Author: admin

Hey yall! 

This week went by quick.

Highlights:

-Interviews with President Kerr ( I am training next transfer!!!)

-Everybody got sick

-found some cool stuff while cleaning the kitchen 😉 dont tell.

-Travis got Baptised!!!!

-Had a lot of lessons. 

-Finished the Monster wall (started last transfer by Elder Fungavaka and Elder Crowther)

-Finished building another Derby hotwheels

-Almost got old man diarrhea on my pants in the bus station. 

Yea, about that last point. That happened on Saturday, the district met up at French gate (shopping mall). And we had lunch there, it was lit. We went off to go visit some refferalls who hadn’t been answering their phones. But I had to take a quick whizz. Luckily, the bus station is below/attached to the shopping center. So we went down there do take care of business. Saw one of our friends who works there as a security guard, chiller. Proceeded to utilize the lovely bus station public restroom. All went well.

 As I was leaving. (The entrance/exit is pretty narrow. Like a doorway, but no door. ) An old fella with a walker blocks my exit. But still facing the direction of walking traffic, down the hall. He looks at me, i say sorry, and step back to let him through. But he stays still and looks up at the restroom sign. (Slowly) I proceed to sneak by him while glancing down, I realize I smell something somewhat reminiscent of dog fouling ( as the Brits call it ). I make it past the fella, who is still standing still in the doorway to the latrine. And as I make it past him, looking down, see a sorrowful sight. Poor man didn’t make it to the throne of relief. 

Liquid brown drippings, of what most likely had once been English curry, and classical fish and chippy, have made their migration through the borders of his shorts. 

As I met up with my companion, who was sitting across the way, wrapped in his own world of contacting our friends. Looks up, and realizes the stench, and familiar brown tone and consistency that trails for 40 feet up the station tile. Some clumps larger than others. I am checking my pants and shoes to make sure I accidentally didnt rub any on me, as we walk away, grimacing. 

We saw a janitorial lady, pushing one of those cleaning carts, we informed her that an elderly man has had an unfortunate accident. We gave our condolences as she thanked us for the heads up. She sighed as  she made her way toward the “trail of indigested beers”

Me and Elder Fungavaka, shook, walked away to fulfill our mission purpose. Reminiscing of what had just happened. 

I dont have enough time to give a spiritual thought, my bad. But it was a good week. Jesus loves you! Do good unto others.

-Elder Berky

https://photos.app.goo.gl/9QsVXWnMXFVcH8AV6

Hey Yall! 

It was a pretty good week

Highlights

-Elder Grimm hitting a pidgeon at 60 mph (bird was just chillin in the middle of the road)

-Exchanges, did yard work service and put a friend on date 🙂

-hit our goal of 8 FRIENDS ON DATE FOR BAPTISM!!! (Some of them stopped responding tho  )

-Got sick, (sorry friends, didn’t make to church)

-My brother sent my the Animusic songs, IFYKYK ( shoutout James, and Pipedream)

This week has been good. I forgot to mention in last week’s letter that our wardshare/ district had 18 friends at church that Sunday. So now you know. Things are popping off in Donny.

I have been reading in the beginning of the Book of Mormon during my studies. I usually try to find a verse I read that day to send to our friends for Daily Contacts (shoutout Daily Contacts). Something that stands out to me. How often are we like Laman and Lemuel? Seeing the miracles and being led by a Prophet, having miraculous encounters and literal divine intervention in their lives. Seeing angels and God providing for them in the wilderness. And still doubted, and turned away.

Now we (at least I dont) see angels appearing, or see a little compass ball appear in the middle of nowhere, to guide us to a promised land. If you do, let me know. I wanna hear that story. But how many small miracles do we see in our lives? How many times have we prayed for something to come to pass, only for it to happen, and us chalk it up to coincidence?

As I relflect on many things in my life, I have consistently seen prayers answered when I do the right things, but then shortly forget and go about without much recognition of the prayer being answered.

I invite you all to find the small miracles in your life, and show your appreciation for them, for Gods blessing that he gives all of us liberally. 

I love you all! Be kind to all. Protect your liberty and religion (shoutout Captain Moroni)

-Elder Berky

Hey yall! It was a good week. Had alot of lessons. Found some people. Blessed a guys car because he was worried about witchcraft curses from Jamaica. 

