Merry Christmas!

12/19/11

Can you believe it is Christmas time!? I am so excited for this holiday. It is kinda tough jumping into all of this right in the midst of the holidays, but I always love a struggle. We had an awesome day at church yesterday where the Relief Society gave each of us a bag of gifts, but only after we sang a Christmas song accapella for them. Thankfully there were 6 elders. yes, 6 elders in our ward. It is completely opposite from the 1 set covering two wards in Roanoke. One of the areas they just opened this transfer. We are looking forward to a lot of growth in the ward in the coming months. The teaching pool is different. We found 3 new investigators this week, which was sweet and much needed. I would like to tell you about one of the amazing families we found.
 
On Friday we had a day set up for tracting. We chose a neighborhood set on hill to go knock doors in. When we got there, we immediately knew we had to be somewhere else. We flipped the car around and lo and behold there was a string of about 15 houses you could only view from the neighborhood we were in. We knocked each of those doors. There right next to each other, but you had to go up and down about 40 stairs for each individual house. As we approached this one house, a 17 year old kid came out and asked what we were doing. We explained and went and got his mom. Sally came out and invited us in. She explained that her husband had been put in jail for domestic violence and she got her son out of juvi this morning. She bore her testimony to us that she knew God had sent us there. The Spirit was very strong as they talked about their needs and beliefs. The Holy Ghost really guided the conversation. Even her 17 year old son, with a pant leg rolled up as his jail penned swastika tattoo She has a good good heart, as all the people of West Virginia do. We are excited about them.
 
 My comp is Elder Wiederholt from Beaverton, Oregon. He has been out about 15 months and we get along well. Charleston is a whole new world. We live four houses from the Capitol building with has this massive gold dome. It literally fills up our whole study window. It is a beautiful view. We are right across the river from University of Charleston in Downtown. Seriously look up our apartment on Google earth. Zone leader has its challenges and new responsibilities too. We have 15 areas within our zone - the biggest in the mission. I am still trying to figure it all out. This much I must say, I love teaching and tracting much more than managing.
 
I am so grateful for this holiday to remind us of all we have. We have so much to give and so much knowledge to receive. I would invite you to open your hearts during this time of year and let this be a week of spiritual gifts. I love you very much and can't wait to talk at 3:45 my time.
 
Love,
Elder Dumke
1622 Virginia St Apt B
Charleston WV 25311

Christmas in Dub V

Christine, who was baptized two days after I left Roanoke.
12/13/11
Merry Merry Everybody!
 
I cannot believe it is Christmas time already! Believe it or not it is 60 degrees today, it just doesn't feel like Christmas when you are raking leaves in a short sleeve T - shirt. Is what it is.
 
Things are going really well here. Last week has literally been, my last week... in VA. Monday night I got a call about 5:30 pm from the assistants saying they wanted me in Charleston tomorrow, meaning I would have to go to Blacksburg that night. So I ran and got my suits which I ironically dropped both of them off at the dry cleaners ( I even said as I dropped them off the first time, "hopefully we don't have any surprise meeting this week") Well I got them and left for Blacksburg an hour and half later. Spent the night with the Virginia Tech elders (Elder Brady, my trainer) and then went to Charleston for Zone Leader Council. Partway through the meeting President Pitt said, "Sister Pitt has asked if we should tell you elders who are not Zone leaders (there were 3 of us) why you are here. I will tell you the same thing Elder Scott told me, 'if you didn't know why your here, you probably aren't qualified enough to be here." Long story short turns out I am going to be a Zone leader in Charleston! I cannot wait. It is exactly where I wanted to go. I can't wait to be serving in the HQ of the mission. We will be living with the assistants too.
 
This sunday was a bitter sweet experience. We had 5 investigators at church and it was perfect service for them all. The really cool thing though was that 3 of the families we reactivated over the past 6 months brought non member friends or family to church. Their testimony is really growing and they beginning to share it!
 
Yesterday we helped Danny Robinson, remodel his kitchen some more. We weren't super helpful, considering our lack of construction knowledge, but it was a good fellowshipping and learning opportunity. He shared some more of his stories from over in Iraq. He doesn't understand the gospel completely, but he knows that is what is going to help raise his kids up right. We also helped Christine with a few things cleaning up the house. She has MS and is in motorized wheelchair and can't get a whole lot done. Her son Josh is a member and we have been teaching her for the last 6 weeks. She is getting baptized this Friday! She had a brutal upbringing but made some really incredible changes . I am sad I won't be there for her baptism.
 
One of the people that came to church was our good friend Wayne Hewett. He hadn't come the last 4 weeks and had really lost momentum towards baptism and wanting to meet. We went over last week to talk about it with him and explained that we are guides leading him to Christ, we can't walk carry him there, only lead him. And we can't lead if no one is following. And asked if he was still willing and interested in making changes in his life. He said yes. Apparently the visual worked for him, because the moment he sat down next to me in church, "Ya gotta have someone to folla." He has more metaphors and catchy phrases then anyone I know and teaching him in his own language, I guess is what works.

Here are Wayne and Sarah:
 
Last night we had Empty Nesters again. It was a ton of fun listening to live Christmas music from a Banjo, a guitar, two lap harps and two bass. The room was packed and we had quite a few non members come. They found out I was leaving and the night ended singing God be with you till we meet again. It was a very nice send off. I have really grown to love the people here. As I am sure I will in Charleston. I sure love yall and hope you have a very Merry Christmas!\
 
Much Love
Elder Dumke

Faith vs. Expectations

What is happening family - 12/5/11
 
I sure love hearin from yall and I cannot wait, cannot even wait, to chat on Christmas. This week was so great. I have done a lot of pondering on faith. The church and gospel teach us the principle of doing all you can do and relying on faith to fill in for our gaps, at least thats what I thought. I have come to realize the importance of remaining calm and trusting as you do WITH faith. Tuesday we had a beautiful Zone Conference. I love President Pitt. He really helped me personally and did an unbelievable in depth explanation of the Atonement. I know he was called of God.
 
Wednesday we went out with a member to see all the single sisters we have had to teach on the porch or just tracted into. It went great. This one girl Brittney we gave a book of mormon to, answered the door and came out. She said she was feeding her baby and asked if we could get her phone number and come back. She also said, "I have been reading that book you gave me, and I answered all your questions." I was stunned, surprised and overwhelmed with Joy. The member looks her and says, "Looks like you just made Elder Dumke's day!" I was so on Cloud 9, as we went back to the car and strayed off and tried getting in the wrong car. They busted up laughing, I did too. We then went to Janelle, who tracted into a few weeks ago. She was glad we brought a member with us, because she wanted us to come in and teach. We talked with her for a while and found out her husband had actually thrown out her Book of Mormon, yet she was determined to learn. We don't want to get in the middle of a marriage, but she wants the gospel in her and her daughters life. She was supposed to come to church this week; but if I were betting man I would say her husband prevented her from doing so. She is sweet though.
 
Thursday we taught Greg Fink. He nearly cancelled on us because he said he lit a fire in his wood stove and he couldn't leave his house with the fire going. Yeah right am I going to let the flames of Satan keep us from meeting with him. We picked up some chairs from the church and taught Greg with a Less active member we reactivated a few months ago outside. We taught outdoors because Greg picked up a stray pit bull from dog fights and we couldn't go inside with it. It went really well with him. We also taught Racha and Samia the plan of Salvation in a members home. It was a lot to cover in a short amount of time, but they enjoyed it and came to church again this week.
 
Friday we stopped by to see Mike because he wasn't returning our calls and he always does. We went to go see him he answered the door and his wife began yelling, "Mike! NO! NO! You can't it isn't good. Mike No!" She obviously knew it was us and it wasn't just about as apparent that she had been deleting our messages. He welcomed us in for about 20 seconds, but we showed ourselves out to avoid any spousal disputation. All I can say is Tori, Don't get married, It will limit your spiritual progression....
 

