March 19,. 2001

Dear Family,

Hey! How's everything going? Well, I pray. Things are going pretty good out here. The past few days and weeks it's been blistering hot, but at night it gets cool. We actually have to use a sheet to sleep under. Elder Painter's doing great. He's really humble and ready to obey the rules, and really wants to be a good missionary. He also says lots of funny things and laughs a lot, so he's quickly becoming a good friend. So far it's with him that I've talked the most about doctrine and the mission and just how things are. There were a few days in particular last week when we were really wanting to know how to get that . . . fire . . . that few misioneros possess, so we both wrote to President Blacker about it, and he replied to both of us a few days ago. In his letter, he listed 11 things that "those" missionaries do to have it. He says that (1) "such missionaries know they make a difference," (2) "speak boldly," (3) "constantly seek the divine guidance of the Spirit," (4) study, (5) pray, (6) obey, (7) "above all, they work hard - always finding and teaching . . . and therefore baptising," (8) "they also seem to know whose hearts are truly prepared by helping such people progress and 'dropping' those who do not identify with the Spirit," (9) "they testify with power," (10) "they know the Savior and they love him," (11) "they know that they know." Such a great man he is! He truly does receive revelation for this mission, and is an instrument in the hands of the Lord.

Well, our zone leader went to Valencia for an "emergency" Zone Leaders' Conference and thus was able to get mail early, so now I'm replying to the letter dated Feb. 28. Lots of rain, earthquakes, and Greg. That guy . . . from what the letter sounds like, the charla wasn't . . . "golden" :P It's interesting. The work of the missionary is a lot different than what I had thought it to be before. We're not really the ones who plant the seeds (though of course we try to and do do this on our way), nor are we the ones who sit next to the little seedling giving it food and water and sunlight and constantly giving it attention (though of course we do try to help on our way), until it's ripe and maturing. No, not the missionaries; we're the ones who find the wheat in its ripe state, when "the field is white already to harvest" (DyC 4:4), and then do we "[thrust] in [our] sickle with [our] might," teaching the discussions, resolving concerns, helping them to feel and recognize the Spirit, and then do we invite them to certain compromises that help them to obey the commandments of God, thus opening up the door (baptism) that leads to eternal life (2 Nefi 31:17-19). But neither are we the ones that take the newly baptized by the hand and show them how to do it and where to go and what to do and say nice words of encouragement (although of course we try to do this on our way) until they read life eternal. Nope, not us. But by this example I hope you realize the role of the missionary in "bringing to pass the immortality and eternal life of man" (Moses 1:39). But I also hope that you really realize the importance - just how important the role of the members are in this process. Now, you might ask yourself, "well, which step is mine, as a regular member of the church? Where do I fit in? Which phase?" Well, they are the regular members of the church those who plant the seeds and take the time and effort to lovingly nourish it and keep it clear of weeds. Those who point out exactly where the ripe wheat is? The members. Those who are able to (and are called to) take the time and effort to lovingly "walk the newborns" (because they really are newborns) until they reach their one goal? The members. It's Satan, the enemy of righteousness, who wants us to abandon our posts and work in another position, blinding us with fake assurances that "we're doing good." I dare not stray far from or leave the doors to eternal life alone, for I (and the other missionaries) am the only one who can effectively open that door. But it gets boring and hard standing there, willing to open the doors to anyone, when no one brings us those who want to go through! I think that it's for this reason that our Mission President has asked us to receive 10 references weekly from members. I'm so thankful that the Lord's let me be a missionary. I love it!

But back to Babylon . . . :P

You guys have got to send me a pic of Greg and his girlfriend and that punk hasn't written to me in years . . . the last few words written by him that I received are found on my pillowcase reading "Metal sucks" and "How are the worms?" and "Drool here," with an arrow pointing to a section of the pillowcase that's been sectioned off where apparently he wants me to aim my drool at night. Wow, such love :P So if he comes over one day, snatch him and his girl, take a pic of them, and then force him to write me (more than a few sentences). Thanks!

And about Natalie, I don't really know what to say. From what I can understand, she doesn't feel like USU is "the" place because she feels a little "iffy" being there. Just kind of incomplete. I see it in her letters to me and every time that I read her letters or emails or see the pics, I dunno . . . I think I feel that same slow anxiety gnawing empty feeling, too. I don't know if it's because the way she writes or something. I dunno . . . but I think that it's how she feels, and it's not a very nice, homey feeling. But it sounds like she's doing exactly what she needs to be doing to be able to find out (James 1:3). Maybe she needs different friends.

As for mail, don't ask me. I just write 'em and give 'em to my District Leader Tuesday mornings. That's all I do with them. they've told us that we have only one envelope to use w/o postage, and if we want to send more than 1 envelope we need to put the postage on ourselves. And I don't have postage! Apparently Elder Painter's having trouble too (his parents).

Well, I have nothing more to say. I love you all!

Elder Onken

"Remember, church members who receive a testimony of the gospel are under covenant "to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all place." It is clear we have a sacred obligation to obtain referrals for our missionaries." Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, Ensign Nov 2000 p. 24