B Got Baptized!

Hey family! I hope you are all doing great =] I love and pray for each of you daily. Thanks for your prayers and support as well. I'm glad you got to see Elder McClatchy and the James'! How fun. I love them all.

My highlight of this week was definitely Saturday... when we got to go back to Viera for B's baptism! I was kind of worried at first because we were trying and trying and trying all week to find a ride in the ward Saturday, but nobody could tkae us. I was praying like crazy, and then Friday we found a ride with a recent convert of four years - Bro. A. It was really nice of him to take us there, and he even bought us lunch!

The baptism was just incredible. It was probably the most powerful baptism I have been to my whole mission! I loved seeing the Ss just happy as can be as we all were there with B as he was baptized. It was such a great privilege to be able to baptize him; I will never forget it. I wish I could somehow describe the special Spirit that was felt there. Bishop G is so inspired! He had B share his thoughts and feelings after the baptism and it was just powerful. Then Bishop bore his testimony. I sure love Bishop G, I told him as I was leaving (the first time) that I'm probably going to be calling him the rest of my life asking him questions about different things lol and just to keep up of course.

Elder Charbadze is great, I am enjoying being his companion! We are having fun together already. I am so thankful to be serving with him; it is neat to be serving with a convert as well as a foreigner =] We have fun. He hasn't seen his Mom in a little over 3 years because she still lives in Russia and he came to the U.S. for high school in California. He went to a private school there. His Mom was baptized about a year ago :) Can you imagine not being able to see your Mom/son for over 5 years? That's what he will have been through after the mission. He is such a great person and I love him a lot.

We got to help out with a group called "Love Orlando" this week on "Project Homeless connect." It was such a humbling experience. We went to this big church in Orlando where they had organized a big service project to help out all of the homeless people around in the area. They had free lunch, showers, haircuts, ID services, medical services, testing, job finding agencies, etc. Our part was to be their friend and show them around to all of the different things. It was a great experience, and I was able to help some wonderful people. I learned a lot from that - just about how we are all God's children. People want to be happy, and we all need God's love. It's amazing the difference that a simple smile can make.

There was one homeless couple there, and they had a newborn baby. It broke my heart to see them going through such hard times, and that pure innocent child having to go through that as well. I felt so much love for them, and just wanted to help them in any way possible. I am so thankful for the circumstances I am in, and the blessings God has given me. I also learned an important lesson about attitude... we met a man (homeless) who was just walking around complaining about the services, how things weren't good enough there, etc. We talked to him and tried to help him see the good, but he wouldn't have it. It was pretty sad, because it was plain to see that he was miserable. Attitude is so important, and I am thankful that Heavenly Father has given us our agency - to be able to choose happiness and eternal life through His Son, Jesus Christ. It's consistently making that choice to be happy and stay positive that will lead us to better places and to become better people

Hey, my current address is this:
2328 Midtown Ter. #1022
Orlando, FL 32839

I am excited to be serving here in Bumby; I love seeing growth. I guess they have been struggling a little bit, but I'm not going to focus too much on that. I will tell you one funny example though because I just started laughing when it happened. I guess in priesthood they hardly ever has a teacher.. someone always bails or doesn't show up or whatever and so they throw on a movie for the class. Well, yesterday that happened, and the teacher had us watch the Women's broadcast by Pres. Monson. It was really good, actually! The one about Believe, Obey, Endure. I just thought it was a funny choice for priesthood. Well, I love you all so much! Thanks for everything =]

love, Elder Beckett

Elder Beckett and Elder Charbadze
B's Baptism!
Sister Allen (from Grantsville!) and her companion, Elder Beckett and Elder Call

Wasn't. That. Great? =]

I am so thankful for Apostles and Prophets on the earth today! Wow, I sure have taken that for granted in the past. Repentance is a wonderful thing. It has been quite an interesting week, lots of ups and downs and all arounds! Really only two downs I can think of. The rest were all ups :) I am loving my time here in Bumby!

First of all, I have a question - do you know the word copesthetic? At least that's how it sounds like it is pronounced. I am wondering what that word is.. I know it means something like great, good, cool, etc. There was this 7 year old in Viera who had the same birthday as me, and we had dinner at his house once. Well, his grandma had taught him that word apparently and he said the opening prayer for dinner. He used it twice in the opening prayer ha ha - "We are thankful it has been such a copesthetic day.." Elder Call and I enjoyed that.