Because it was Elder Maxwell's birthday this week I kept a few things from him. We have any meals planned for Fri or Saturday. I secretly called up his favorite families and we ate well at Ichiban (like Bansai) and Abuelos. Seriously spoiled this weekend. It was a really good ending to a sweet week.

We were able to reach all but 1 of our goals. We finished the lessons with one investigator and we are just waiting for approval from the bishop for her to get baptized. Kind of a messy situation, but we are really excited for her.
 
It was a great week. I am grateful to be in Cave Spring and I couldn't ask for a better companion. Love you! and Merry Merry Christmas!
 
Elder Dumke
 
Hope you got a chance to watch the Christmas Devotional! It was awesome!

Post Thanksgiving

Happy Monday one and all 11/28/11
 
We are now officially on the path to Christmas. I cannot  believe how quickly everyone got there lights up out here. Last night we even helped some people put some up. In suit pants and all we hopped up on the roof and helped a less active family put their lights up. They claimed it to be a Christmas miracle. Just when they felt it wasn't worth it to put up the lights and it was causing more contention than creating Christmas Spirit, we showed up. It was a lot of fun to be able to help them pull the ox out of the mire ;).
 
Thanksgiving was a blast throughout the week we got invited to more Thanksgivings and ended up having 4 turkey dinners! Between Elder Maxwell and I we gained exactly 12 pounds in one day! Unfortunately I have already lost my share. My favorite was at the Nervo's home. They aren't in our ward but her daughter and son in law the Vanderhoevens are one of my favorite families and they invited us over. Their son Oliver Thompson is actually serving in the Ogden, Utah mission. Funny how we just switched missions like that.
 
Teaching was a little bit slow this week with all the Holiday festivities and majority of the people leaving town. We had an awesome lesson with Mike Holland. A member at church asked us to go out with this week if we had lessons. That hardly happens. Turns out we were teaching Mike the night he could come out. Also turns out that they have a very good mutual friend. That friend actually took Mike to church once back in high school. The lesson went well and we explained the restoration. He said he was going hunting friday morn and he would take the Book of Mormon with him to read and pray. He said there is a connection you get with God in nature, especially in the woods. We hadn't talked to him about the sacred grove or anything yet! It was perfect and we said to be sure to watch the restoration DVD before going out. He agreed.
 
Wayne was a bit frustrating this week. He wasn't able to meet because of Thanksgiving, but we talked to him on the phone throughout the week. We literally talked to him an hour before church, and he said 'Elder I am shaved, I am clean there ain't no reason I won't be able to go. 9 am cottonhill.' Well he didn't come, in fact no one came. It was the first time in months we haven't had a visitor with us.We have a good week planned and are looking forward. This saturday is Elder Maxwell's birthday. Turning 21. Sure love ya!
 
Elder Dumke
 

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Turkey Week - 11/21/11
 
We were very blessed this past week to be able to travel to Charleston and hear from an Apsotle. Elder Anderson visited the mission on Saturday and spoke to us. He began by shaking each one of our hands and asking our names. It was an experience in and of itself. He had nothing particular to speak on, just answered questions and gave us straight counsel from the Lord. It was incredible in 90 minutes he was able to address the entire mission, but speak to each individual missionary's concerns. It was sweet. He spoke a a lot about not comparing yourself to others (ha at least that is what it seemed like to me), just comparing you to you. He said, "Can you imagine me comparing myself Dallin H. Oakes or Elder Boyd K Packer? I grew up reading some of their books on doctrine. Ask yourself instead am I growing in love for my savior? Am I growing in knowledge in the scriptures?" It was, as it seems it always is, about constantly striving to make YOU better. There many other things he said, that I needed to hear.
 
On Tuesday we followed up with someone we tracted into the week prior. When we showed up we weren't able to go in because she was home alone, but we taught on her front porch. She said that she had been searching for a church, after she was publicly chastized at her husbands southern baptist church for wearing make up. She knew that that wasn't what Christ would have done. Her name is Janelle. She is 23 and has a one year old daughter. They weren't able to come to church this week and working with her husband will be a battle, but she has really been prepared by the Lord.
 
Wednesday we went to see Mike Holland. He was raised baptist and married Catholic and has 3 young daughters. I sent you package this week with the video card. I will let you watch that story. Oh man! That has most of the weeks dealings. Sunday however was great! One of our investigators brought their friend from church. Now this is complicated, but it was funny. In Priesthood meeting before church we talked about the possibility of Janelle being at church. And one of the quorum leaders began asking if she was the kind of baptist you know that wears straw hats and such. We explained she wasn't Mennonite or anything, but just to watch for a thin 23 year old. Well when Sacrament meeting began our investigator brought her Mennonite aunt unexpectedly and she sat right beside me. It was neat to have her at church, but the priesthood was really confused who it was. We ended up having to fill in for two classes as well. Teachers didn't show up and so we were asked to go and teach. Sweet, I guess I need to continue to brush up on my Old Testament.
 
Another good week here in Roanoke, now that I am fairly certain I am leaving in a few weeks, I really do not want to go! Hope you have a fantastic Thanksgiving without me. ;)
 
Love,
Elder Dumke
 
PS - Last P Day we went downtown and explored the "big city of our mission." It was less than thrilling, but a lot of fun. One is on a train bridge that goes right thru the middle of the city and the other is at the St. Andrews Catholic Cathedral of Roanoke.

In Love with VA

Hello one and all - 11/14/11
 
I have to start out by saying how much I really do love my mission. I feel so fortunate to be in the situation I am. I am grateful for a fun and hard working companion, for a dedicated and inspired mission president and for a loving, caring Father in Heaven. This week I am especially grateful for the Book of Mormon. There some tough times this week but exceeding the pain and doubt that we sometimes feel is the joy that immediately follows. That joy almost always resulted in a verse or chapter in the Book of Mormon. I read and re-read Alma 36 and 37 this week. I can't believe all the answers I received to my prayers thru those two chapters.
 
We began teaching 4 new people this week! 1 by tracting, 1 by a member referral and 2 were friends of former stake president, President Mcbride in his home. President McBride is buddy - buddy with Mitt Romney and they talk multiple times a week. They were mission companions in Paris. Despite how incredibly busy President is he made time for his two friends to come spend an evening with us. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God"  The two friends are the wife and and mother in law of another member named Jamil. Jamil is from the middle east and has the most amazing conversion story. He was studying to be a Greek Orthodox Father and was given every worldly thing you can imagine from the church. A house to sleep in, a credit card with provided money and they sent him to a theology school to learn how to be qualified. He wanted to learn more about the life of Christ and didn't feel they would teach him what he wanted to know. So while riding on a bus in Athens he say two elder with Jesus Christ on their name badge. So he went and talked to them. They gave him the only Joseph Smith Pamphlet they had in Arabic and got his contact information. They met everyday for a few weeks, sometimes multiple time a day, until he was baptized. The night after he was baptized he was kicked out of his home at 4:30 am and left with nothing on winter night. He said it was freezing cold and sat outside with the book of mormon clenched across chest, but felt warm and happier than he had ever felt in his life. He is a convert of 14 years and now translates all of General Conference and any church films into arabic for the church. He is an amazing person. So we had our first lesson with his wife and mother in law. It went extremely well and we are going to start teaching the rest of the family as well. It was awesome!
 
We also taught Bill, someone who has come to a church for over a year now and finally allowed us to teach him. We had dinner with him and his wife and had a great first lesson afterwards. unfortunately he is going out of town for the next 3 weeks...
 
