Hello everyone! Let me tell you about my week...
I've been transferred! I'm now in CHARLOTTETOWN Prince Edward Island!!! (Yes, this get's THREE exclamation points; It's amazing here). As a side note... this is the home of "Anne of Green Gables". Mom, you would love it!
We had a huge, I mean HUGE transfer week! It's been the BIGGEST of my mission so far! Elder Hansen (my last companion) and I made all the plans and worked to get everyone where they needed to be!! It's was long! I was supposed to leave (to head to Charlottetown) on Thursday, but ended up driving to Moncton and back, then spent about two hours packing (yes, I waited until the last minute, I was to busy!). Next, we went to the mission president's house where I created a movie(this is a little fun thing we are doing in the mission). This took a lot longer then I thought it would which resulted in us spending another night in Halifax!!
Now here's where you can get out a map!
Saturday morning we wanted to make it to Charlottetown before conference started, but we had some places to stop first.
Our first stop was Truro (I had to visit my good buddy elder McNabb/give him the underwear he loaned me). Next we stopped in Amherst. Next was Memramcook (which is half way between Amherst and Moncton.
Next, was Summerside Prince Edward Island where we arrived in time to grab a bite to eat and watch the first General Conference Session. Then in between sessions we traveled to Charlottetown.
I enjoyed watching Conference today! Oh man, wasn't the priesthood session amazing!
Today (Monday) I get to go to Amherst where I will meet some sisters who have a laptop for me. I have to recreate the movie I made(It got deleted.UGH!! but I'll get it done!
That's a wrap for me. I Love you and want to know how you all are doing.
Love, Elder Nathan Craig
Monday, April 4, 2016
Monday, November 23, 2015
We Didn't Lose Faith
Wow! These past several weeks have been awesome, especially this last week and a half!! It's so good to hear from each of you!
So this last week the "new missionaries" got in at the beginning of the week, so we did orientation with them and took them out street contacting to show them what that's all about. We had three sisters and an elder from Belgium. We also had a missionary who went home early from his mission about a year ago(he was in the Vancouver mission), but was re-assigned to our mission. It's cool that he's back out! They are all unique. It's cool to see the new missionaries commitment.
Well, anytime there's new missionaries we have TRANSFERS! Those took on a whole new meaning this time. Elder Funa and I get the opportunity to arrange the travel plans for each missionary who are effected by transfers! We have 51 companionships in our mission and this transfer 39 of the 51 were affected by the transfer!! Whoop whoop. It was fun and took a lot of thought, but elder Funa and I got her done!
We also had to shuffle some beds and stuff, so we got to do a lot of driving. Although not considered traditional missionary work, it's so cool to see the beauty of the maritimes!
We had a great lesson with a man from China and he's been meeting with the missionaries for the past several months, but he hasn't really progressed much. We were planning on dropping him, but we didn't lose faith. We brought Ryan (one of the members here from China) with us. Ryan almost word for word said what we've said in our past three lesson, but finally the spirit spoke to this man we are teaching from China and he said, (think of a little Chinese accent) "So elders... I think that in order to know if these things are true and if the scripts(he means scriptures) are true I need to pray every day and read them". We pause and were like... Wow! That's a really good idea! Can we commit you to do that? He said, "Yes! I will do this." It's was sweet!! The Spirit spoke to him, he heard it, acted on it, and doesn't realize it yet! And we have been following up with him and he is still going strong!!!
So the past 2 days it's been super warm(44+) and rainy, I like it a lot!! Except we were in a parade (the light parade in Halifax) the other night and it poured the whole time. Cool to say I've done it, but don't think I would do it again..;) Well, The temperature will be rapidly declining pretty quick! Also, we got a little bit of snow last week!!:)
Love, Elder Nathan Craig
So this last week the "new missionaries" got in at the beginning of the week, so we did orientation with them and took them out street contacting to show them what that's all about. We had three sisters and an elder from Belgium. We also had a missionary who went home early from his mission about a year ago(he was in the Vancouver mission), but was re-assigned to our mission. It's cool that he's back out! They are all unique. It's cool to see the new missionaries commitment.