I saw Elder Tommy Eichelberger from the Lake Reams ward in there! Good to see him. I was laughing so hard when they showed Elder Archuleta! I could just see Mindy and Allie screaming out excitedly. That was really cool to see him though! Plus it was smart they did it at the very end so all the girls weren't distracted for the rest of conference thinking about him. The Church IS true. I am very happy for him that he is serving a mission. I can't believe that they let him be in the missionary choir after only being there for 3 days... like that's even enough time to practice. ;)
We got to go to the temple this week with our Ward Mission Leader! It was a great experience. They don't let missionaries here go to the temple anymore, unless a convert is going through, so it was like a super exception because our WML asked President Hall. I love the temple, and learned some important things.
Ok, so I know this is random, but I'm going to share the gems I caught from General Conference. Sorry, there are a few I just have to share:

-The most important calling you will have is as a husband, wife, and parent. These callings will never leave you. That applies as a missionary companionship too - regardless of your calling as a District Leader, Zone Leader, Assistant, or even in your relationship with your investigators, your loyalty is first to the Lord, then your Mission President, then your Companion. I am so thankful for Elder Charbadze, and I hope to be as best of a companion as I can be.
-We need to not only teach our children the doctrine, but teach them to understand the doctrine. It needs to become a part of their very beings that reflects in their actions and attitude throughout their lives.
-Mission experiences are a template for how we will serve the rest of our lives.
-"A religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has the power of faith sufficient to produce salvation." Something like that :P
- Am I being regularly changed by the ordinance of the Sacrament?
-What we are speaks so loudly that others may not hear what we are trying to say.
-Active study of the scriptures is a clear dividing line between those who hear the music of faith, and those who are tone-deaf.
-We can strengthen our relationships with those on the other side of the veil through righteous actions.
-A good sense of humor aids revelation
-Exercise, rest, and proper nutrition improve our spiritual senses
-Dreams can be a form of revelation, record them
-Our Heavenly Father did not put us on earth to fail, but to succeed gloriously!
-Communication with our Father in Heaven is not a trivial matter; it is a sacred privilege.
-The Priesthood is inherently active, not passive! To break the Oath & Covenant, one only needs to do nothing.
-"Just google it... be careful..." ha ha :)
-The what informs, but the why transforms
-Sometimes we must step with faith into the dark, knowing and trusting that the Lord will place solid ground beneath our feet.
-Inspired leaders help others see the why of the gospel. Then we roll up our sleeves and go to work!
-The value of an idea lies in the using of it
-The moment we judge another, we condemn ourselves
-Our degree of gratitude is a measure of our love for God
-"Could an explosion in a printing shop create a dictionary?"
-To return to God, through the gateway we call death, is a joy for those that love God
-The attributes by which we shall be judged one day are all spiritual
-If you come upon a person drowning, would you ask if they need help or just jump in and help?
-"Translate that!"
-In this fast-paced life, do we ever pause for moments of meditation?
-Values & Strong Families --------> Prosperity & Education
-The Church is the scaffolding with which we build eternal families
-Our missionary experiences have to be current
-We need to be seeking and recording sacred communication from Heavenly Father daily.
-"What thinks Christ of me?"
"I invoke the blessings upon each of you..."

I am so thankful for the things I heard and felt during General Conference. It has changed my mission, and it has changed my life. I know that we have a Heavenly Father who cares about us and blesses us to be where we are so that we can learn, grow, and progress. We are in the middle of His great plan for all of us, and he has foreordained us to succeed gloriously! There is no need to fear or hesitate because we are truly the offspring of God. Although we don't know how things will always work out, He does. His promises are sure as we obey His words and just do our best. Jesus Christ is the Savior of mankind, and it is only through Him that we can be forgiven of our sins, reach our full potential, and obtain exaltation. He has sent the Comforter to heal and purify us through obedience. I am so thankful for the guidance that our loving Father and His Son have given to all of us this past weekend, and I hope we can all continue to study and treasure up those words. 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! We are blessed with the Priesthood and the Gift of the Holy Ghost. Let us use these gifts to bless all around us :)
We have been seeing some incredible miracles and have some great people we are working with! The Lord has prepared many people in this area to accept the restored gospel. The work moves forward. Thank you for your support and prayers, I feel their power and influence! I love you all!
love, Elder Beckett
p.s. We had a new lady move into our ward, and we went and met her. It was Pat McMullen, one of Elder McClatchy's converts from Poinciana! How cool :) She loves him.