We had exchanges and loaned a few copies of Book of Mormon by praying with a little more faith, and giving it all we got. It seems no matter how hard you work there is always more to give and as a result we found two people interested in the Gospel.
 
Saturday we split wood and raked leaves with less active members and then had dinner with an inactive family. It went really well and we went up to the Roanoke Star afterwards. Largest man made star or something. It was beautiful and a lot of fun.
 
Well I love yall so much and am so excited for the holiday season. Miss you and talk to you soon.
 
Much Love,
Elder Dumke

Preparation Week

Dear Fam and Friends 11/7/11
 
This week was good. We did quite a bit of service which was sweet. Always feels nice to serve and see immediate benefits. One of the days we were helping pick up deadfall in the forest of someone's front yard. It seemed fairly pointless, but it made them really happy so we helped them out. As we were pulling all the sticks out of the truck bed onto the curb, I had jab me right in the eyeball. I couldn't open it and I was sure it was going to be brutal. It was giving me trouble all day and Elder Maxwell wasn't giving me any sympathy. He just would say I was full of the Spirit when I would literally start tearing up in lessons. It was pretty funny. By the end of the night I got to take a good look at it and it just a nice big chunk of wood stuck in the corner. I got it out, and I am great now.
 
We had a lesson with Wayne and found out he had backslid and began drinking again. It was really tough to hear. As we identified what led to his downfall we figured out he stopped praying, reading and he didn't come to church that week. Always the small things. The real trigger was him admiring a portrait photo from right when he got back from Vietnam. It was of him smoking a cigar looking like a rough and tough colonel. Amazing how you can look so much at the past that you mess up your future. He even mentioned to us how strong he felt back then, but he was actually very week. Now he is really growing in strength. It was a rough situation, but he said he would try it again.
 
We got 4 investigators at church this week which was way cool and also have some very promising lessons this week. Wednesday we are teaching a members friend who has come to church for the last year and has finally decided to take the lessons. Alongside we are teaching Richard Thrasher for the first time and two middle eastern friends of another member. All of which have baptism in their sights.
 
In my personal study I am up to Alma 32. As I read it again, I was struck much more with the first half than with the second half with comparing faith to a seed. Alma teaches those that are humbled and ready and stops teaching those that aren't yet prepared. It struck a cord with me and was no doubt personal revelation for a few of our investigators. I really love both wards and they really trust us. We are starting to make a lot of progress working alongside with them, rather than for them.
 
Lots of good things happening here daily. Sure love ya
 
Elder Dumke
 
PS - Ever had Apple Butter? It is a Fall Phnom out here. It is kind of apple jam, and it is delicious!

New Start November

Hey -
 
Hope you had a great Halloween. It is truly beautiful here. I am doing well and we have had some powerful experiences with faith. We taught a lady named Carol for the first time. I tracted in to her in July and have stopped by 6 or 7 times since then, but she is never able to meet, but tells us to come back. Finally after it was cold and rainy she let us in. We sat down and she explained she had ordered a Book of Mormon off of a TV commercial about 5 years ago and received it in the mail, but had never met with missionaries. We shared the Restoration with her and she loved it. It was a neat lesson for her and she wants us to teach her son as well.
 
We also were able to stop by and see Debbie and her husband. Usually just Debbie meets with us, but this time Richard sat in. We visited for a while and asked how he was liking church? He has enjoyed it. We also asked what he understood of the Book of Mormon. He explained it to us and told us that he had borrowed his wife's and had been reading it the last few days. Also exciting.
 
We taught Wayne a few times this week. He is really up and down with us. Some friend gave him Anti about the Mountain Meadows Massacre, his psychologist told him to not quit coffee, and he said isn't sure if he will be baptized. On the other hand we gave him a priesthood blessing to conquer temptation and he felt the Spirit, he gave a Book of Mormon to his friend down at the lake and he read the whole thing, and has been chewing nicorette gum like crasy to quit smoking by the 5th. What do you do? The Spirit is definitely leading him, but Satan really has a grasp on him too. He is the battlefield between good and evil.
 
We also have been teaching a member that had some difficulty with the church and had her name removed. She began going back to the Baptist church for a few years, but knew deep down that the church was true. So she began coming back to the LDS church. We have taught her a few times and sunday night she told us that she wants to get re-baptized. She has a bit of a road ahead, but we are pleased that she has made this decision.

Life is going well. We have set some high goals for November, that we really pray to achieve. Thank you for the prayers. Love ya
 
Elder Dumke

Falling Up

Goooood Morning! 10/24/11
 
I am certainly running out of ways to start emails, but I love reflecting on the week with family and friends in mind. This past week I had couple really neat experiences. The first two were on exchanges with the Elders in Martinsville. They are about an hour away so it was pretty long trip out there. We had a quick dinner, and had enough time left in the night to visit a less active member who recently began coming back to church. As we arrived their daughter Elizabeth was there. She was very stand offish and refused to even shake our hands or acknowledge us. We visited with the member for a moment or two and then this Elizabeth came back into the room, "So yall don't smoke or nothin?" We responded with a quick nope. She was astounded. We told her even offered a program to help people quit smoking. She started crying and told us she found out she had cancer that day and she was told she really had to quit. She said for the first time in long time she prayed, crying to God that if she was going to get through this she was going to need some help. She silently sobbed for about 2 minutes. The Spirit was soo strong. We asked if we could share it with her and she more than willingly agreed. We then began talking about how God shows his love and introduced the Book of Mormon. We set up a return appointment and closed with a kneeling prayer. The other neat part about it, was the less active member bore his testimony of how the Book of Mormon has changed his life. I wish I could be down there to continue to teach her.
 
The other reason I was on exchanges was to do a baptismal interview for a kid they had been teaching. There was a big misunderstanding right before I got there between the elders and this kids mom and the chances of the interview actually happening were bleak. We knelt down to pray and I asked for her heart to be softened and allow her son to be baptized. As soon as the words left my lips, the phone rang and the parents okayed the interview for that night. What a miracle of prayer.
 
In our area however we had a pretty tough week. The leaves are really changing and it is beautiful. I would venture to say that Utah has brighter colors, but Virginia has a ton more trees! It is pretty overwhelming we ascend a knob and find a good lookout. We had Wayne at church again and a member who removed their name from the roles that we began teaching. Wayne is doing well, but is losing desire to quit smoking. It is a real bummer and we are not teaching Greg anymore after he committed to come to church for 3 months straight, but still hasn't come once. I am doing well though and am looking forward to another day of service for our Lord.
 
Love yall
Elder D

Thanks

Thanks 10/17/11

What a glorious surprise it was to come home after church and a long day and see two packages from Mom and Dad. I loved it. Thanks for all the candy and even halloween decorations. I already put up the stick ums on the window. Sorry I haven't commented too much on Elder Maxwell. He is a stud. Hate to pick favorites, but we get along really well and we teach in unity. So far some of the most fun I have had. We are similar in thinking styles, but pretty different in personality. 
 
Yesterday at church, the chapel was full for the first time since I have been there! 5 of the less active families we visited the last two weeks came! Plus Wayne came, although he had to leave part way through, because he was so sick. I will spare you the details. We are also teaching this 12 year old kid Jacob, who came with his inactive Mom. We had a Zone meeting discussion as well. Instead of the usual Zone leaders get up and preach we all sat in a circle and discussed two topics, discouragement and the atonement. After the discussion we went in a circle bearing our testimonies. It was one of the most powerful hours yet, and showed the reality of the unstoppable force missionary work can be. 
 
