to marry my best friend and spend eternity with her! And I will be able to look at the example you have set for me, thank you! 

    

This week has been so amazing! Tuesday morning we got up early and Elder Rodriguez and I drove with the Great Falls East ZLs the 4 hours to Billings for Mission Leadership Council. We began the council meeting at Noon on Tuesday and didn't get out until 9 PM and then went from 8 AM to Noon on Wednesday and all out to lunch at Golden Corral. So it was a long council meeting in which the Spirit was so strong. 

As the leadership of the Mission we changed many things, some of which may come as a shock or a hard thing to do for the missionaries in our Mission but I know all the changes are for the better and will transform our Mission to what it is meant to be. I am so honored and blessed to be able to sit on that great Council. 

   

We got home late Wednesday night and the entire drive from Billings back to Great Falls we had the wind blowing the rain sideways. The rain stopped Thursday morning but the wind has just gotten worse. The wind is blowing a steady 30 mph gusting up to 45 mph every day, ALL day long, no exaggerations. It is pretty intense! My face is wind dried no matter how much lotion I put on, haha! 

Thursday morning we got up and drove to Helena for a new missionary and trainer meeting. Elder Rodriguez and I were blessed to speak together about the importance of training for about an hour, it was an enjoyable meeting in which I learned much. 

    

So the first 3 days of my week were all travel for the meetings and by Friday morning I was exhausted but my companion and I had a ton to talk about and plan so we spent the day time hours doing so. 

Then that night for the first time all week we were able to get out and do some teaching! We got in with this elderly less active man and we were able to bear testimony of the Book of Mormon and the importance of going to church. At the end he said, "You boys came for the right reasons and I know I need to go back to church with my wife." We were excited about that and hope to see him in Church. 

     

Saturday we helped some recent converts move into the neighboring Ward and then some members took us to Golden Corral for dinner. Afterwards, we drove the 30 miles out to Cascade which is a small town in which there is a Branch that we also cover. We stayed at a members house out there and Sunday morning we got up and went to church at the Cascade Branch. It was Fast and Testimony Meeting since General Conference is this weekend. 

The first person to bear their testimony was a young man named Wesley Carpenter. He had just barely received his Mission Call and was announcing where he was to be serving. He said "I have been called to serve in the Arizona Gilbert mission." and then he bore a powerful testimony and took his seat. So I went up right after him to be the 2nd one. I said "Good morning everyone, none of you know me but I am Elder Organ and I am from Gilbert, Arizona. Wesley, its going to be mighty warm in the Summers" there was a lot of laughter, I wasn't trying to be funny, haha I was telling the Montana boy how hot AZ Summers are! So after sacrament meeting he asked me a lot of questions about Gilbert. 

     

Sunday night we attended a Chris Williams Fireside! Some of you may not recognize the name, but most of you know the story. Brother Williams was the man who in 2007 lost his wife (who was expecting) and 2 of his children in a car accident as a result of teenage drunk driving accident. 

Here is a link to his Mormon message. Copy and paste it into your browser.

 http://www.lds.org/pages/mormon-messages#forgiveness-my-burden-was-made-light 

     Well this great man came to Great Falls, Montana to speak to us. And I would like to echo the doctrines he taught. We must all have faith in Jesus Christ, faith in Him and His atonement, believe that He can heal us. Take upon us the yoke of Christ for His yoke is easy and His burden is light. We most all remain hopeful, hope is all about perspective. Hope and repentance are more closely tied than I once realized.

Repentance in the Bible Dictionary says to have a fresh view about oneself, a fresh view of God. So it is a new and fresh perspective, or hope. If we act upon the trials we are given in the right way, then they will build us, build our faith and knowledge. By allowing this to happen then we can build up a resistance to Satan and allow faith and hope to be the anchor of our soul as Ether describes. Whatever burden any of you may be carrying, my invitation is the same as Brother Williams... Let it go and exercise your faith in Jesus Christ to be healed. Let it go and forgive freely as Christ forgave. 

"Father forgive them for they know not what they do" 

I testify that through the Atonement and power of Jesus Christ you can be healed and can forgive. Do you believe? 

     

An update on Brother Chris Williams that many of you may enjoy... His oldest son was 14 at the time of the accident and after a really hard time with it, he too applied the Atonement in his life and is now finishing the last month of his mission in North Carolina. His surviving son of the accident who was 6 at the time is now 13 and bears a powerful witness of Jesus Christ. Brother Williams remarried a widow who had 2 children and they together, have had 2 little girls. 

Cameron, the young man who was the drunk driver, was 17 at the time of the accident. Brother Williams plead with the judge at Cameron's trial that he wanted what was best for Cameron, so that he could make something of his life. Cameron was tried as a juvenile and was in prison until age 21. He too has applied the Atonement in his life and was just recently married and enjoying his life. 