One of our friends on date stopped replying to us and didn’t show up to the lesson we had planned. And the member meal appointment that he was invited too. Turned out that he got robbed and beat up a little. But he is chilling now. That was crazy. 

Had a BBQ on Saturday because a member canceled their meal appointment. So I grilled up some burgers. And my Mom’s famous “Honey Lime Cilantro Chicken” it was a hit. 

Zone Conference was on Thursday. It was great. Talked about District unity. But also focused some on the Apostasy and history of churches after Jesus Christ apostles were killed. Very interesting to hear more about it. And definitely strengthens my testimony of the Restoration and Jesus Christs true gospel. 

We did some fun contacting role plays with the AP’s

Oh, and we (our district) sang. I played the flute. Was pretty baller. Faith in every footstep. Ill see if I have the video. (It will be on the google photos album.

Also, one of the new sisters in my zone, met my Mom at the temple while she was in the MTC. So thats pretty chill too. 

Things have been going well. Elder Fungavaka is really cool and we mesh well. Just not during basketball haha. He is a fun guy and very funny. 

This week in reading the Book of Mormon. I am still in 1 Nephi. I like taking my time when I read. Its like eating a tasty meal. If you stuff it down quick, you are not going to feel well. But if you take your time to savor and ponder the words, your study experience will be much more effective. Coming back to the beginning of the BoM after reading through D&C and PoGP is pretty cool to recognize all of the doctrial key points and even phrases and teachings. It just shows you how intertwined scripture is. Just like our family history is intertwined with everyone in the world. 

I love you all! And keep doing your best.  Go and Do, the things which the Lord commands : ) 

-Elder Berky

https://photos.app.goo.gl/9QsVXWnMXFVcH8AV6

Hey yall! This week was a very good one. We had an amazing meal appointment on Wednesday. And saw a bit of a solar eclipse that day too. 

Friday and Saturday we’re amazing. We put 2 people on baptismal date both days. So now we have 4 friends who want to make that covenants with Christ, which is amazing! Those days were amazing feeling the spirit as we taught. Now the real work begins, making sure we have battle plans for them 🙂

Highlights;

Getting yelled at by a street preacher (THE BLOOOD!!!! NOT RELIGION!!!) Lol, okay lady, you are litterally streaming and gathering donations haha. 

4 people on Bappy date!!!

Good lessons with members

Sisters made baller fajitas for dinner on Saturday. 

Gihradellis brownies

Agency/friends canceling lessons 🙁

All is well 🙂 I have really appreciated being in a 4-man flat. And the ward is amazing too. (But dont buy us groceries please. I’m trying to lose weight )

I have done the most common missionary thing as well. Starting the Book of Mormon from the beginning. But it has been really nice. Especially after all the deep doctrine I have been reading. To get back to the basics, and it is cool to see the similarities and how things tie in together. 

I will be posting daily scriptures from my P-studies on FB messenger notes. So if yall see those, cool. 

Remember that you are loved. And you have infinite potential and worth in Gods eyes. He knows you. 

-Elder Berky

https://photos.app.goo.gl/9QsVXWnMXFVcH8AV6

Hey Yall! 

I am in Doncaster. It is very nice

Goodbye.

Just kidding… 

Transfers was a fun day, the elder coming into Pontefract was in Doncaster previously. So we pretty much switched places. But I still had to go to Crossgates to pick up one of the new Zone Leaders for the Doncaster area. Said bye to our favorite fish and chips shop guy, Raz. May blessings be upon him. Made him some banna bread (cake) to remember me by. And gave some to our friend Louie and said bye as well.

Crossgates was fun. Got my gihradellis brownie mix that I won from flat inspections. Said hi to a bunch of missionaries. Lots of fun. Then drove to Doncaster. We didnt have the adress to the flat, so we just drove to a random parking lot and called the elders who live with us. 

Made it to the house. Did a bit of unpacking. Then drove to a meal appoint at a massive house. Pretty average by American standards, even small by Mapleton standards (shoutout Mike Klauk Custom Homes) but it was great, pretty much had like a ward correlation meeting. The son of the older couple is the ward mission leader, and we had a good discussion. They made some fire Costco ribs and frozen pizza. I ate about 20 wings as well (protein maxxxing).