Wayne and Sarah still aren't quitting smoking, and coffee has proven too be equally addictive. Greg didn't come to church despite him telling us literally 12 hours before that he would be there, even bought a white shirt for it. Darn that agency. Chruch was good though. After having only one lesson this past week with a member we set up at church for 8 members to come to our lessons this week. We are making an attempt to serve the ward, that includes stretching them spiritually to receive blessings. As a companionship we have a mindset of 'determination for invitation. Invite everyone to do something. We have been really blessed as we have showed our willingness to serve. The early morning seminary teacher for the ward is in the hospital this week, so the ward has asked us to teach it this week! This morning was our first time. It was a little rough considering this year is the old testament, but it was fun. I have a lot more respect for seminary teachers, that is for sure. 
 
We went on exchanges this week too. While doing a little finding, who found a nice Catholic couple, unsatisfied with their church and receptive to our message. We also taught a vietnam vet named clinton, we found a couple weeks back.  His wife wasn't open to the message so we taught in his garage. When we walked in he was watching vietnam videos with old rock n roll music playing. He could tell he was a cool dude back in the day. As we taught, I was in an office chair, he was riding his mower and elder maxwell was on a low to the ground work stool. The spirit was strong. We came to find out later that he had had missionaries stop by a lot in the past, but was not willing to hear the message. After the seed being planted years ago and being sown for years, We had the great opportunity to teach him.
 
Saturday was our only day we didn't have a dinner appointment planned. As we finished a little tracting we were getting in the car to grab a bite and we got a call from a less active member. She said she didn't know why but she decided to make a bunch of fried chicken, mashed potatoes and green beans, even though it was way more than she could ever eat. We eat 10 minutes later. We would have been fine grabbing food, but it was a confirming reminder that the Lord is watching over us.
 
Things are going well and I look forward to gaining some good weight. Love yall
 
Elder Dumke

When the Smoke Clears

This week was... nah it is just too impossible to use one word to describe in an entire week of ups and downs. Overall we some amazing big steps being taken. Our main focus at this point in time is Wayne.
     He has been taught everything, come to church multiple times and has read the Book of Mormon more then most preparing missionaries. He is awesome. This past tuesday we did what we call the stop smoking workshop. Our mission has a specific 15 step program that we teach to help smokers quit. As we began talking with him, his wife Sarah came and began to listen in. She typically would say hello and then go back upstairs. Turns out that she wants to quit smoking too! We taught it and committed them and shared a short lesson. It was so great. I cannot believe a one hour lesson like that can just wipe away any negative experiences that week. We visited the next day to see how it was all going. Sarah had gone and bought all the supplies she needed, while Wayne still hadn't. They are both doing okay quitting, but it is really going to be a long battle. In the long run I know it will all be worth it. We started teaching Sarah too and she came to church yesterday, has begun reading the Book of Mormon and even watched Waynes Restoration DVD. I am sure she will follow in the footsteps or even possibly lead out in being baptized with Wayne.
 
       There were definitely some long difficult days this week too. Two lessons with die hard baptists. They not so graciously attempted to correct our misguided ways. The benefit of having those lessons, is actually experiencing opposition in all things. It is such an empty feeling when the Spirit isn't in a conversation about the gospel. I also did two baptismal interviews this week for some other Elders in our district. One was with a 10 year old ADHD kid, and it was amazingly funny. I couldn't contain my laughter as he displayed his excitement! If only everyone had that kind of desire and enthusiasm to literally run from room to room jumping up and down exclaiming how excited he was to be baptized! I also had a second interview with someone who was supposed to be baptized a few months back, but their spouse tragically died just 2 hours before the actual ordinance. That was entirely different kind of excitement. Wayne was able to attend that baptism and could really feel the peace there.
 
     . 
We visited Debbie and her husband to drop off a Bible and Book of Mormon for them. It was a nice visit and we invited her husband to church again. And he came! And he stayed all 3 hours! We were pretty amped about it all. Thats about it from me. I sure love ya. Elder Dumke
 
This is Elder Brown from East High.



General Conference 10/3/11

Dear One and All -
 
What a fantastic General Conference session! Saturday we watched both sessions at members homes. It was like being back in SLC or PC minus the hootnanny? pancakes and strawberry topping. My favorite talks had to be by Whitney Clayton on Daniel interpreting the Dream, Carl B. Cook on looking up and President Eyring in Priesthood session talking about pushing a little more. They applied to me personally (even having the dreams).It is amazing the difference conference makes when you go in with a heart full of faith that the Lord's chosen servants will answer your prayers. This years did that more than ever. Sunday we went to the Stake Center to watch it. As we waited for it to begin a less active member walked in. It was a less active we had tracted into a couple weeks back and had been periodically visiting. She came to church last week for the first time in 15 years and this week she brought her non member husband to conference. It was such a blessing to see them there and really feeling the spirit.
 
We had the opportunity to help someone paint this week as well. It was referral from a ward member to help them paint one room and then teach them. As it turned out, when they found out we could help they decided they wanted the whole house painted! We started with one room, priming and painting. She is a neat, nice and lost lady. I really know we can help her.
 
Yesterday I turned 8 months old, still just a babe. I did come to realize the number of turning points I have already had. It seems like as each month clicks away I feel like, "wow this is the pivot of my mission." Nope, I believe this really is 'one eternal round' with each day a new point to turn on. I am so grateful for General Conference to refresh and renew all of our senses to greatness of this gospel.
 
Love ya
Elder Dumke

Week 1

Hey eh?
 
Well this week I got a new companion and he is pretty sweet. His name is Elder Mitchell Maxwell from Mcgrawth, Alberta, Canada. He was a big time hockey player before his mission and gave it up to come out. He is really a hard worker and we have a lot of fun together. I am really glad to be where I am at. This week we decided to really exercise our faith. We dropped 2 people we had been teaching, even though we really liked them and we had good discussions, they ultimately had no desire. It is hard to shave down an already small teaching pool. We were confident the Lord would provide, and he did. We were able to find 2 more solid families to begin teaching.
 
 We visited Wayne this week and he was sick in bed. Just the night before me and Elder Maxwell were talking, saying how much easier it would be if all people could just suddenly stop smoking. As we began talking with him, he said he had gone to ER for COPD and was recommended to stop smoking by his doctor. Now he didn't stop completely, but he has drastically reduced his intake and we are helping him quit completely this week. I really feel that he is one of the people I am still in Roanoke for. We also visited another individual who has met with missionaries for over 20 years. We had only visited him twice over the last few months, because he said he would only get baptized when he moves to Utah. Well as we were driving home from church yesterday, I had the strong impression to stop by on him. So we turned around to go see him. He let us in and told us that he had an interesting week. He said that he had died this past week! He had a heart attack and was out for a while. He is doing fine now, but he wanted a blessing. During all the time of meeting with members and elders he had never had blessing, but knew he needed one. Afterwards he told us that he knew he hadn't accomplished his purpose in life yet. We talked about what that entailed and we are planning to meet again with him this week. Pretty crazy health week.
 
Last night we also visit Clara. We hadn't seen her in a few weeks and wanted to stop by. She said she didn't have her Book of Mormon, because her step dad was always reading it! We assumed that she hadn't read any during that time, come to find out she had read a good portion of "what is and how do you say Ahlma?" It was sweet! She loves it too. We also taught Greg twice this week.
 
A really great week. I love my comp and I am really enjoying soaking it all in. Sorry I have no time!
 
Love ya
Elder Dumke

Back to Back 9/20/11

Whoa
 
What a shocking and surprising week. Last tuesday we had to go get our tire fixed because it was leaking a little air. When we took it in we found out that we needed 4 new tires and it wouldn't be just a quick fix. Instead of waiting 3 to 4 hours at the tire repair, we decided to begin walking. We were really far from where we had planned, but we felt confident when we prayed about our plans the prior night. As we began walking the busy Electric Ave (seriously that is what it is called), we didn't get more than a few hundred yards when a brand new 2011 Mercedes Diesel pulled up along side us. It turned out to be a less active member that hadn't been to church in over 20 years. He gave us a ride to our destination and we talked for just about an hour. He had been through some rough things with Alcohol and Drugs, but he was now clean and wanted to really start turning his life around towards God. What a perfect opportunity! He invited us to come to his house soon and meet with him. I never cease to be amazed by "God's perfect timing."
 
