Week 48 (Sorry ran out of time)

Elder Lunt's weekly letter to the President:

Dear President,
Another good week gone as fast as it came, where to start. As you already know we have the opportunity to be teaching all sorts of diverse people from India and Iran and of course Armenia. My capacity to love grows daily for these people. In my prayers I pray for my family here and back home. So many have become just that, family. I love them so much and just want to serve them. The members are doing great and many of them are always there to support us. We have been blessed with many investigators, many of which are elect and will be progressing when they come to church. We have been blessed to find less actives this last week one of which has not been visited in 2 years, she lives right next to the church and she was so happy to have us over.

Elder Cornett as you know is amazing and has so much going for him. We have many good talks and maintain open communication. We see things and do things very differently, we are trying to meet each other in the middle and find common ground on the way we do the work. It's hard sometimes but I am trying to see things from his perspective and I know there is a lot to learn from him. He is an amazing man he just needs to realize that. We have good long conversations and he and I both know he is way to hard on himself. However that is something nobody else can solve for him, only he can bring himself peace through Christ's atonement.

Obviously it has been hard to fully comprehend the weight of what has happened at home. However the full load of it will never sink in until I get home. I have been blessed to be lost in the work, regardless, it is still hard and sometimes I just have to wear a smile. Elder Gallardo and I had a great split and we were able to help and relate to each other very well. I have been blessed as I focus on these people and their needs and I have felt the Lord's help through everything.

I apologize for the length of this letter, I have been so scatter-brained during email. I start your letter and by the time I finish and read my letters from home I don't have time for writing home, so that is why, if they ask. We are excited to see the improvements in missionary work especially in planning and diligence, just since a few days ago we have been focusing on those things we talked about and the overall attitude of the zone leaders was different this morning during call ins as they have applied those things. They are doing great as they get their district leaders on board and we make these things habits. It has been a good, and we look forward to an even better one on the way.

Elder Lunt

Letter to all missionaries from Elder Lunt and Cornett:

Dear Missionaries,

We know email time is short, for that reason we will keep this email even shorter, but we ask that you read it, each week we pray that it will help you personally and your missionary work. This week we had the opportunity to talk to many of you and to come to some of your areas. We have noticed your overall excitement and happiness in the work. As we narrow in and focus on specific fundamentals in missionary work such as faith and our theme this year D&C 4:2, it is important to not loose sight of the big picture...Jesus Christ. Although it may not be life or death Elder Holland's talk can be easily related to us as we try to rely on the Lord.

 Elder Jeffery Holland:

 I said my last prayer —then I leapt. There was enough adrenaline in my spring that the jump extended my arms above the ledge almost to my elbows. But as I slapped my hands down  on the surface, I felt nothing but loose sand on flat stone. I still remember the gritty sensation of hanging there with nothing to hold on to—no lip, no ridge, nothing to grab or grasp. I felt my fingers begin to recede slowly over the sandy surface.

“But then suddenly, like a lightning strike in a summer storm, two hands shot out from somewhere above the edge of the cliff, grabbing my wrists with a   strength and determination that belied their size. My faithful brother had not gone. (Knowing) exactly what I was planning to do, he had   never moved an inch. He had simply waited...silently, almost breathlessly..Knowing full well I would be (willing) enough to try to make that jump. When I did, he grabbed me, held me, and refused to let me fall.

 We have been advised as we pick up the work so will the opposing force, there will be bigger cliffs, giving us a greater opportunity to rely on the Lord. Let us involve him in each aspect of the work, applying that will be different for each person but the results and miracles will be the same. Rely on him and have the faith to make that leap, knowing that full well, if we fall short he will grab us and refuse to let us go. We love you and see the great miracles daily in the mission, more importantly though, the Lord loves you and he is with you apart of every single leap of the climb and eventually the summit. Let us remember to rely on him during the whole journey.

 

Elders Lunt and Cornett

Week 47 "RIP my brother"

We have been blessed  and have had the opportunity to meet some of the most amazing people I have ever known. We have only been here for over a week and most of these people we feel like we have know for a transfer with how special they are to us. We have been blessed with investigators, and just as important, the help of the members. This is a great area and we are excited to see what the Lord has in store, and we are enjoying the blessings of this great work.

Elder Cornett is an amazing missionary. He amazes me with the things he says, straight from the spirit. We learn a lot from one another, and we have been able to help each other out in all aspects both personal and missionary matters.We have had many good conversations and experiences that have brought us close to one another. He is an inspiring example and I love him.