Well, anytime there's new missionaries we have TRANSFERS! Those took on a whole new meaning this time. Elder Funa and I get the opportunity to arrange the travel plans for each missionary who are effected by transfers! We have 51 companionships in our mission and this transfer 39 of the 51 were affected by the transfer!! Whoop whoop. It was fun and took a lot of thought, but elder Funa and I got her done!
We also had to shuffle some beds and stuff, so we got to do a lot of driving. Although not considered traditional missionary work, it's so cool to see the beauty of the maritimes!
We had a great lesson with a man from China and he's been meeting with the missionaries for the past several months, but he hasn't really progressed much. We were planning on dropping him, but we didn't lose faith. We brought Ryan (one of the members here from China) with us. Ryan almost word for word said what we've said in our past three lesson, but finally the spirit spoke to this man we are teaching from China and he said, (think of a little Chinese accent) "So elders... I think that in order to know if these things are true and if the scripts(he means scriptures) are true I need to pray every day and read them". We pause and were like... Wow! That's a really good idea! Can we commit you to do that? He said, "Yes! I will do this." It's was sweet!! The Spirit spoke to him, he heard it, acted on it, and doesn't realize it yet! And we have been following up with him and he is still going strong!!!
So the past 2 days it's been super warm(44+) and rainy, I like it a lot!! Except we were in a parade (the light parade in Halifax) the other night and it poured the whole time. Cool to say I've done it, but don't think I would do it again..;) Well, The temperature will be rapidly declining pretty quick! Also, we got a little bit of snow last week!!:)
Love, Elder Nathan Craig
Monday, November 9, 2015
Crazy Busy Week
I literally have a few minutes to be on, so I want to make sure my favorite people know that I love 'em!
This past week was crazy... I mean crazy! There a couple missionaries that are just losing it! Haha it's kind of funny, but I shouldn't laugh! Like one got in a fight with an old lady... This elder verbally fought an old lady and has been tearing members in his area down!! It ain't good! We are working with a couple other additional situations as well.
We are also preparing for zone conference and doing a lot of traveling! I mentioned last week that I was going back to Woodstock... I made it there and it was awesome! Just to break it down:
First, I went from Halifax Nova Scotia to Fredericton New Brunswick ( get a map;) Second, I went from Fredericton to Woodstock. Third, I went from Woodstock to Caribou ME. Fourth, I went back to Woodstock worked with a few people from the past, then booked it to Fredericton where I met back up with my companion( I was with one of the Zoneleaders) then by this time it was about 8:00 at night then we drove from Fredericton to Prince Edward Island (which is magnificent by far best place I've been). We got there late! Then we did some work with the senior couples, then we drove back to Halifax... It was long! Then when we got back to Halifax we had lesson after lesson(it was awesome!!) then we had the crazy missionaries do their craziness while the mission president and his wife were traveling.... And this next week is going to be a tad bit similar! I love it keeps me on my toes!!
Those photos are all from Prince Edward Island! If you don't mind sharing them with g-ma and pops that would be awesome!!!
Love, Elder Nathan Craig
This past week was crazy... I mean crazy! There a couple missionaries that are just losing it! Haha it's kind of funny, but I shouldn't laugh! Like one got in a fight with an old lady... This elder verbally fought an old lady and has been tearing members in his area down!! It ain't good! We are working with a couple other additional situations as well.
We are also preparing for zone conference and doing a lot of traveling! I mentioned last week that I was going back to Woodstock... I made it there and it was awesome! Just to break it down:
First, I went from Halifax Nova Scotia to Fredericton New Brunswick ( get a map;) Second, I went from Fredericton to Woodstock. Third, I went from Woodstock to Caribou ME. Fourth, I went back to Woodstock worked with a few people from the past, then booked it to Fredericton where I met back up with my companion( I was with one of the Zoneleaders) then by this time it was about 8:00 at night then we drove from Fredericton to Prince Edward Island (which is magnificent by far best place I've been). We got there late! Then we did some work with the senior couples, then we drove back to Halifax... It was long! Then when we got back to Halifax we had lesson after lesson(it was awesome!!) then we had the crazy missionaries do their craziness while the mission president and his wife were traveling.... And this next week is going to be a tad bit similar! I love it keeps me on my toes!!