Wednesday I went up to Charleston, WV. I tell you what, I thought Virginia was green. The beautiful, deep, lush hollers and the hills speckled with shades of red and yellow as the trees begin to turn. It was a very nice drive and an inspiring conference. There were about 60 missionaries there and two teachers who tour around the world speaking to different missions. They focused a lot on finding the elect, those that are truly searching for the gospel. It was a great and full day.
 
We also had the opportunity to do some service for a ward member. After we helped them out we were driving back for lunch and we decided to drop by on an investigator who kept putting us off for one reason or another. We arrived in our service clothes and showed them we were serious about helping. We mowed and edged their lawn for them and were able to set up an appointment for the following day. That lesson went well too. They are meeting with JWs though too. So as we knocked on their door, we waited for them to come. When they opened the door the Jehovahs Witnesses walked out and we walked in. To break the awkwardness of the situation, we began with, "So what did you talk about, we want to be sure not to do the same lesson!" Everyone laughed. After the lesson we taught Greg Fink at the church. He hadn't set foot in a church for 15 years and was nervous to do it for the first time on a Sunday, so we took him on a tour. And even played basketball for 20 minutes or so. The Spirit was so strong as we taught in the chapel. While we tried to explain the 3 degrees of glory, he was a bit confused with all the terminology. So I related it right back to basketball. "The Celestial Kingdom is like a 3 point shot. It takes more devotion and practice to make a 3 pointer, but when you make it your reward is greater. Where as it isn't as hard to make a jump shot with in the arc (terrestrial) which is only 2 points. The telestial is like a free throw anyone can make it, there isn't any defense, but it is just 1 point." It helped him a lot and it was a fun way to teach it.
 
We had another lesson with him last night, just outside his house. As we talked about faith in Alma 32 we heard a few growls/ screeches. He told us they had had some bobcats the last few nights they could hear in the trees. It was not comforting. As we continued talking a little bobcat kitten strutted up about 4 feet from us. He was about the size of 1 liter bottle (sorry for the weird comparison). As soon as I saw it I looked at Greg and asked "does that mean the mama isn't too far off?" Then from behind his truck comes this bobcat with two more kittens. Nobody moved. Nobody spoke. They watched us for a bit then scampered off. It was crazy though. One of the kittens was all black and the the other was kind of brown, but it had the spots. We found out that the bobcats had been inbreeding with house cats! We heard stories of people picking up stray "house cats" come to find out they are half bobcat! It was an eventful evening.
 
Saturday night we got a call that let us know that one of us would be leaving, but we weren't allowed to know which one until Monday night. I have been here 4 and half months so I just figured it would be me. We both thought it was me, until President Pitt called me Monday. He asked me if I would train again... He said that usually they gave trainers a break, but they want me to train a certain Elder that is coming in. I was overwhelmed and shocked. This means that I will be staying in Roanoke for another 3 months because of the 12 week training program the church introduced. I am excited and nervous. I was definitely, definitely not expecting to train again. Pray for the new elder.
 
Sure Love ya,
Elder Dumke
 
 
 

Sharing is Caring

Hey yall -
 
What a blessed week.  We decided to meet with the head of each auxillary and find out how we could assist them. With a massive list of people to see, we stayed busy. One of the neat people we met was a descendent of Joseph Smith (nephew of George Albert Smith or something) . He is not for the church anymore and hasn't allowed anyone to speak with him and his wife in years. We decided to try and found that they were friendly to us. They even invited us back for another visit.
 
We also taught Greg Fink. When we arrived he had the hood of his truck open and worried look on his face. When we got up to talking to him he told us he was loosing power up hills and something was wrong with the intake. We helped take it all off and clean it up diagnose and fix. The whole time praying that we could repair this and have a short lesson with him. We fired up the truck and it was all back to normal. The Lord has really helped figure out his machines for his higher purpose. I love visiting with him because you can just see you much Heavenly Father loves him.
 
We also had Zone meeting on Friday. It was about gaining and retaining a testimony using 1 Nephi 2:16 - 20. Each step is outlined verse at a time. Having faith, then sharing with believers, sharing with non - believers and keeping the commandments to retain. Take a look at it. I came to the realization, that I held too many of my spiritual experiences 'sacred' when really I feel I was just being selfish. The Lord often gives us these experiences to share. When we only with-hold, how can he continue to give? As I shared my thoughts with my companion we felt inspired to stop by someone we met over 2 months ago and hadn't seen since. We knocked on her door and no answer. As we started writing out a post it note to leave on the door. Her kids came home from school and she came rushing out the door to greet them. We watched her show love for each one individually as they came into her arms. She let them go inside and apologized that she hadn't heard us knock at the door, she was doing laundry. She said she had just 5 minutes. We shared the importance of families and that God has provided a way for families to be eternal. She explained that she had lost two children over the past 10 years and she became fed up with churches after the pastor required her ten times at his church and 250 dollars from her grandmother as a repayment for him conducting a funeral service. She hooked on to everything we said and was definitely interested. It was a beautiful exchange.
 
So many great things happened this week and many difficult things as well. But I know that God has his hand in each situation, especially in the heat of the moment. I love you all so much.
 
Much Love,
Elder Dumke
 
PS P day is tuesday next week. Transfers... and this wednesday I am going up to Charleston for a training meeting. My first time since I got here.
 

Baptimos

Hola -
 
Happy Labor Day! I will cut straight to the chase ( I am at a members house and very short on time). Our mission has begun to push for member work and let me tell you it is hard. When you are used to knocking doors for hours each day and actually talking  to dozens of people it is difficult to change. It has sort of slowed down the work. This past week we taught just a few lessons on the weekdays, but as we kept the faith we had a strong weekend. On Saturday we extended 3 baptismal commitments. Wayne was one of those! He chose the date of October 30th. He went 10 days without a drink and had 1 beer but has gone another 7 days without a drop. He is doing very well. That night we also saw Greg. We weren't planning on seeing him, but he called us and asked us to come. We said we would be there immediately. He told us he had got in a fight with his Dad and was ready to turn his life around. He needed to change and this experience had humbled him enough to realize the importance of it. We spent the night cheering him up and setting goals. He plans to be baptized October 8th.
 
I went on exchanges with Salem this past week as well. They are on bikes... We biked alot alot. It made me recognize the importance of planning. As we were riding back home it began to mist, then drizzle, then rain, then pour, then flood, then hail! It was a hilariously painful experience. I have never been so wet in my life! The hail stones were the size of foosballs. Needless to say I was grateful to come back to a vehicle.

One of the benefits of being district leader is having the great opportunity to interview a candidate for baptism. The downtown Elders had been referred to this humble man from Mexico City, named Alfredo. He listened, believed and acted on everything they said. In the interview there was a member translating for us, but the Spirit was so strong. I am so grateful that I could be part of it. He was baptized last night.
 
After the baptism we decided to try two followups. One was someone who had been meeting with the missionaries a year ago. We knocked on his door and we talked for a brief while about boy scouts. He is the scout master in his methodist church and was impressed that both my companion and I were eagle scouts. As we transitioned to the gospel he said he couldn't talk right now, but he wanted us back. He said just talking with us "just tickled him, it just tickled him right inside." What an amazing feeling - a burning in the bosom or a tickle inside ha!
 
I love you so much! I am so excited to see the change that has occurred here! And am so thankful for the new friends I have made!
 
Much Love,
Elder Dumke

The Soup 8/22/11

We hauled Collin's cardboard standup with us to Hebgen!

