new pics from Sondenborg

The Legendary T-shirt

Well hello everyone! It has been a very first interesting week in Sønderborg. So of course I practically come on the trasfer when all the Danish people go on vacation for a couple weeks (in the summer). Me and Elder Willardson have been spending the week finding more people to share the Gospel with. It's amazing even though practically everyone is on vacation, there are still a few ´who would like us to come back. It's been quite the journey. Let me tell you about the crazy week!

This Whole entire week I have been fighting with the cities in Sønderborg, Taastrup, and Birkerød. For some reason the city of Taastrup never accepted me to live in there city (wow after 4 months of living there haha). So evidently I have been living in Birkerød for the last 9 months of my mission haha. We luckily had the miracle of getting the Whole problem resoloved. It took practically the entire week to do it. haha.

On the day for district meeting Elder Willardson got confused for what time the trains came and we missed our train by minuttes. So Elder Willardson drive like crazy (while abiding by the law =) and drove us to Rødkro because the next' train wasn't going to come for another 2 hours. We amazingly made our train and got there luckily 15 minutes early.

We were able to teach a new convert named Adrea Pedersen. She is so awsome! She has been a member for just under a year and is preparing to go to the temple in October!!!!!! She is so excited and we are so excited for her.

Let me put this in perspective of how many people are on vacation. Sunday we came to church and the entire Branch Presidency was gone on vacation. So because there were 10 people present (1/2 came from Germany for a visit and the other from Sjælland =) the branch President told the NeXT in charge to have a testimony meeting. It was a pretty neat expeirience!

Later that evening me and Elder Willardson were knocking. I saw a couple from inside there window, trying to flag us to get off their street. We ignored them and pretended like we didn't see them. So we continued on and tried knocking a families door. Danish doors sometimes are hard to find. And in this case we walked around 1/2 of the house than walked back. We heard some voices from inside and a slam of a door. So we picked the closest door and knocked on it. The owner/father came running out. Luckily he calmed Down after seeing there was no robbery. Than the neighbors started yelling at us from across the street haah. We talked with the father and he went back inside, not interested and with a smile on his face =) We went over to their neighbors, because they were still yelling at us. So we walked over. The man told me to get my hands out of my pocket haha. And told us (in the edited version and nice way) to please get off the street and we had no buisness being here. So we walked away, he went inside his home than we went to his other neighbor, he came back out and said ''Didn't you understand what I said'' ''Get off our street!'''. I couldn't help but yell ou ''So how do you know that they are not interested'' Than he told us to beat it and watched us all the way Down to the end of the street. The second time on my mission that I have been kicked out of a neighborhood haha. It was really fun-

Well one lesson learned is that there is always some people that will be closed off and sometimes aggrivated about us sharing the truth. But that's okay. We are here to help everyone and give everyone the chance to accept the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. We have to respect everyones Agency in the long run. But one thing to remember is that there are stil many WHO are looking for the truth because they know not where to find it. Sometimes they don't even know that they were looking. I hope you all have a wonderful week! Watch out for angry neighbors =) Love you all!!

-Ældste Jantzen Richard Read

P.S. We found this shirt in our Apartment. It's so legendary it has a few of my companions on it =) Love you Elder Lindstrom!

Transfer to Sonderborg

Well it has been a crazy week happy, sad and exciting. Me and Elder Christensen have been very busy this week. We have found more people, have taught investigators, less actives and members! But all in all it seemed like a goodbye week. And we'll see each other Again week. =(

But on Wednesday me and Elder Durrant were able to go to our ''Kingsmen secret combination meeting'' in Copenhagen. We got a call from President Sederholm that he would like our MTC Group to come back together and get training and inspiration. It was such an amazing thing. And even the Icelanders were there!!!!!! I haven't seen them since a year ago! Along with many other missionaries. It was so much fun. Than afte we went to the Temple. We did a session and the temple President had a surprise for us...... We got to see the new film!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! so much fun. It was amazing and insprational! After that we ended up coming back home. But it was so much. Fun. Oh side note. I found out from that training that there was a man in my in Birkerød that was a member and after 45 years, we found him and he decided to come back to the church. I found out that he was interviewved by the Stake President and this past Saturday afte 45 years he entered Again into the temple!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wow this is so crazy. The Elders in Birkerød taught him the temple prep class and he was able and worthy to enter the temple!!!!!! ''do miracles cease to exsist Nej!'' this was amazing to find out!

We later comae back and we went out to drop by some people. On the way me and elder Enniss got stopped by a Group of kids. They asked us why we were dressed up, where we came from, and so many other questions. It was really funny! One of them, she was the oldest in the Group, said ''you can speak English if you would like. If it is too hard to understan us'' No way Sister there is no way I am going to get this lame response or offer by a Young girl. I get this with every other grown up. I stayed in Danish with her. haha. But than there were younger kids that asked me to speak in English to them. Than I switched haha. It was so funny. Elder Enniss showed them how he tied his ties haaha.