The missionaries are doing good from what the zone leaders and district leaders are saying. As you already know we have decided to call two companionship's of missionaries daily so that we can get to know them better on a personal level and that they may feel our love for them. We have asked zone leaders to be on board with us, if there is anyone in their zones that would be in need of a call of love. We feel that this will help in many aspects some of the few would be the overall unity of the mission and missionaries realize the love their leaders have for them. As we talked to zone leaders today, we discussed the vision the Lord has for this mission and for the leaders. <For mission Pres>Elder Cornett and I are still in the middle of it, with much to be added however this Thursday, we would like to discuss some of the goals and expectations we feel would be good as well as yours for us and the mission. 

You never know how you are going to react in a tragedy such as this, and when things like this happen you can't explain it. I feel so scatter brained, it has taken me way to long to even write this email. I wont attempt to explain my thoughts and feelings because I myself can not figure them out. I am holding up well and taking a bit at time. It is still not real to me and will not fully be until the day I get home. I have felt the Lord's protection through it all. It was hard reading all the emails today. I try to get my mind off things, and wear a smile around others but it still hurts inside. The only time I feel at peace is when I am in lessons. I am praying so hard and trying to figure things out myself. I just want to deal with it all at once or deal with it later, so I can be focused on the missionaries and the investigators, because I feel I am not my best for them lately. It is distracting but It should be its my best friend/ my brother that died, I lost him. I am trying to find the balance of copping and consecration. I love you all and I wish I could just talk to you face to face and physically feel your arms around me, but I have felt them spiritually and I have literally felt held up by means beyond this world. I will be alright guys, don't worry about me, I will be able to talk to him. Please help the Norton family.I want them to be there at the next skype call. I love you guys and miss you so much. Please pray for those who actually need your prayers. I love you

Thoughts from Brian...

My parents talked with Brian's mission president this morning, and stated that Brian handled the news well and is doing good.  He said Brian's thoughts and prayers are with David's family at this time. Brian is engaged in the The Lord and the work and keeping extremely busy as he also serves as an assistant to the president. His mission president also said that the Lord is mindful of Brian and has prepared him for things and is doing great work. He loves you all!

On Monday morning Brian's best friend passed away. David and Brian have been best friends since we can all remember. We have some great memories with David and he will be truly missed by many. The David we know was always making someone laugh, eager to help you out with anything and loved life. We know you are with our loving Heavenly Father.

Services for David will be held at the chapel on 1120 N at 400 W in American Fork.
Viewing- Friday April 10th 6:00pm to 8:00pm & Saturday April 11th 11:30 am to 12:30pm
Funeral: 1:00 pm to 2:00pm
Grave side service 2:30 to 3:00 at American Fork Cemetery

From President and Sister Carlson

April 6, 2015

Brother and Sister Lunt,

Sister Carlson and I surely love your son!

After seeking the Lord’s inspiration, Elder Lunt has been called to serve as an Assistant to the

President.  He’s been called because of his missionary skills and the example he has shown of

obedience and dedication to the Lord’s work.



Serving as an Assistant to the President is a great responsibility, and we have every confidence he

will lead with love. We will work together closely and regularly and I look forward to spending time

on our knees as we seek guidance from the Lord. He will learn about inspiration and about losing

self. It’s all important preparation for life, for marriage and for future Priesthood leadership.

We send our appreciation for supporting him as he serves here in the Armenia Yerevan Mission.

He’s in good hands. The Lord is mindful of him and we regularly give him hugs.

Love,

President and Sister Carlson

46 weeks Transfer and AP!

Dear family and friends, 

Lots of changes this week. It was hard to leave my old area and the people there especially because I had to leave 2 days before everyone else for leadership meetings and to meet the new missionaries and help with transfers. The new area is called Arabkir its right by the mission office and we are reopening it, after being closed for a transfer (3 months). I have been assigned to serve as Assistant to the President with Elder Cornett. Oh man its tough, I wish I could explain it all, but I am on my knees for most of the day. My companion is awesome and I always knew I was going to serve with him, I have a special connection with him, even before I knew him. He is the best speaker in the mission and he is a great leader I feel like I am back in my training and its a very humbling experience. I am praying for so many things and your prayers always help. One thing that you might think is funny, is that I am praying for the gift of tongues for both languages, because I am not as good as I use to be at English. And my companion is the best in the mission at the language. I thought I was pretty good, however as I constantly seek correction I realize that there is much more to learn, the small things. He's a stud and I love him, he doesn't see me as junior companion at all and I help him in other areas as well, its a two way street, that's a companionship.

 Elder Cornett and I have been trying to get everything organized and figured out, it will take time. We set some goals for the area and have come up with means to accomplish the goals. It still needs the "how" which will come with more planning, however the basic foundation of many things are figured out. As far as the mission goes, Elder Cornett and I feel that we want to focus of happiness in missionary work. Are we really happy? If not why? And how? We plan on using exchanges to help with a lot of that and will ponder and pray to know what else that will include. We feel there is a need for an excitement in the work as a whole mission, especially with our goal of 500 baptisms for the year and the success we have been blessed with.