So here is the turnaround.
We taught Wayne again this week. His health is improving and is still scheduled to visit with Doctors at the VA weekly. He has continued reading and studying. He is asking questions and intrigued. We took the next big step with him. We invited and committed him to stop drinking. He has been nearly an alcoholic for 45 years post Vietnam. He has gotten rid of every drop of alcohol in his home and hasn't had a drink in 4 days! The miracle of it all is the member who came with us to teach him. We had someone lined up to come out, but last minute had to bail. We frantically called Bro Hoffman. He bore his testimony to Wayne, that the moment he decided to be baptized he quit drinking and smoking and hasn't since that day. It was a very inspirational story and gave Wayne the encouragement he needed. We didn't even know Bro Hoffman's story, but it couldn't have worked out better.

This coming Sunday is Stake Conference and there is an apostle coming! Elder Cook will be visiting and speaking to the Stake. It will be the first time in 25 years that there is a member of the 12 here. I am so grateful that I get to be here for it. It is going to be such a powerful experience for the investigators to here an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Miraculous Mower
Greg Fink lives in the hills and mows lawns for a living. He has recently been having trouble with his mower. His mower completely died right before we got there last week. He was depressed and preoccupied by it. We shared a spiritual message with him and closed with a prayer, praying that all would work out with his lawn mower. Fast forward a few days to our next appointment. As we show up at 8pm he is out in front of his house doing donuts in his brand new 2010 yard machine. A real sight to behold. As we talked we come to find out that he called someone for a part and they said they knew someone selling a mower. Long story short he got a brand new riding lawnmower for a 100 bucks. The Lord really knows our needs and our personalaities. This is exactly what Greg needed. We set a date for baptism in late september.

Sure love ya
Elder Dumke

Naturally Disastrous

8/29/11
Yo -
 
As I am sure you have heard Mother Nature was a bit upset with this side of the country. On the day of the earthquake we drove in to see a less active member. He is a one of kind guy. We asked how he was doing immediately and he responded with, "Good, now that I have survived that earthquake!" Ha Elder Havertz looked at each other giving the look of, "Sure ya did..." We didn't believe him. It wasn't until an hour later that while we were tracting we heard some people talking on the street about where the epicenter was. Clearly it happened, but I don't think I felt it. It seems like most people didn't feel it. Needless to say, you don't need to be worried. As far as the hurricane, we were unaffected. It got a little more humid and windy these past few days, but nothing major.
 




We were missing Collin so the Family decided to haul his cardboard standup to Montana with us in his honor.






Despite all the chaos, we had an excellent stake conference with Elder Quintin L. Cook of the 12 apostles. It was incredible. We got to go to both sessions. When he stood up each time, he had no notes and he openly admitted he wasn't sure what he would be talking about. It turned out incredible. Some of my favorite points: "The atonement covers all that is unfair in life." He said he will be speaking next general conference on why bad things happen to good people. I am really looking forward to it. He also spoke the next day on becoming. I don't have the exact quote but in essence said, " There is not anything that can defeat a determined soul." and "You are defined by how you live the eternal everyday." We also heard from Elder Lansing of the 70. He was fantastic. On saturday night he spoke about the hurricane as it was happening. He repeatedly used the phrase "as we speak." "As we speak there are vans driving up from Georgia to distribute chainsaws, satelite phones and water to those at the epicenter of the hurricane. As we speak there are nearly 50 priesthood brethren driving from Richmond to Virginia Beach to help others in need." He shared it with tears in his eyes. It was very touching and testimony builder of all the good the church does. He didn't tell it to show off what it does, but to humbly inform the members of the relief efforts.
 
As for our efforts on the week. We began teaching our next door neighbor. We taught him before we moved, then we stopped, and then we moved next door. It was awkward those first couple weeks seeing him everyday. Finally we felt we should go talk to him. We set up an appointment last tuesday and taught about Faith and Repentance. He told us he wants to and needs to be baptized. It was sp reassuring to hear him say that. We had another lesson with him and he came to stake conference yesterday and loved it. We are really excited about him.
 
Last monday night we got a call from Wayne right before we were to go into the lesson.  He told us he was beginning the Book of Mormon for the the 4th time and he felt something he never felt before. His mind is full of history, but he said he could feel it in his heart. He made it through the week without drinking and is going on 10 days now!
 
At stake conference I didn't get to shake Elder Cook's hand which I was little bummed about. As we were walking out the doors this guy asked us to put the wheelchair back for him. We had no clue where it went, but told him we would take care of it. As we walked back in the building we crossed Elder Cooks path and got to talk to him for a moment. I wouldn't have had the opportunity if we were not willing to help.
 
We had zone conference, encouraging us to limit tracting and to work with member more. Still trying to get the hang of it. I love you and am doing just fine!
 
Much Love,
Elder Dumke
 



The Soup

8/22/11

So here is the turnaround.

We taught Wayne again this week. His health is improving and is still scheduled to visit with Doctors at the VA weekly. He has continued reading and studying. He is asking questions and intrigued. We took the next big step with him. We invited and committed him to stop drinking. He has been nearly an alcoholic for 45 years post Vietnam. He has gotten rid of every drop of alcohol in his home and hasn't had a drink in 4 days! The miracle of it all is the member who came with us to teach him. We had someone lined up to come out, but last minute had to bail. We frantically called Bro Hoffman. He bore his testimony to Wayne, that the moment he decided to be baptized he quit drinking and smoking and hasn't since that day. It was a very inspirational story and gave Wayne the encouragement he needed. We didn't even know Bro Hoffman's story, but it couldn't have worked out better.

This coming Sunday is Stake Conference and there is an apostle coming! Elder Cook will be visiting and speaking to the Stake. It will be the first time in 25 years that there is a member of the 12 here. I am so grateful that I get to be here for it. It is going to be such a powerful experience for the investigators to here an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Miraculous Mower
Greg Fink lives in the hills and mows lawns for a living. He has recently been having trouble with his mower. His mower completely died right before we got there last week. He was depressed and preoccupied by it. We shared a spiritual message with him and closed with a prayer, praying that all would work out with his lawn mower. Fast forward a few days to our next appointment. As we show up at 8pm he is out in front of his house doing donuts in his brand new 2010 yard machine. A real sight to behold. As we talked we come to find out that he called someone for a part and they said they knew someone selling a mower. Long story short he got a brand new riding lawnmower for a 100 bucks. The Lord really knows our needs and our personalaities. This is exactly what Greg needed. We set a date for baptism in late september.

Sure love ya
Elder Dumke

End of another Transfer

This is Crawford Jones getting baptized in three weeks.

Dear Everybody -
This week we had another cool lesson with Fausto. We went with another Spanish speaking member who just returned from her mission in Chile. We taught Faith thru Alma 32. We recently found an old missionary guide book in spanish so in preparation for the lesson we pulled a few phrases to memorize to help the lesson go more smoothly. It went very well. I have never felt my Spanish vocabulary brought to remembrance with such ease. It certainly wasn't perfect and I must have soon esta bien 3 dozen times, ha.
 
We taught Wayne midway through the week as well. We introduced the Word of Wisdom and he was on board, but recognized the long road ahead. He had had some issues with partaking of the sacrament the last few weeks and wanted to know how he could feel worthy. He explained some of the things he had to do as an officer in Vietnam. We testified of the healing power of the atonement. He felt the Spirit and felt at peace that baptism would wash away his sins.
 
As for the new training program - We had a meeting with President Pitt where he introduced the new worldwide program. It is something the church has been working on for a long time to have a universal set training schedule. It includes us having a personal DVD player and a few videos to watch every morning. Our studies are extended to 3 hours daily. It is pretty intense, but already has revealed many ways we can improve. As a result of this program I will be staying with Elder Havertz for another transfer, which I am excited about. This area has many promising faces!