We did some more service for that man that is trying to get to Arizona ASAP. He offered me a job of cutting tile. Oh man it was so much fun. He was happy that I had previous experience with that. Thanks DAD!!!!!! (And side note of Lynn Kraaimer '' the gomer'' =). Glad that I had that chance in life to learn that trade. My clothes got destroyed by the Water damage from the saw but it was very fun! OUr mission leader drove us to his home. We had dinner. He drove us and the sisters back to our homes. Man and did he drive like a mad man haha. It was so much fun. I'm seeing a pattern with Denmark drivers haha. He was so funny on the way and I am going to miss him!

We met with the Hansen Family Sunday night. They were very sad that I was leaving but we helped them out with some concerns. The mom is having a hard time praying. We tried helping out with other Things. But at the end of the lesson we invited her to read from the Book of Mormon, but after that ask two Things. 1) is the Book of Mormon true and number 2) (And should be number one) ask if she is a daughter of God. And ask if He loves her. So loved the thought and idea of getting an anwser to that. She thought that if she could find that out, than she would be able to make a few more connections. Well why not? If everyone could get that confirmation in their lives, I am so postive that the World would be a better place. Just having that knowledge practically changes the World.

Well had a crazy day with transfers yesterday. The main reason for why I didn't email yesterday was because I missed my train. And it was not my fault!!!!!!!!!!!!! I had my tickets ready and was early. I began to start bording the train when the conductor told me he didn't have room for me. I showed him my tickets and he said I had the wrong train for my bike ticket. Are you kidding me I need this train. It's called companions. I need one 24 hours haah. I don't think he would have understood that haha. So he forbid me to get on the train. So I watched a Group of missionaries I was supposed to be with, drive off. haha. So we quickly decided to buy another ticket. I almost missed the NeXT train. It came less than 6 minutes. so bought another one and loaded my luggage in and Elder Christensen waved goodbye with a smile ahaaha. So here I am on the train for the first 2 hours of my life, on my mission, without a companion. Well I really don't want to do that Again. But it was an interesting learning expiernece for sure. That train conductor didn't even check my bike ticket. I was so mad!

I am now with Elder Willardson. He has been on his mission for 9 months now. My first younger companion! He did cross country and was into drama. He is great and we have a car haah. I am excited for what will happen in the coming weeks. Our area is literally the German border. It is huge! I live on the Island of Sønderborg. If there is ever a baptism in this area we have to go to Germany because there is no baptismal font in Sønderborg. (cross your fingers =) I am serving in a branch. I hear this is one, if not the best, most beautiful areas in Denmark. And that is just about all I know about this area after 24 hours haha. Well love you all! Wish me luck =)

The Boys are back in town!

           I literally just found out 20 mintues ago that I will be getting transferred to Sønderborg next Monday. I will be with Elder Willardson. He came to Denmark back in December. And guesss what? I get a car =) so excited but I really don't want it. I like biking haha. Ok so I will try to stay focused for the next 25 minutes and give my weekly update.

Man it is going to be really sad to leave Taastrup. this has been such a wonderful area. With so many wonderful people. Members, those who are ready for the Gospel, and just nice people. We have seen sooooooooo many miracles here. I really just don't know what to think.

Last Tuesday we took an essentials preparation day and went to the Domekirke. It was so much fun. Right afterwards we were walking back with Holbæk to their car to get a ride to the church. Roskilde Festival is still going on. So we saw a group of men with out shirits on. And they were in the direction of where the car was at. And one of them yells. Hey the boys are in town. than they all started yelling ''THE BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN.... THE BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN.....!!!!'''. One of them hugged Elder Enniss. He talked with us saying that we are great doing what we are doing and what we believed in, while swaring up a storm after every other word. Than One of them offered us a drink. And we declined nicely. ''Oh come on sunday is almost here''. ''Lose the shirts, and the ties..... get rid of those pants and have a drink'' Just one glass. NO! THANK! YOU! haha. Than one of them brought 4 cups over with a bottle of red alchohol and was ready to start pouring os each a glass. Told them no agian. We were a little worried that they would throw some of the alcohol on our shirts or grab elder Durrant and force him to drink it. haha. But they were really nice and drunk and let us go. =) 1st time in my life that I have been offered a drink haha.

Than we went to Slagelse with the Zone Leaders (Elder Ludlow and Elder Hardy-Hansen). Went with Elder Hardy-Hansen and ''taught/visited'' with some young Jehovas Witnesses. They tried and failed to shake our faith. It was sad that the only option was testify and leave haha.

Than on Thursday (on my year mark, can you believe it?) we had a crazy time with Familien Hansen!! We had a dinner appointment with Familien Kjeldsen and than the husband drove us to our appointment with the Hansens. Right off the get go, the mom showed much concern. She said that she is the only one in the family that is just confused. Than when we come over it just leaves her. Brother Kjeldsen taught the lesson and helped her realize that she was the only one really trying to read and find answers from the Book of Mormon. And so of course there is opposistion in all things. And Satan will do everything in his power to keep her confused. Because when she gets that answer that means happiness and Satan is all against that. There were many concerns addressed. Brother Kjeldsen gave a promise to the son that if he was to read from the Book of Mormon out loud everyday than his reading would get better exponentionally!! Than we closed with a prayer. The mom asked real quickly. ''How is one Married in the Church''.. Say what?!?!?!!?! Brother Kjeldsen quickly explained that there is one way with being married by a biship to death til you part. Or there is time and eternity in the Temple. We left,. That is the first time that they have ever brought up marriage. The Lord is truly working with them!!! What a miracle what a blessing!!!