 The area is great, different from what I am use to, however change is always good. We have lots of support from the ward, bishop and priesthood leaders. There are a few investigators that we have been able to meet with that seem to have quite a bit of potential. We look forward to having more time with them this upcoming week and getting to know them and the members personally. 

Elder Cornett is an amazing missionary! He is a great example and I am learning much from him in every aspect of the work. I feel the spirit when he speaks and am amazed at the profound knowledge of the gospel he has acquired through diligent study. I am excited about this transfer, something I told Elder Cornett in a discussion we had, was that I have always know that I am going to serve with him, even before I knew who he was, I heard his name and it had a familiar ring to it. Although I can't explain it all right now, I know that it will make more sense later and that this companionship like every is inspired.

I am doing good, Its been a very humbling week for me, in a good way, however still humbling. It has caused me to rely on  the Lord more than I ever have in my life, through fasting, and constant prayer. Its the normal feelings of inadequacy, fear, and discouragement that Satan always sends in these kinds of scenarios. All those feelings and more haven't been dwelt on and every time I feel the weight of it all I go down to my knees. I love the quote "Man stands the tallest when he's on his knees." I have been comforted as I confide with him and pour out everything to him. Although many of the gifts promised in my Pat. blessing have helped me, I realize this is the time that I will build upon them and much growth has and will take place.I love the missionaries and investigators so very much, I realize that helping missionaries will change not only their lives but thousands of Armenian's lives as well.  I will continue to rely heavily on the Lord to help the investigators and missionaries we serve. Thank you! 

Elder Lunt

A letter to a friend, some of my thoughts on the atonement

 The atonement is real and we are the only ones that hold ourselves back from being forgiven, the lord immediately forgives us. I am convinced that Alma the younger suffered the pains of a damned soul for 3 days because he wouldn't forgive himself, it wasn't until he focused on Christ and his Atonement that he was able to come out of the darkness and forgive himself, he held himself back for that long. When we make mistakes, it simply comes down to two choices,give up, or get back up and try then his grace is sufficient for us, because he forgives us immediately.  He has given us weaknesses and problems to make us humble, and to help us grow and overcome them. Without our hardships we would be following the plan of Satan and all would make it back, however, we would be worlds away from godliness. I always thought my weaknesses were and trials were from Satan, however that was just giving him credit for something he didn't do. They are from God, so that we have the opportunity to overcome them and become the person he wants us to be through his son's Atonement. It's stuff I am sure you already knew, I hope it helps. Even if it keeps you going through out the week a little longer with a little more happiness,

Week 45

Dear family and friends,

It has been a great week, and although it's not over yet, a great transfer. I am excited to see what the future brings, change= growth with is always a great thing. We have been very blessed this week as a companionship and as a district. We focused on faith through finding, It was neat to know that 17 sons and daughters of God were found this week as a district. Its improvement but we can do much better. 

We had a neat experience this week as a district and companionship concerning finding. In district meeting this last week we talked a lot about faith and talking to everyone and the power and blessings, and promises that will come when we do just that. 

During the meeting impression came to me, that if we have faith to try to talk to everyone and try to find families, that 10 new investigators for each companionship was a worthy goal. Through the spirit I felt that it was appraise to commit each companionship, not a raise of hands but rather they were asked to change their goal when they got home only if they felt that they had the faith to accomplish what was being asked, this is the time to expect miracles, they are people out there and waiting. 

This is the neat part, Elder Nelson and Garish shared an experience that just that day before on Monday as they were putting in their goals on the computer, they forgot their planner with their original goals on it and couldn't remember what they had. Elder Nelson recommended they pray about how many people they should try to find and they both shared that if were are focusing on finding families then 10 should be a great goal. It was neat to see that they received that inspiration a day earlier than I did, and that experience  was a second witness and reconfirmed the actuality and spirit behind that goal. Faith has increased this week especially in finding.  

On Thursday, we had only one investigator that we had found and we know that we needed to rely on the Lord more. We held a fast as a companionship and they miracles came immediately. That night we found a family of 5 and as we read about Christ in 3 Nephi 11 coming to his "other sheep" they spirit was powerful and they all accepted and their hearts were opened. The next day we were blessed with 2 more investigators one of which who was contact that we ran into on the street, and were able to meet with him. The power of fast is the FASTEST way to pull down the blessings of heaven. It was a great week and some neat experiences. There are miracles all around, this is the time to expect them, as we rely on the Lord!