 On Sunday we had Scott and Robin at church. It was fast and testimony meeting, so kind of a gamble, but it went well. Scott used to be a preacher and is real evangelical so he would repeat Amen throughout each testimony. I really love his enthusiasm and love of the Savior. We had another lesson with him yesterday, where we talked about church with them. It was kind of different for them, but they are intrigued. We talked more about temple work and showed them "Why Mormons build temples" on mormon.org. He expressed how beautiful the work for the dead was. He brought out the concern we had been searching for. He has a problem with organized religion, because he wants everyone to be focusing on Christ, not just relying on the structure of church. It was a valid point. It was a good reminder for me of why we have the Book of Mormon, Bible or even church. It is strengthen our faith in Christ so we can continually repent and follow the commandments he has given us. I love those insights.
 
I am grateful for this gospel. I thankful for my Savior and I feel so blessed to be right here, right now!
 
Love yall
Elder Dumke
 

Six Month Mark

Hey Hey Hey,

Another great week in Roanoke Virginia. I cannot believe I have already been out 6 months. The time has seriously flown by as I reflect on past companions, investigators and areas. I cannot imagine my life without these two years dedicated to the Lord, and this past week has helped me realize that.

On Thursday we had an appointment cancel on us so we went to follow up with someone we had given a Book of Mormon to. She let us right in and enlightened us on her background. She was Irish, Jewish, Cherokee and a Catholic. She had begun reading the Book of Mormon and was fascinated by its history, as she should be, they are her ancestors... basically. We explained that the story begins with a Jewish family in Jerusalem, who then travelled to the Americas and whose descendants are a portion of the Native American population. She was intrigued and exicted. Pretty cool side note.

My personal motto for my mission here has been, "Plant seeds, but hit the garden hard!" A few days ago we were able to see the often unseen good. We were tracting a holler neighborhood last saturday and weren't having very good success finding anyone home. As we approached one particular house we saw a man look at us and then go in and come back out before we arrived. He had a long pony tail and large can of beer in hand. We talked for maybe 5 minutes about his dogs, bikes, health etc. before bringing up we were missionaries. He was friendly enough, but told us he wasn't too interested in hearing what we had to say. We left feeling a little disapointed, thinking he seemed so open and friendly what was the hold up? As we made our way back down the country road he came out chasing us and yelling for us to stop. His run must have been painful, with him going in for hip surgery just a few days later. He came to us and said,
"I want yall to know, that your work is not in vain. I woke up this morning having just the "worst" day. Then I saw yall comin and I was ready to let you have it. I poked in and told my wife to hand me a beer cuz I was going to tear these boys up. Then you came and I felt somethin. I want you to know that I felt it, I really did."

And then he headed back on his way. We stood there in awe, amazed at the experience. I am grateful God let me see an early stage of the harvest.

Yesterday we had Wayne at church again. It was great! He was excited to be there and he told us that in 2 weeks he is bring two of his friends to church that he has been talking to about us. Right before the Service started he leaned over to me and said, "I forgot to bring my baptismal clothes. Can I get baptized later this week instead." Ha I don't know why he thought he needed to be baptized that day, but we let him know we will work towards a day where he can make that step. We still have to work out a few things with him is all. I am really excited about it.

We were also able to make contact with Phyllis this week. She fell of the radar and had been avoiding us for a bit. Turns out she got overloaded with Anti material. We are trying to visit her again, she no doubt has felt the Spirit testify.

And finally, this morning instead of playing the usual basketball with the other missionaries, we went on a hike. It was supposedly the 2nd highest waterfall in Virginia, but I don't what they call a waterfall out here, because it was just a spring dripping down the side of a mountain. So that part was a huge dissapointment, but the rest of hike wandered through Bottom Creek Gorge, which was somewhat of neighborhood in the mountains set up by Civil War Deserters. There were lots of old homes and cemeteries throughout. Such rich history.

Well I love ya and things are going well. I will be with my greenie for another transfer because the church is implementing a new training program. And President wants us to be the guinea pigs with it. I will find out more about it later this week. Thanks for the Love. 6/24!

Much Love,
Elder Dumke

Another Great Week in Back Creek

7/25/11

These past 7 days have been phenomenal. We visited 3 part member families and all of them displayed interest in baptism. We are really excited about it all. One of the coolest things happened on Monday night though. Remember when I talked about Clara and Fausto last week and how they were excited? Well last Monday we visited them again. It was like deja vu when our member began speaking in Spanish. I was able to pick out a few a words, but mostly I could just feel the Spirit. As Clara spoke we prayed that she was saying positive things. As Danny translated for us, the Spirit set in. She explained that she had prayed just a few days earlier for something or someone to help strengthen her belief in Christ and then we showed up! She said although she enjoyed her church she knew there was more out there, something specific to her. Danny explained that God teaches us to crawl, then walk then run. As she recently developed her faith in Christ it is preparatory to her receiving the Restored Gospel. She agreed and was really excited, as was her Dad. They are excellent people.

We tracted into two Baptist ministers this week, both were intrigued by the Priesthood and one prayed with us. And not praying spitefully either, with the typical "help these young boys find the truth." It was about coming together as believers in Christ. It was a very positive experience. Wednesday was supposed to be District Meeting, but instead we helped someone paint their house. Two days earlier Mitch sent me an email:

"I recall getting frustrated sometimes with the elders in my district because they weren’t being fully obedient or as hard as I thought they could, truth is, you also need to work hard at being a leader and not just a missionary. How? Take ‘em to lunch. Serve should to shoulder. I recall grabbing my truck on afternoon and putting the whole district in it, grabbing member’s rakes and raking random people's lawn and singing them a hymn after. Create memories where the spirit was present. Sorry for the sermon, I feel I Was almost inspired to write that."

It wasn't more than a few hours later that the Zone leaders called me to ask if we were still having district meeting; the choice was clear, service is what we needed. We painted for a few hours instead of district meeting and made a huge difference in someone’s life. They are now meeting with the missionaries in that area. Mitch always tryin to steal my thunder, by receiving inspiration for my mission! Thanks buddy.

Thursday was a really powerful evening. As we went to meet with Crawford (set to get baptized August 25th) we saw that all his belongings were packed away and stored in his front room. He wasn't going to be able to pay his rent. We had planned from the get go to teach tithing, but began to shy away as to even think of him giving more money when he doesn't have any. Then the thought hit me. This is the lesson he needs more than anything. President McBride was with us and he shared his experience with paying tithing as a young, poor medical student. He paid when he had nothing, but because of his faith he was provided for. He was offered to be the caretaker of the property and live with the number 2 at General Motors in Detroit and didn't pay a cent of rent during medical school.

Sorry for all the stories but this week was sweet! Saturday we met with a fella up in a holler. He really wants to turn his life around and be baptized. He is one of the most caring people I have met and would do anything for anyone. He was hit by a drunk driver a few years back and hit his face against the dash. He lost all his teeth, and has a plate in his forehead and nose. I love the guy and I love the hills. One of favorite lines of my mission came from him;
As he explained his Chevrolet Truck, "I got the Lord in my heart and the Lord in my Engine."

Sunday during our first sacrament meeting I got a call from Wayne Hewitt. He had cancelled the last 3 appointments on us and I was shocked to see him calling. I stepped out to listen to his voicemail. His wife had been in a car accident and was fine, but as a result felt he should come to church. He said, "I got my shirt and tie on and I am coming to church". He came for the first time and loved it! After the service he called me and told me that he had a profound spiritual experience and shared it with his wife. They both are excited to come back.

I wasn't planning on writing very much this week, but I guess I couldn't stop. I pray that you can draw strength from the things that I shared and we can all recognize the hand of the Lord in our lives.