Those photos are all from Prince Edward Island! If you don't mind sharing them with g-ma and pops that would be awesome!!!
Love, Elder Nathan Craig
Monday, October 26, 2015
My favorite thing to do
This week was a good one! It slowed down a bit. We do a lot of street contacting which has to be one of my favorite things to do! We did some service for the blood drive where we street contacted people to sign them up to donate. Me and Elder Funa had a little competition. I got a few more, but it had me realize that a could be a lot more effective when contacting for the church.
We started off pretty slow, but towards the end of the week we taught a good group of lessons and some less actives; It was fun! I love working with the Mission President. It enjoyable to be at the top in a way and see how he and we can work/ the mission!
Funny story: On our way into the library this morning this guy stops us and says..."Have you read the Book of Mormon?" We said, "Yes." He starts telling us about how he studies the stuff to try and figure out why the world is messed up. He wasn't making sense, so i say... " It was nice to talk to you (trying to wrap things up)." He looks at me and says... "It was nice talking to you, even though you don't know anything!" Then walks away. I laughed ...
Well that was a quick update, but I gotta run!
Love,
Elder Nathan Craig
Monday, July 13, 2015
No Regrets
It's my last p-day in Amherst, Canada. After being here 4.5 months, I'm getting transferred. Am I upset about leaving Amherst? Yes and No! Yes, because we are working with a lot of GREAT people right now; members and investigators. It's just been fun serving the people in this area and in the branch. I've really enjoyed it! As I reflect on my time here it's humbling. I'm going to miss the people. It's pretty interesting. You just give, give, give, give and then all of the sudden everything is put into perspective as you realize it's time to move on.
I have absolutely no regrets about my time here. I gave everything I had. Prior to us coming here, there hadn't been missionaries here for a year. We pretty much opened up this place. It was a good experience. It was quite an experience serving in the Branch Presidency (second counselor). When I get home I'll share some cool experiences about that.
I'm going to take Dad's advice and take video of some of the members and investigators. I've built solid relationships with some of these people and I want to always remember them and stay in contact with them throughout my life.
Dawson and Wesley, The key to a happy mission is to do EVERYTHING you can to serve everyone around you. Yeah... Well... I'm fighting the gates (tears) don't want to let the flood out, so I'll stop there, but I'm really gonna miss the people of Amherst. I feel very blessed to be an instrument in our Heavenly Father's hands.
There is so much that I wanted to do and see before leaving Amherst. I never got to it, so I'll be cramming about 90% of all that I wanted to see and do in ONE p-day. If you look at a map of Amherst and look to the furthest southern point there is a place called Advocate Harbour. One of the things that I really wanted to do was go there and stand on the top of the point which I did (picture below). That was a neat experience. We attempted to visit a member while going on this little trip, but unfortunately they weren't home. We (Elder Woodbury, myself, and Brother Henley) also visited five islands. These five islands are in the Bay of Fundy. Also, we visited this place known for their cheese. It was really good!
I'm excited for what lies ahead. I'm headed to Kentville Nova Scotia. It's one of the bigger areas in the mission. It's a ward! That's exciting! My companion's name will be Elder McNabb from Calgary. I've heard that he's a good missionary and that we came out at the same time. I will have the opportunity to serve as a Zone Leader in this new area. I will continue to do as my Dad has always taught me and that is to CREATE POWERFULLY in all that I do and say.
I'll keep you in the loop on the new area. Talk to you next Monday. Signing off!
Love,
Elder Craig
I have absolutely no regrets about my time here. I gave everything I had. Prior to us coming here, there hadn't been missionaries here for a year. We pretty much opened up this place. It was a good experience. It was quite an experience serving in the Branch Presidency (second counselor). When I get home I'll share some cool experiences about that.
I'm going to take Dad's advice and take video of some of the members and investigators. I've built solid relationships with some of these people and I want to always remember them and stay in contact with them throughout my life.