My final area is...

Bumby! Aaah! I am being transferred. Wowza ha ha, didn't see that one coming. I am sad to leave Viera; I was only here for 2 transfers :( I have prayed about transfers, and I know that President was inspired. SO I am actually really excited to go to Bumby. Here's what I know about Bumby - it's somewhat ghetto I guess you could say? Thug story. Like T- Swizzle! Ha, I wish. I will be a district leader there and be in a car-share! My companion will be Elder Charbadze from Russia! He is a great missionary, and I was his zone leader in O-South. President said the ward has been struggling with some things and he told me to "go work your magic!" I think he means the Lord's magic ;) I hope to be a profitable servant and give it my all until my dying day! There's actually nothing more fun than going to a struggling area/district and trying to help them out. It will be a lot of fun. I think I will learn to improve my prayers some more! It is kind of weird to be going back to being a district leader; I'll have to get back into the swing of things. President always says, "I'm promotoning you to be a district leader!" when he sends his zone leaders to be district leaders. That's usually what he seems to do when you have a couple tr

ansfers left.

I am sad to be leaving Elder Call :( He is so funny and such a great missionary! I have really learned a lot from him. I know he will continue to lead the zone onward and upward with the Lord's help! Sister Allen got transferred out of the ward too; she is going to Buena Vista, which is the YSA ward that shares a building with Lake Reams! She will love it there =] How funny is that - they have both of us speak, and then the next week we get transferred out.

Thank you so much for the birthday notes and treats(both G-ville Becketts, Mindy, and all the others)! That was so fun to get. I will be set on candy the rest of the mission =] I loved just hearing how all of you are doing, and those tapes I recently received were just great. What a blessing to know the Lord is w

atching over our family. I sure love you all =] Thanks Mindy for those nice little specific things; it was fun to reminisce (sp?) on some of those times! Good times for sure. I loved hearing from Justin and your friends too!

I had a great birthday, you'll never guess what happened. Basically the Lord threw me a way cool birthday party, and there were friends from Viera and Lake Reams that came! Although not all of them knew it was my birthday - which is just fine; I'd rather have it that way because it's not about me. Ok, but what happened was Friday at Deseret Ranch was the church rodeo! They have it each year, and long story short we got to go =] President only selected a couple of areas. And there were tons of people from Lake Reams! The As, Ss, Gs, Js, and more. It was a treat for sure! Sister A was so nice, she said she wanted to get in contact with you Mom and tell you that I did a good job serving there. I forgot to give her your email though, sorry :s It was amazing at the rodeo; we got to sit in between a part-member family we have been working with (remind me to tell you the berrybella story after the mission, just use that keyword) and Burton! Get ready for a miracle story/news.

First off, B is scheduled to be baptized this Saturday, the 24th, and has asked that I baptize him! I am so honored. I love their family soooo much. We have been working with him, and he has been struggling with some word of wisdom problems. Well, last night we had a great lesson with them. We made it clear to him that with his baptism on Saturday, he can't afford to mess up this week, or it will have to be pushed back. We asked him to give the closing prayer and ask for Heavenly Father's help. He did, and it was such a wonderful prayer. He was so sincere, and just plead with the Lord for help and told Him he wanted to draw nearer to Him. Well, after the prayer (B had made it clear before that he was going to smoke one more that night, and then the next day he was done), I felt strongly that I needed to invite B to not even smoke that last one. I told him that Satan will just continue lying to him, continually dragging it out and telling him he can just have one more - right up to his baptism day. I looked him in the eye, and with all the love and courage and strength I could have I invited him to get them now and give them up. I wanted to see him get rid of them before we left! However, I was riding a fine line and the Holy Ghost helped me realize that at the same time I need to respect his agency - this was his choice aft

er all. He looked down and said he'd stop tomorrow. We hugged him, encouraged him, and promised him he could do it with the Lord's help. The Atonement is real. We left, and I just had a prayer in my heart for him because I was really starting to worry and wonder if he was truly repentant when it came to the Word of Wisdom. I know he wants to be baptized, this man has gone from being atheist to believing in G

od and attending church each week.