The story of Chris Williams is an amazing, life changing one. What a blessing it was to hear his testimony of the Savior and the Atonement. I add my witness to his... 

Jesus is the Christ and through Him, all things are possible! 

Love you all so much and pray for you all daily! 

With Love,

     

Elder Aaron Organ

Pictures From Mission Leadership Council Sent: September 30, 2013

Mission Leadership Council 9.25.13 (Two days in Billings)

Front:  Scott, Burrows, Lammi, Thompson, Christensen, Steck, Mechams,
Parr, Ward, Bain, Romrell

Center:  Olsen, McKeachnie, Southwick, Zacchilli, T. Nielson, Smith,
Palazzo, Julander, Bishop, McLeod, Walch, Organ, Hopkins

Back:  Ruzicka, Ash, Eiselin, Payne, Wasden, Paine, Hemenway, C.J.
White, Rodriguez, Pace, Anthony, Thawley

Windy City!!

September 23, 2013

Hello Everyone!

    So first off, a little bit about my new area... 

Great Falls, MT is a town of about 65,000 and so its HUGE for Montana and my biggest area so far! And it is nicknamed the Windy City because every day the wind blows, all day long! 

We live with an 87 year old lady. She lives in the basement and we have the entire upstairs to ourselves, so that's really nice, sorta spoiled.

Last Monday we went cave exploring again in Lander, Wyoming which was fun. Then that night I said all my goodbyes and packed up. The next day, I drove 3 other missionaries in my car from Riverton to Lovell, Wyoming which is about a 4 hour drive. Then I got on a van to Billings with about 12 missionaries, got to Billings about 9 PM and went to stay at one of the Senior Couples houses. In the morning we got to the Mission Home about 6 AM and I was able to say hello to Elder Anderson. First comment he made was, "Wow you have filled out a lot and gotten taller!" So take that as you will... Elder Anderson is serving in Missoula, MT and has a great trainer, I will get to see him every once and awhile. 

     

 Wednesday morning I got to drive a brand new 2014 Chevy Cruise with 50 miles on it from Billings to Helena (5 hours) and that car has some pep! Its awesome getting to drive new Mission cars! Haha! Then, in Helena, my companion Elder Rodriguez picked me up and we went the 2 hours North to Great Falls with a few other missionaries we were taking to our Zone. I was able to go meet some members that night, in the freezing cold wind! Then Thursday morning we went with the Great Falls East Zone Leaders to Helena again to pick up new missionaries and bring them back to our Zones. 

     

Thursday to now has honestly been more administrative work getting our new zone up and running than anything else. A lot of new responsibilities, late nights and early mornings to make it all happen. But its enjoyable and I am learning a lot! 

I have been able to meet some great people Elder Rodriguez has been working with and I look forward to helping them as well. We did some service for a nonmember and then she fed us lunch and we taught a lesson, so hopefully that turns into something. 

    

So a little bit about my companion! Elder Rodriguez and I were in the MTC together and came out together so I know him well. He is somewhat a little famous in the missionary world because he is on "The District 2". His dad is the non-member being taught on some of the episodes. He is from San Diego, he turned 19 the day we reported, he is full Filipino and a spiritual giant. I love being able to serve with him! 

I attached an epic picture of us.

Elder Rodriguez and I!    

This morning Elder Rodriguez and I did a Sunrise Hike to the top of this mountain that has a big GF on it for Great Falls. We hiked to the top with 2 of the new missionaries and their companions and watched the sunrise. Then we read Alma Ch 17 together and discussed it! It was awesome! 

    

I got to go, so much to do but I love all of you! 

I bear you my testimony... I know God lives, he is our loving Heavenly Father who is aware of each and everyone of us, He wants to hear from you so pray to Him. Jesus Christ died for you and me and through His atonement, anything is possible, I know He lives today and leads and guides this great work. The Bible and Book of Mormon are testaments of these truths, they go hand in hand. Thomas S. Monson is our prophet today, keep your eye on him! I love my Savior and my Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. 

- Elder Aaron Organ

 

Great Falls Zone

 

Montana Billings Mission

1848 Rimrock Rd.

Billings, MT 59102

Back to Montana With A Change of Plans

September 19, 2013

Hello all,

 

     This email is going to people I recently wrote and it is just an update on my address.

 

Rachelle if you could also put it on FB and my blog... 

So you can always still write the mission home in Billings and they forward my mail or you can write straight to me or send things straight to me here in Great Falls, Montana! 

So my new address is: 

922 Ave B NW  

Great Falls, MT 59404.

     

I made the long travel from Riverton, Wyoming here to Great Falls, Montana safely and had a change in my assignment. I am still a Zone Leader here but it is of a new and young Zone just created this transfer! And my companion changed... 

I am companions with ELDER RODRIGUEZ! Who I came out with, so we know each other very well! He is an amazing missionary, love him so much! We were both just made Zone Leaders and are training each other on that but its all a part of the adventure! 