Dawson and Wesley, The key to a happy mission is to do EVERYTHING you can to serve everyone around you. Yeah... Well... I'm fighting the gates (tears) don't want to let the flood out, so I'll stop there, but I'm really gonna miss the people of Amherst. I feel very blessed to be an instrument in our Heavenly Father's hands.
There is so much that I wanted to do and see before leaving Amherst. I never got to it, so I'll be cramming about 90% of all that I wanted to see and do in ONE p-day. If you look at a map of Amherst and look to the furthest southern point there is a place called Advocate Harbour. One of the things that I really wanted to do was go there and stand on the top of the point which I did (picture below). That was a neat experience. We attempted to visit a member while going on this little trip, but unfortunately they weren't home. We (Elder Woodbury, myself, and Brother Henley) also visited five islands. These five islands are in the Bay of Fundy. Also, we visited this place known for their cheese. It was really good!
I'm excited for what lies ahead. I'm headed to Kentville Nova Scotia. It's one of the bigger areas in the mission. It's a ward! That's exciting! My companion's name will be Elder McNabb from Calgary. I've heard that he's a good missionary and that we came out at the same time. I will have the opportunity to serve as a Zone Leader in this new area. I will continue to do as my Dad has always taught me and that is to CREATE POWERFULLY in all that I do and say.
I'll keep you in the loop on the new area. Talk to you next Monday. Signing off!
Love,
Elder Craig
Monday, June 29, 2015
One to be Looked up to.
I have mixed emotions about Wesley leaving on his mission. It's awesome, but...I won't see him for three years. I didn't think I would feel the way I do about Wes going. I haven't seen him for months and it feels like part of me just disappeared...like...poof! I'm so pumped for him though! He is going to destroy it! He is such a stud and one to be looked up to! ;)
Family, I've said a special prayer for each one of you as I know this is a tender time. Dad and Mom...just think of the life you have and the way you are affecting others through your righteous examples. Let me know Wesley's "Dear Elder" info asap. You guys are amazing! Oh and mom, get some sleep!
I was excited to get a visit this week from Tyler. He was a missionary that served in my mission and recently returned home from his mission in March. This past week he made a drive through the mission, making a special stop in Amherst to see me. It was great to catch up! He is an amazing person who has done so much for me. He will be an eternal friend!
Have a great week everyone!
Love,
Elder Craig (the other one) ;)
My mission president and his wife will be leaving the mission. This is what president Leavitt sent to us this morning thought I would share:)
President Leavitt's final weekly letter...June 29, 2015
Dear Elders and Sisters,
After the Saviors resurrection he appeared to 8 of his apostles on the shores of the sea of Tiberius. The apostles were out casting their nets and fishing. When they saw him and came ashore he fed them fish and bread. After they had eaten the Savior has that well know interchange with Peter where he asked Peter if he loved him. The actual question he asked was whether Peter loved him < "more than these".
The "these" that he was referring to was the fish. I think that the fish represented the world, or represented what Peter used to do and used to be. I think the savior was asking Peter if he was just going to go back and do what he had always done. Was he, after all that he had seen and experienced, just going to go back and be a fisherman.
Peter after being asked and answering three times that he really did love the Savior, "more than these" was counseled to feed the sheep.
I think the significance of this interchange was that the Saviour was telling Peter he could not go back to what he was. He had been called and was now the chief apostle, the kingdom of God now rested upon his shoulders. He could not just go back and be what he was before he met the savior. Before he saw the miracles, before the mount of transfiguration, before the garden and before the cross. From that moment on Peter became the great apostle.
As I look at the facebook pages of our return missionaries I see so many of them moving forward in a positive direction. They serve in the temple, they are getting married, getting an education and starting families. I am thrilled for them.
There are some who it would appear are much like Peter, in that they have figuratively gone fishing. They have sort of gone back to where they were before their missions. The Elders grow beards, buy a motorcycle and hang out with friends.
Alma ask the question. "if you have sung the song of redeeming love can you do so now?. He, in the same way is asking if you have felt of God's love and it has changed your heart, is it still changed?....or have you gone fishing.
As Sister Leavitt and I leave our mission, I make this commitment to you that we will not go fishing. We will still be missionaries, we will still be constantly reaching out to those who need help, and we will still and always be interested in each of you.