Well, as we are pulling in to our apartment complex, we get a call from K (his wife). She happily tells us that after we left, B was kind of thinking about the visit. He said, "You know, Elder Beckett was right. I just need to give them up now." He went and got his cigarettes and gave them to his family and told them to get rid of them! YES! It was such a miracle.

I know that God is real and loves His children! This is the best work ever =] I love you all so much and pray for you daily! Please pray for the people of Bumby (especially the ward leaders) to be ready for the gospel and to continue to progress! Thanks =] Have a great week!

love, Elder Andrew Beckett

p.s. I am sending some of my stuff home today, you should get another package.

p.p.s. Dad, Mosquito abatement with Mind sounds great, trek

sounds great, reunion sounds great, and campout sounds g

reat! I am fine with whatever =] I just want to be with you guys. Love ya!

"Tell Elder McClatchy I love him!"

Wow, and wow! Wow. O.o

Hey! I love you! That was some big news this week. I am so thankful to know that you are ok and things are fine. Heavenly Father sure loves us a lot! I am thankful He has shown and continues to show that love through other people around us. I am amazed at the outreach and support for our family.

I'll admit I was completely taken off-guard with that one! Thank you for loving me enough to wait to tell me, that probably was for the best. Although I wish I could've been praying with you through that whole time! I always pray for you, but I know my prayers would've been a little more in-depth and fervent with specifics. Now I have just been thanking Heavenly Father so much for the blessings He has given me. I'm so glad everyone is ok. Please don't spend any more money on me the rest of my mission! I am doing just fine :) You don't need to send me letters or anything; email is great. I will be happy no matter what =]

Leadership Training was this week, I learned so much! That is most likely the last time I will see Elder McClatchy until this summer. How weird... we got some good pictures together. He wrote me a really nice note, just when I needed it. He has been such a great example and friend to me, and a strength to be serving together in the mission! I love him. For the trainings they assigned at the training each zone a specific topic, and then we had an hour and a half to prepare an hour long training. It was awesome! I was pretty stressed at first, but as we prayed the Lord brought it all together right at the end. I think it's interesting just how much the Lord lets us struggle and feel stress and sweat and work hard before he gives us the solutions to things. Apparently it is really good for us and helps us grow and progress =] I think I have learned to not stress so much about things.

Guess what... so the training was from Wed-Thu in Orlando, and so for the outer zones like us we stay over somewhere. Well, the Lord in His goodness let me switch up some things and I ended up being able to go to... LAKE REAMS! WOOT! Oh my goodness, it was sooooo good. I got to go see the R family! Aaaah! It was the best. And they didn't know I was coming =] It was so much fun. I was on exchanges with Elder Mullen for the night, and it was just like old times! We had fun. I also got to see J, who I will see at BYU too (guess what, he's rooming with Elder Grimm, who replaced me in Lake Reams)! J is doing great, and has been called as a ward missionary. And then I got to stop by the W, but Bro W wasn't home. I got to see Sister W and their cute new baby Allie though! And Bro W's parents were there from Arcadia, CA (I think..). They know the Hansens in our ward! Small world.

Know that I love you all so much! Things are going great here; don't worry the least about me. Have a great week and keep doing the Lord's work! I know that He places us where we are for a purpose - to bless the lives of those around us. In the process we are blessed. We are here, after all, to BLESS, not IMPRESS. Catchy, eh? ;) Have a great week!

love,

Elder Beckett

p.s. sorry it's short, I'll fill you in on more details about the area next week. Love ya!

Didn't see the Phelps' ha ha

Hey fam! Nope, didn't see the Phelps' on their honeymoon here. That's ok though, that probably would've been weird. IF you're wondering if the worker guy said the exact same thing again today about "Another day, another nickle!" He did. I'm going to see if he does for the rest of my time here. Every week. Which could be until June ha ha. Maybe he'll catch on, or maybe next week I'll just be like, "Look Mister, there's more to life then nickles. Let us teach you about the restored gospel!" We'll see.