Than we did some 4th of July service after Zone training for a non member. He is the bomb! We went with the Sisters in Roskilde and Ballerup. It was an amazing expierence. He wasn't expecting six people to come. He was very grateful for all that we did. He has so much work that needs to be done on his home before it can be sold. On the way back home, he drove us, we presented him the idea that the sisters had about getting more people to help him with his home. He said that normally he would decline, because he usually likes to do it himself, but his main driving force is to get to his family in Arizona as soon as possible. His wife has cancer and has two kids living in the USA. And he is trying so desperatly to get his home to sell. So he thought that would be a wonderful idea. And bonus! He has some sheetrock that needs to be done on his ceiling. Thank you DAD!!!!!!!!! I hope I get to do that before I leave!!! I miss it so much!

Well that is short version. I have actually run out of time. But I love you all. Thank you so much for your love, prayers, and support for the last two years. This is truly the Lords work! i am a witness of it. I see it happening everyday! The hastening is here. We are in the Lords hands as his tools to be shaped and molded in to the people that he wants us and others to become. Have a wonderful week! Happy 4th of July and Independece in the USA!

Med Kærlig Hilsen!

-Ældste Jantzen Richard Read

want some more S'mores?

To be honest it really has been a long week of lots a service projects and staying busy hahaa. Where do I start..... So last Monday was a Denmark huge traditon of Witch Burning festivals and I totally missed out on it. didn't realize it til I got home. The Holbæk Elders came and stayed at our apartment and told us about it. Lame sauce. But the next day we did some service for a non- member. Spent a couple hours pulling weeds in her yard. Than went on a Splits eveneing with the Elders in the church quorum. And than drove back home in an awesome members car! It was so much fun haha.

The next day we had two appointments that we got burned at, so we spent the day finding, knocking, and kontacting people. It was really funny because at the close of our night two people drove up to us and said ''It's raining outside''. Well no duh. So we said yah......? And than they responded ''Are you the Mormons'' We said yes than the mans expression changed and he said ''oh I thought you were some of my colleges.'' They were Jehovas Witnesses. We are now under the impression that 'It's raining outside'' is code for something. haha.

The next day after District meeting we did service for members in the ward. Pulled out another tree and leveled out the back of their yard of dirt so that they could plant grass. Than we rushed home changed into our church clothes met up with a member and went to a ? answer session at a Baptist Church. We got invited so that people could ask us questiions or we could ask questions. They sang an awesome church Christain song with a guitar and piano. Than the pastor thought the issue wasn't addressed enough the previous week so we ended up sitting there for 1 1/2hr talking about ''Hell'' Some how judgement and the nature of God came into picture.

the next day we were able to meet witht the Hansens again YAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!! They invited us over for Dinner. After Dinner we showed them how to make smores! They had no idea and thought it was just brilliant. Than our Swedish member walked in and he cooked one also and he thought it was genious as well.´! I believe that we just brought smores to Denmark and Swedan in less than 10 minutes haha. I couldn't help but quote the Sandlot in Danish haha. Doesn't sound the same unfortunately haha. They are doing amazing! They are really trying to find answers to their prayers and are searching very hardly for the truth. They are going through a little hard time but we believe that they really want to find God in their lives.

We had an appointment with the Afriacan lady from last week. But she burned us and one of the members (Alexander) Drove us and with his brother who came back form a mission, to their house and we had lunch with them. Than afterwards we went to Roskilde and were on a Blitz Splits with Holbæk because they had a couple appointments that they couldn't do at the same time. It was so funny because accidently Elder Enniss left the area book ontop of their car and they drove off! haha The area book was scattered all over the church parking lot. we had an amazing time with the other Elders.

Sunday we stayed on Splits. I rushed Elder Enniss out the door so we could make our train to an eating appointment. Than when we got to Borup, the other Elders called and we found out Elder Enniss had the keys to the car. So Elder Christensen and Durrant had to take a train to their appointment haaha. Me and Elder Enniss got the chance to teach a couple. The wife is partially muslium. Really interested in learning more about other religons. And she is really curious. (And they also say curiiosity killed the cat =) they had so many good questions and they are awesome people. Than this morning we went and did Service again for a older lady. Not a member. She asked a member of our ward to send the missionaries for service. We got there and we spent a huge amount of time cutting branches off a tree and than she made us Smørebrød. Really delicous. Had a piece with fish and it was really good. Don't know what changed in me haah.

Well that is the update for the week. Not to mcuh. Moral of the story Service is very rewarding. I truly feel it helps in missionary work. It's another way of contacting people and establishing relationships with the people who may not be searching for something yet. Do good as Christ would do! have a wonderful week Love you all!

MKH;

-Ældste Jantzen Richard Read