We are family now and always will be.
We express our deepest gratitude to each of you for you kindness and love. We admire your goodness and faithfulness. We pray for your every success, now on your missions and in the future as well.
Love
President and Sister Leavitt
After the Saviors resurrection he appeared to 8 of his apostles on the shores of the sea of Tiberius. The apostles were out casting their nets and fishing. When they saw him and came ashore he fed them fish and bread. After they had eaten the Savior has that well know interchange with Peter where he asked Peter if he loved him. The actual question he asked was whether Peter loved him < "more than these".
The "these" that he was referring to was the fish. I think that the fish represented the world, or represented what Peter used to do and used to be. I think the savior was asking Peter if he was just going to go back and do what he had always done. Was he, after all that he had seen and experienced, just going to go back and be a fisherman.
Peter after being asked and answering three times that he really did love the Savior, "more than these" was counseled to feed the sheep.
I think the significance of this interchange was that the Saviour was telling Peter he could not go back to what he was. He had been called and was now the chief apostle, the kingdom of God now rested upon his shoulders. He could not just go back and be what he was before he met the savior. Before he saw the miracles, before the mount of transfiguration, before the garden and before the cross. From that moment on Peter became the great apostle.
As I look at the facebook pages of our return missionaries I see so many of them moving forward in a positive direction. They serve in the temple, they are getting married, getting an education and starting families. I am thrilled for them.
There are some who it would appear are much like Peter, in that they have figuratively gone fishing. They have sort of gone back to where they were before their missions. The Elders grow beards, buy a motorcycle and hang out with friends.
Alma ask the question. "if you have sung the song of redeeming love can you do so now?. He, in the same way is asking if you have felt of God's love and it has changed your heart, is it still changed?....or have you gone fishing.
As Sister Leavitt and I leave our mission, I make this commitment to you that we will not go fishing. We will still be missionaries, we will still be constantly reaching out to those who need help, and we will still and always be interested in each of you.
We are family now and always will be.
We express our deepest gratitude to each of you for you kindness and love. We admire your goodness and faithfulness. We pray for your every success, now on your missions and in the future as well.
Love
President and Sister Leavitt
Monday, June 8, 2015
Unification Between Members and Missionaries
Let me start off by saying my Mission President was right! Well, kind of anyway. So several months ago I was visiting with President Leavitt (Mission President) and I said something to the effect of... "Well there's no rest for the righteous" and he looked at me and said, "Elder Craig, WRONG! There ain't no rest for the wicked and the righteous don't need any!" haha Wise words from a wise man!
Well, a lot has happened this week and there is no doubt something is keeping us alive and kickin' (you know the church might be true after all... ;)! We made it to bed on time only twice last week! Each day seems to present itself with many new and exciting variables that we get to maneuver through!
There is a new sister in Amherst who created a way to do weekly planning. We sit down every Friday and plan for our upcoming week. We make **individual plans** for the people we are working with (this is called the 10 day planner). Basically its a chart with 10 days on it and you mark in how you will be spending your time. Guess what? It's even color coordinated, so you can see if you are balanced in your efforts.
Well... this little plan gave me and Elder Woodbury an idea! We jumped on google sheets and I explained to my companion an idea as to how we could expand on this idea and what we could make it look like! that's all it took and away my companion went. I know I've mentioned this in the past, but this guy is a genius on the computer. Needless to say he created a program for us and gave us exactly what we wanted! Let me just take a second and say...IT's SUPER AWESOME! Because it's on Google sheets we can share it with our WARD or BRANCH MISSION LEADER and they/he can see exactly where we stand with our key indicators and much much more! This is what I call unification between the members and the missionaries! It's awesome!
A few days ago a man went to the church (that was his second time). The first time he showed up to an empty building. The sisters called us and said, "There's a man here who knows that he should get baptized and believes this is God's only true church( I'm telling you it just makes sense;). So, like good little excited missionaries we went over to the church and gave him a tour of the building. We have begun teaching him! His name is Ken and he is great! Have I told you lately just how great missionary work is?
Love, Elder Nathan Craig
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