The rest of the week went well. Had some good lessons with new friends. Found a non active member and he wants to come back, but works as a carer for someone on sunday. 

Did some knocking in an elect neighborhood. 

Got harassed by a homeless guy because we wouldn’t buy him a burger. (bro yes I know we look “smart” and have money, but we are missionaries.) All while I had a good doctrine discussion with this catholic guy, who couldn’t wrap his head around the difference of Salvation (gift from Jesus everyone gets) and Exhaltation (gifts we get by our ordinances/deeds in this life) but he was really cool. Hope we see him again. 

Interpreted this guys dream about a previous life. He wants to learn more 🙂

Been building more hotwheels and painting another one for a friend 🙂 shhh. Don’t tell him… none of you know him haha, well the derby guys will. 

P day was fun. We went to Connisborough castle, built in the 1300s. Took some pics, and played some soccer (footie). Then went to the chapel and played ping pong and bad minion for 3 hours. And some more footie outside. Then Elder Fungavaka got a trim, showered, then we went to a little lesson that happens every Monday evening for our friends and some members to come to, about gospel doctrines. Twas good. 

My new Comp, Elder Fungavaka is really chill. He is a great district leader, who actually cares about his district. Reads people really well. He is from Australia, but parents from New Zealand and Polynesia. It will be a good transfer. 

I FINISHED DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS FINALLY.

yup, took me way too long. And I should probably read the first half again, but ill do that later. I am going to run through POGP (Pearl Of Great Price) now. Moses is spitting baller knowledge. 

In my time reading D&C, I have really grown to appreciate how the Lord reveals his gospel. Mostly through small and simple means. Many of the writings are sprinkled with doctrine, that can sometimes slip through our fingers as we read. Most times i need to read the same page at least 2 or 3 times before I fully recognize what is actually going on haha. But persistence is key. 

I would like to thank each and everyone of your for your well wishes and prayers (especially Sister Knocklby in Mountain View ward) I am grateful for each and everyone of you. And wish for you to know that your Heavenly Father loves you. Pray, ponder. Appreciate all you have. For it is given to you, not only through your agency and actions. But through the love of God. Give thanks to Creator of all. 

-Elder Berky

Hey yall! It was a great week. 

Highlights

– Meal appointment with the cat lady

– fun text lesson with ultra nervous lady. 

– attended a lovely funeral for a member. (The food was amazing)

– had lesson with an elect new friend. He came to church as well and really liked it. 

– Got transfer news

– Had a fun district picnic by the river for Pday. 

– Louie is getting baptised this Friday! 

-Walked 23.5 miles on Friday (50,000 steps)

-talked to some chavs on dirt bikes in the park for an hour lol. 

Transfer News!!

I am….

Going….

To…..

DONCASTER!!!!

I have heard many good things about it. Bigger city. I will be in a 4-man flat with the Doncaster Zone Leaders. My new companion is Elder Fungavaka.He is from Sydney Australia. And he is jacked. So I will counsel with him and see if he is willing to have a “locked in transfer” but I will update you on the plans for it next week : )

Pontefract has been an amazing place for me to be in my first experience on the mission. The ward has been extremely supportive and they are amazing people. 

I still have been reading in Doctrine and Covenants. I am almost done. There are some amazing things in the later bit of it. 

Doctrine and Covenants 130

18 Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection.

19 And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come.

I really like this one because it tells us that we should seek knowledge and understanding in this life, because it will follow us in the world to come. Always seek learning. 

I hope all of you are doing well. Jesus loves you! 

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Hey Yall! 

Apologies for my absence of a letter last week. I got preoccupied with painting a hotwheels car in the evening and forgot to write. 

To give a brief synopsis of the week before. 

-We put a friend on date for baptism!

-Walked alot

-Made cookies

-watched a bit of the Spain V France soccer (footi) game for youth night

-scared some chavs on dirt bikes. (Popped out of a bush)

-we’re getting ghosted by all our friends 🙁

-decided to hop on the prisoner diet. (I dont wanna be fat.)

This week

Had more great lessons with our friend on date for baptism. 