I am loving it! Love all of you!

 

-Elder Organ

Transfers.... SAY WHAT??!!?

September 16, 2013

 So today was Transfer Calls but the story really begins not today but on Friday. 

I was in Lander on exchanges with another missionary and the phone rings. He answers it and says, "Elder Organ it is for you, it is the Assistants." So puzzled, I answer and they did an interview over the phone and told me it was all confidential and not to mention it to anyone. Then, Sunday night I get a call from the Assistants again and they notify me of my transfer info...

Elder Linton is staying here in Riverton and I, after only 6 weeks in Wyoming, am leaving to go to Great Falls, Montana to be a Zone Leader there! 

My jaw dropped and I was beyond shocked when he said, "You are being called to be a Zone Leader". I am completely humbled because I personally know many, many missionaries who are much more qualified than me but something I do know from past callings and assignments is that the Lord does qualify those who he calls, just as Joseph Smith promised Brigham Young. 

     

So tomorrow I drive our car the 6 hours to Billings where we will spend the night and I can meet my companion, Elder Payne who is serving as a Zone Leader in Billings right now. So the 2 of us will have a 6 hour van ride together on Wednesday and can get to know each other. We are getting doubled into Great Falls which makes that my 4th time getting doubled in, so I'm a pro now ;) Haha. 

Guess who else I will get to see in Billings tomorrow.... ELDER CADE ANDERSON from Gilbert, AZ - Maplewood Ward! So that will be fun! 

     

So I am excited for the new opportunity and capacity in which I have to serve and learn. I love the 11 missionaries in my District, it has been a pleasure to be here in Riverton with them for these 6 weeks! I fell in love with the area and people and will miss it indeed but I am off to another adventure within my Big Adventure of a mission. 

I love being a missionary and serving my Father and Savior with all my heart, might, mind, and strength! And as I strive to do that, I will be able to stand before them at the last day and give an honorable report of what I did in Montana and Wyoming for 2 years. 

I know we will all stand before God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ one day... Will They recognize you? Serve with all you have and you will have no need to fear! 

Love this work. I love all of you and pray for you all daily! Thank you!

     

-Elder Aaron Organ

The Lady With Her Dog

September 9, 2013

Hello everyone, 

   It has been such a crazy week! 

So Monday to Wednesday morning I went on exchanges to Lander and was with some great missionaries down there, it was enjoyable. Then Wednesday morning I got back and we had a District meeting in Riverton from 9 AM to 12:30. 

In my district we have 12 missionaries total. We all serve within the Riverton Stake so as a District, we have decided to put on a Stake activity that will greatly involve the entire community. We are still working out all the details but it will hopefully be awesome and take place on October 19th. Elder Linton and I will be presenting it all to the Stake this coming Wednesday so I will let you all know how that goes. 

    

Anyways, Wednesday afternoon after the District meeting, Elder Linton and I had an appointment with a lady who has been less active for a long time. So we go over there and meet the Relief Society President there and go in to get to know this lady and teach her and she had invited her dad over. 

Well long story short, her dad's name is Russ and he is from New Mexico, moved here a few months back. There in New Mexico he had taken the Missionary Lessons and wanted to be baptized but it had not worked out there. So we teach them all the first lesson and we put Russ on date to be baptized September 28th. The Spirit was so strong and it was just an amazing experience. He said, "Well I have to give up smoking and chewing." and we told him, "Yes, that's right." He sat in silence a long time and then looked at us with his one eye (he has an eye patch- haha) and said, "I promise I am going to do this, and not for you 2 strangers but for God, for my family and for myself!" It was so awesome! So that was Wednesday and we saw him Friday and Sunday and he said he has not smoked or chewed since he said that. He said, "When I make a promise to anyone, I keep it and especially a promise with God!" I love Russ and am excited to work with him as time goes on! 

     

We met with several Less Actives this week and they all committed to come to church and sure enough they were there. For one family it was such a HUGE step! We counted others that we have been working with as Reactivated in our report last night and the work is just taking leaps and bounds here in Aspen Park! 

Another awesome story; so we are at church greeting people and the Bishop's wife and family walk in with this lady who has a dog. She said she was out walking her dog and saw everyone going into the church and she felt drawn to the church house and to go in. She asked us if she could stay. We looked at her and her dog and said, "Of course you can stay!" So she walked in, walking her dog up the aisle to the 2nd row from the front and sat down. Ha ha as you can imagine, most Mormons are not used to a lady in street clothes walking a dog up the aisle of the chaple, so there was some stares but it didn't bother her. We got her contact info and will be meeting with her this coming week at the Bishop's house. 

Life is so good! 

    

I am loving life and time is just flying way to fast! Happiness that is indescribable! I know this work is true! I love all of you and am thankful for your love and support! 

-Elder Organ