We were blessed to see some miracles here in the Viera ward. I will tell you of one, a miracle for the ward, that happened yesterday in fast and testimony meeting. Well, it was a good meeting, and things were going well. The Spirit was there as the testimonies were being borne. Sister Allen got up to bear her testimony, and did a wonderful job. Soon after her, one of her & Sister Me's investigators, M, got walked up and sat on the stand. I didn't know what to think at first, and kind of shifted in my seat - anticipating what would be said. M was in shorts and a T-shirt, and hadn't shaven for a day or two. He stood up and began to testify of the Spirit that he was feeling in that meeting. He told how he had met the Sisters a few weeks back, and at first didn't think much of it. He then started to listen to what they were teaching someone he was acquainted with, and got pulled right in. His last parent on the earth had just passed away about a month before, and he said that he had always felt his main purpose was to take care of them. Now that they were gone, he didn't know what to do. He wondered why he was still here on earth, and would often wake up angry at God for allowing him to still be here. M was born into a Jewish family, but wasn't too involved with that growing up. As

he grew up, he would go from church to church and ask questions, but felt somewhat discouraged as others would tend to criticize his thinking. Well, as he met with the Sisters they taught him things that he already believed! He knew it was true. M held up the Book of Mormon in front of everyone and said, "This is the key. This is what they have given me, and I am reading it. I am learning so much, and I know that this will continue to teach me truth about who I am and why I am here." Everyone was glued! It was one of the most powerful testimonies I have heard my whole life. I got a tear in my eye as the Spirit testified to me that that is why I am here. There are people out there searching for the fulness of the gospel, and they are only kept from it because they don't know where to find it. How important that we pray and then do all we can each day to find these people! It

was an absolute miracle, and there couldn't have been a better way for the members to catch the spirit of the work of the Master. Member after member after member came up to Marc after the meeting and thanked him for his testimony. Both him and his acquaintance will be coming back to church again next week!

We've been blessed to be able to teach the people we have been working with (B, S, D), but we need some more people to teach. We have been working with the members lately, and things are really getting rolling. After Marc's testimony, things should get going here :) I'm loving life! Elder Call is great. He has an awesome memory and is always telling me funny stories from his mission so far. He is a great Elder, and I'm thankful to be able to teach with him. We had ZLC this past week and I got to see Elder McClatchy again, but thankfully not for the last time on the mission. This week is leadership training, and I'll get to see him there. But then he's gone... :'( MAn that's so weird! He is such a great missionary! He is always so humble and brings the Spirit right into the meetings. Him and Elder Schmutz seem to be doing great together.

Well, I'm going to send some pics. Love ya!

-Elder Andrew Beckett

How to make a Hill Cumorah Cake!

1. Bake a Cake and cut out a square in the middle.2. Outline the square hole with chocolate bars.

3. Put a baby Book of Mormon in it with scriptures written inside! Cover up hole with the other part of the chocolate bar and frost it. HOW CUTE!

Elder McClatchy and Elder Beckett

"Another day, another nickel"

Hey family! It's been another awesome week in Viera! But, if you haven't noticed, every week is awesome here. Nothing that I can think of that was super crazy or unusual happened this week. Just another great week :) OH! Actually guess what? Today is day 9 of B being a non-smoker! He hasn't slipped up once yet. Please continue to pray for him; he is doing great. Elder Call is doing great, he is so funny. We have a lot of fun together doing the Lord's work. Of course, you have to find the balance, and always be dignified, but it is still fun. There is nothing that brings more joy or satisfaction.

Hey Mom, in response to your email don't worry about anything for my birthday. My needs are all provided for! I am very blessed. Maybe you guys could just pray for me =] That would be great. Pray that we will be able to find new investigators who are prepared for baptism - through the members! Thanks. Oh yeah, if you are wondering what the subject line is about... let me tell you.

I was sitting here on the computer thinking about what I could title this email (I try to come up with something different than just the same ol' thing week after week), and then one of the workers for Polo-Glen apartments walks in. He has glasses, and a pony tail, and wears short shorts. Well, I asked how things are going and he said, "Another day, another nickel." At first I was thinking to myself, "Huh, that's what he's said for about the last 4 weeks in a row when I ask him that question." And then I was realizing just how important it is to make each day a great day =] The gospel really gives us an eternal perspective; we aren't just here to go through the day-to-day routine and then die. Thank goodness, that would be boring. One thing I have been trying to do is listen to the Holy Ghost better, and take time to think and ponder throughout the day. Sometimes I feel so scatterbrained that I feel like it downs my effectiveness in different things. Writing in my journal has helped me clear my mind and focus better, and that way I have less stress and can instead focus on listening to the Spirit. I am also going to start carrying a little pocket notebook with me to jot down little thoughts or things I want to write in my journal entry.