Did some fun service for a member right down our street. (I got to use a jigsaw to cut up pallets for firewood) 

Had flat inspections, passed with flying colours. The senior missionary couples have a competition for who has the cleanest flat, gets a box of gihradellis brownie mix from Costco. So you already know our beds were dress right dress with them hospital corners 😉 

Had a good long talk with my comp about the situation with his girlfriend. I won’t tell, it is his agency if he wishes. Got some stuff figured out and baselines set haha. 

Gave a blessing to a lady in a hotel room. That was new haha

Had some fire meals, 2 cans tuna, 200 grams cottage cheese, and 50 grams rice. With mustard and hot sauce. Banger, and I know bangerz

Sisters made blondie brownies on sunday. Fireee 

On P-day we went to X-Scape. It’s like a mall/activity centre. There is like bowling, Lazer tag, rock climbing, mini golf, trampoline park, etc. We ended up doing lazer tag. It was fun, got to demolish some little kids. 

Worked on some more hotwheels for my friends back home. I build and paint them too look like the derby cars they built and drove. 

A member in my ward is going to Utah for vacation, so I will send some that I have finished with them. 

Other than that, things have been great. Doctrine and Covenants is very cool. Here are a couple good ones I have read recently

Doctrine and Covenants 122:9

Therefore, hold on thy way, and the priesthood shall remain with thee; for their bounds are set, they cannot pass. Thy days are known, and thy years shall not be numbered less; therefore, fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever.

Doctrine and Covenants 123:17

Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed.

I am now reading section 128. I need to read through it again. It is full of amazing deep doctrine. 

I love you all! Keep being good people. Don’t let anybody bring you down. God is good, the Gospel is true!

-Elder Burger (Berky)

Sorry for no week 14. I accidentally sent it without writing. 

Has zone conference this week. I played the flute for a musical number. Come come ye Saints. I flubbed a note. Embarrassing, but such is life. 

Have been averaging 22,000 steps a day for the past two weeks. Roughly 10 miles a day. Had some good lessons, spoke with some crackheads. Did alot of service this week too. Stained a deck, peeled wallpaper from a room. Had some goated meal appointments with the members as well.

Shoutouts:

Ruth and Jose Chiza – made us BBQ on Sunday. Pork belly, burgers, sausages, prawns, chicken legs. They are amazing people

Sam and Jeradine Frost, made cookies and a good meal after our service at their place

Mike Peel- for picking up one of our friends for church. 

Pontefract Sisters – for learning a musical number in 2 days for zone conference

Heron foods – cheap drinks 😉

Oh yea zone conference was great, talked about member relations and PMG.

I have still been working my way through Doctrine and Covenants, not done yet. But there are some banger chapters I have gone through. 

Doctrine and Covenants 88

Amazing chapter. Lots of doctrine within

Verse 40:  “For intelligence cleaveth unto intelligence; wisdom receiveth wisdom; truth embraceth truth; virtue loveth virtue; light cleaveth unto light; mercy hath compassion on mercy and claimeth her own; justice continueth its course and claimeth its own; judgment goeth before the face of him who sitteth upon the throne and governeth and executeth all things.”

This one is cool because it also tells why many Latter-Day Saints are encouraged to pursue education and learning. Because the secrets of the universe and Gods. And he has laid them out for us to uncover, and discover the wonder of his creation. 

I love you all! And remember to pray! God hears and sees every one of you.

Elder Berky

Hey yall! Transfer week was amazing

Said goodbye to Elder Olds, 🙁   so bittersweet.

Elder Koceja is amazing, he plays guitar as well, and is very good. From Mesa, Arizona. Very fit and “locked in” (except for P-day lol) He loves sweets, within moderation haha. 

The first day, of new companion, we did some service for a new member. who had a very overgrown backyard. like 3 feet tall grass, it was so fun to mow haha. Actually found 2 bumblebee nests inside the grass, so we had to leave a patch undisturbed. The next day we also did more service, for a member who has been going through some things, but he is cool. painted a patch of his fence, it was very warm. Found a cool guy from Zimbabwe in town centre who was very cool. Did mucho walking for the next couple days. The most we did was 30,500 steps (14.4 miles) on the hottest day of the week. 94 degress in freedom units, with like 40% humidity. So it wasn’t as bad as it could have been. But I did get a little well done. The collared shirt tan line goes crazy. 

It is getting late, I love you all! Excited for this next transfer. Pray for rain in Utah!

Regards, 

Elder Berky