Love yall,
Elder Dumke

Serving with Purpose

This isn't my horse,
but it's mighty fine!

7/18/11

This past 7 days has been quite the rodeo. I forgot to mention that we are no longer on bikes they gave us our horses back. All 170 of them, in the form of a Chevy Malibu. I have never been so grateful for good ol glorious Chevrolet.

This week began with an awesome lesson with Claire and Fausto the family from Mexico. One of my favorite Members Danny Farerra came out with us and taught the entire lesson in Espanola. I was able to pick up a lot of it and tell where he was, but we participated very little. Only when he asked us to bear our testimonies of the Book of Mormon did we even speak. Quite the role reversal. The Spirit was super strong despite the language barrier.

We had our interviews with the President this week as well. In our brief time together he said he met my greenie in the MTC. He said he had prayed for the mission as a whole, but for him especially to have a "patient companion." He said his prayer was answered. I was humbled to be told I was an answer to such an outstanding man's prayer. Strangely enough patience is the virtue I am working on the hardest, because I feel I am seriously lacking it. In the words of Dad, "It is hard to develop patience when you have such an urgency for the work." I have thought about that dozens of times this past transfer and I am far from where I would like to be in actually claiming it as an attribute.

On Wednesday night we had a follow up appointment fall through. We went to contact an inactive member instead. When we pulled into the parking lot of the apartment complex, we helped a few people move a truckload of bedroom furniture up 3 flights of stairs. We put aside our original purpose and just helped. After assisting we explained we were missionaries sharing a brief message about Jesus Christ. We adjusted the first lesson to fit their time frame. It was incredible finding out that both of them have many Mormon friends and they are very interested in visiting the church.

Friday we dedicated our morning to service. We got out of our usual proselyting attire and helped a family with their yard and an investigator with her garage. They both were sincerely grateful for our help. We also visited a few widows and elderly couples. We chatted for a little while as usual, but this week I brought my piano book with me. After a little while of talking I asked if I could play a few hymns, as that most have an old piano to play on. Some of them aren't able to come to church and haven't heard the hymns played in years. It was amazing to invite the Spirit through Music.

My comp and I are working hard to work things out ;). I love y’all so much and hope things are going well on the home front.

Much Love,
Elder Dumke

Global Melting Pot

7/11/11

This week was another great one. We were able to work in the nearby ward of Cave Spring the whole time. I am doing well and constantly learning.

We met our new mission president on Tuesday. He is a truly incredible individual. Him and his wife are a bit older to be mission presidents. He is a sincerely faith promoting man and I am excited to serve with him. After our interviews on Tuesday, we decided to have more faith in our companionship. Although we were on bikes we knew the Lord would help us achieve our goals if we really did all we could do. After the meeting and a few sweet appointments we had 25 minutes left in the night. Hard to get motivated to get out and ride to a neighborhood to tract for just a few minutes, especially when you know you will be soaked in sweat in just the first few minutes. We went anyway, figuring we had time for maybe 2 or 3 houses. The first house a man answered in just his whitie tighties. He maintained complete composure despite the awkwardness and invited us back another time. Don't worry though, he isn't sketchy or anything. We kept laughing about it as we went to the next house. A dark, slightly run-down tucked away home, complete with 6 to 10 dogs barking at us. A friendly wave at a dark figure and we were invited up. There we met Claire, Fausto and Prisca a happy family from Mexico. They were excited to see us and we will be seeing them again tonight. A taste of a southern American mission.

While rediscovering our area on bikes this week we found a sweet little park. Basically empty on a weekday, but figured it would be a bit more populated on the weekend. Saturday we went tracting and found a real pleasant man, who was convinced yelling less than a foot away from my face was going to change my belief in Christ, it didn't. We ate lunch at the park and decided to do some 'contacting.' Certainly not as common in the states, especially in our mission, but we gave it a go. It proved to be unsuccessful until we returned back to where we had locked up our bikes. There next to our bikes were two friends, basically waiting for us. We shared our message with them. The Spirit was so strong in that Park Pavilion, basic strangers were moved to tears and invited to attend church. I am so excited for them both to be there this week.

After our park experience we continued tracting, even though it was dinnertime and Satan (my stomach) was attempting to keep us from keeping the fire burning. Never stop when you find success. We found Sonny and taught him right there on his doorstep for 40 minutes or so. He is a Sikh from India. I guess my World Religion class did pay off, when he saw that we worked to understand other's beliefs as well.

Our 2 top investigators were supposed to be baptized this week, but there were a few things holding them up. We have reset one date and working on the other. My comp and I are super open about everything, something I didn't do enough with previous Elders. We have also been trying to really think outside the box. We have set aside our Friday morning and afternoon to do service for people in their yards. Already our schedule is filled for that time. We have really been blessed. We met or exceeded nearly every single one of our goals, in a record-breaking week. I am so grateful to continue to learn. Love yall so much.

Much Love,
Elder Dumke

My new address is:
Elder Collin Dumke
3260 Woodland Dr (Basement)
Roanoke, VA 24015

A New Kinda Work

Losing the Car
7/4/11

You are told a mission is hard your entire life. And I am thankful to not be disappointed.

We moved to our new apartment with the help of members and biked a couple miles a day. It has been a blessing hidden within a trial. Something we like to call "outdoor therapy." The Lord was really looking out for me when he put me on a bike at this stage of my mission. (Nothing like a good hill climb to forget about frustration ha) We were able to teach a good amount of lessons this week and find a few new investigators.

One of which was the wife of a guy who gave a Book of Mormon to last week. It didn't seem all that promising, but as we tried back we were able to talk to her on her front step about the restoration of the gospel. She had even begun reading the beginning chapters and mentioned, "She had visited just about every church in Roanoke except the Mormon church or Jewish synagogue."

Other than that all is well. I began taking protein in the morning to gain weight and despite my best efforts I lost nearly ten pounds this week. All the weight I have worked the past 5 months to gain! We are meeting the new mission president tomorrow and will be having interviews with him. Should be great!

Love yall
Elder Dumke

Peace in Pieces

6/27/11

I cannot quite explain the week I am having. I am training in an area I feel I hardly know. District Leader over 6 missionaries. Moving to a new apartment this week and our car just got taken away. The Salem missionaries got in a bike wreck and now need our car. One of the Elders is probably going home because he jacked his shoulder. Makes moving tough!

My New comp is Elder Havertz from Kaysville, Utah. He knows the doctrine real well and is a prime example of missionary work pre-mission. We ware working to love the people here. We set a baptismal date with Crawford, an investigator who has been taking the discussions for over a year. If all goes well we are going to have 2 baptisms in the next 3 weeks!

It has been humbling this week. You really think you can do it yourself. No task to tough. No situation too difficult. Boy was I wrong. I am so grateful for the Spirit filling in where I seriously lack. We have witnessed some awesome miracles already as a companionship. On Saturday we felt inspired to practice addressing a concern on a doorstep. Attempting to master the skill of comforting a stranger about a recently passed loved one. We brainstormed for nearly an hour, recognizing it came down to loving immediately whom we meet. That day we came into that exact situation 3 times in less than a few hours.

This morning I finished the Book of Mormon for the first time on my mission. It was an unbelievable experience. I never expected to feel the absolute peace as I took up Moroni on his exhortation. I knew that I have to be humble to receive a witness. In kneeling prayer I felt my felt my head clear and my burden lift. I would have preferred to stay on that dirty carpet all day and feel the solitude that comes with the Spirit. That book is truly inspired scripture.

Well we will be biking for the next few weeks. It will be a challenge with how spread our investigators are, but I have faith the Lord will help us achieve our goals. Sure love ya and pray for y’all daily.

Much Love,
Elder Dumke