Well, we are working hard, being obedient, and enjoying life! A mission is a great experience... you get to see everything and learn a lot. Except sometimes you don' t want to see everything, but at least you learn from it! It's just the small day-to-day things that you make an effort at that in the long run add up to being great things. I love you all!

I know that God is our Eternal Father, and that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to atone for our sins. He set the perfect example and lived a sinless life. He can heal us if we come to Him. I know that They love each and every one of us, no matter what we have done or will do! They just want to help us. One way I had it explained to me this week is to think of how you feel about your own children.. even though they still make mistakes, you love them right? You want them to reach their full potential, and have everything that you have in your life. You want them to have more, and will do everything you can to help them get that. Why is that? Why do you want your children to be better than you are, to have more than you do? It is about love, and it's in our nature. Our Heavenly Father is the same way. That amazes me! Hope you all have a wonderful week!

love,

Elder Beckett

The M family is one step closer to being eternal =]

Miracles are great. There really is nothing like being a full-time missionary! I love it. I have never felt so sure that God is there and seen His hand in my life and the lives of those around me than I do now :) One of the highlights of the week was the baptism and confirmation of V M! It went great, and there was a good turnout from the ward to support him. He is so ready (he has been coming to church for years now, so of course he is :P), and recently has really just caught fire. He has just been studying the gospel like crazy, reading PMG, True to the Faith, the Gospel Principles manual, the Scriptures, etc. And taking a lot of time on his own to pray and ponder about things. I love seeing the Spirit touch him and the Atonement change his life. A prime example of how not only will the gospel make bad men good, but also good men better! It is only through the ordinances of the gospel and keeping the covenants made therein that we can truly unlock a fulness of blessings from the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

We made another Cumorah cake, this week for the B! Expect miracles soon. Just kidding, we've already seen tons of miracles with them! But seriously. Umm guess what? S is going to be baptized! We will invite them to set a date this week. I love their family, and the gospel light is filling up their home once more.

I have been thinking about the R family a lot this week. I had tried calling them on two of their different phones right after they were baptized, but nobody answered. I left them messages and said that I would call them back soon, or they could try getting a hold of me when they could. Well, this Friday I was planning to get permission to call them. Right as I was about to our phone rang, and guess who? The R family! It was so cool. I got to talk to all of them except for A, I think he was at work. Anyway, they are all doing so great! The ward is just loving them, and they are all so happy. I couldn't believe the joy I was feeling as I was just talking to them on the phone! I can't imagine what it will be like after the mission when we come back someday and you can meet all of these wonderful people! Anthony is planning on going to one of the BYUs, and serving a mission next year =] YES! The Lord is sooooo good.

We had zone conference this week and it was just amazing. Probably my favorite one so far in the mission. It was weird to see the departing testimonies and to realize that the next group giving theirs would be mine. :/ I really learned a lot though, the main two things being to do better at writing in my journal, and then how to really love our investigators. It was all about planning and setting goals. Elder Gregson was asked to give a talk, and did a phenomenal job. I always feel like I want to be a better person around him. I'm glad to be rooming with him, I know he will continue to be a great influence (as will all of them :).

How fun that you got to see David! He looks like he is doing great! Tell him he's still the man. I'm going to take guitar lessons from him someday. You can see the light of the gospel in his eyes! I wouldn't mind if you happened to send a picture of the family or whoever each week with your letters ;) Sorry, I'll try to do better with that myself.

Well, I'd better be off today. I love you all and will talk to you next week! Thanks for the letters, packages (thanks Hillary!), and prayers. I love you guys!

-Elder Andrew Beckett

p.s. I forgot to tell you some more things about Elder Call! Elder Call is great =] He is a really funny guy, and is great at telling stories and remembering things. He is really good at staying focused on teaching the doctrine too. More to come in the future :)