3 of the investigators made it to baptism unfortunately 2 of them did not due to relapse. They are having a hard time with the word of wisdom they will make it though. M*** (the boxer) wants it so bad. We have been blessed with 5 baptism this transfer and there are many more coming to whoever is in this area next transfer, the work continues to take off on the upward each week.They are some amazing people, I wish you could meet them. One of the guys we baptized is 29 and he is awesome, we are very close and he wants me to stay in Armenian after my mission. I feel so close to them, all of them, I often forget I am a missionary sometimes and I feel like their family. There is a special connection and relationship with every single one of them.

I love you guys and I  pray for all of you each week. I miss you and love reading all of your letters. Email gets pretty old for all of us. So it will be good to see your faces and hear you all sometime soon. I love you guys and hope you are all happy, truly happy. I would recommend taking 20 minutes each day usually in the morning or evening before bed after your prayer to ponder, no distractions, just you and the spirit, its amazing what will happen, its one on one time with you and your heavenly father and the spirit. We often wonder why we don't receive immediate answers to our problems. How many times does it say in the scriptures to "ponder these things." When we make that time for us and the Lord and remove the distractions we will receive personal revelation. It is something I thought was worth sharing and has helped me out a lot. Love you all and miss you.

Love Elder Lunt

P.S. I got the package and it was great especially cause we were out of food this morning haha! thank you!!!

Week 44

Dear family and friends,

It has been another great week in Hrazdan. The Lord is pouring out his blessings on us, and truly using us as instruments in his hands. We had a great split with president last week. It was a great experience and we learned many things, especially from our personal interviews. He said some very complimentry and inspiring things. We felt the spirit was strong in all the meetings with investigators the day he came (Friday). Just like an investigator said "I can feel power in your presence". There 5 amazing people about to be baptized this week. We will be doing all we can to make sure they make it to baptism. We have been blessed in every single aspect and we have been blessed with triple the amount of meetings, thanks to the Lord and help of many of the members.

As every week we see many promised blessings and miracles, this week was no exception. We have been blessed with people coming to us and asking for the gospel as well as the help of many members. This last week we were tested in a number of ways, one of the biggest ways was the adversery trying to take down the unity of our companionship,members and as a branch. Also since Tuesday til Fri, our patience was getting tested over and over again by many different people. We felt like we didnt have the spirit with us in our meetings for those three days. It was awful and very tough,I felt like superman without his powers. However, we knew that it was just a test, that satan was and is throwing all he has at us to stop the great work here. We were able to bear through it, however, on Friday I cant explain what changed but it was so nice to have the spirit back I felt like I could do another day of missionary work at 10:30 pm.

The are many investigators this week that will be baptized. It has been so neat so see the change in so many of them. S***** is and was elect from the moment we met her. She has already read the Book of Mormon and is almost done with D&C. H*** has completly quit drinking and smoking, he has been clean for many weeks now. And another man named H***** is elect and he is excited to be baptized by his son, A**** the man who served a mini mission with us. M*** and N*** both have word of wisdom problems and are starting today for the whole week to be clean. It will be a lot of work with them, calling every few hours but it will be so beyond worth it. It's always a blessing to have elect investigators from the start. But when someone you meet at first isn't and over time they change and become elect. To me that is the Atonement in action and is so amazing to see. We love these people so much and know that they all have the capacity to make it to baptism no matter what their challenges are.

The district is doing good but we are capable of so much more. Elder Garish and I feel that a big part of the problem is finding. Have we gotten complacant? Or just forgotten to open our moulths to everyone? If we are going to suceed our goals we need to talk to three times the amount of people. Most of the time I think its something that we don't forget about as missionaries, talking to everyone is our job and as we pass so many people and try to talk to everyone we will be blessed to recongnize the elect. 

Its something that people are naturally afraid of. Talking to every stranger we see.It comes down to who do we fear more, God? or man? or whatever else is stopping a person from talking to everyone! There may be a number of reasons but we feel that is a big one. When we have faith we will not fear, when we care more about what God thinks and wants for his children that will further out weigh what someone else might think of us. As a result we will align our will to his and forget about what others think of us. Finding will be a big focus this week for us as a district. 

I hope my letters have not gotten boring. I apoligize that I am not able to respond to every email or question. However just know that I am great, everything is going beyond great. Yes there are challenges, and disapointments but the benefits and happyness further outweighs all of that. I love this work, these people and the Lord. I am so blessed to be here at this time. A mission willl change your life forever. You can not put a price or explaination on how much it will change you in every way, but more importantly those you teach. I have felt the Lord's Atonement working through so many and myself. I promise you it is real, he is real and he is the way. I have been used as an insturment in his hands, and have been able to help many through him. I can't think of any greater blessing or work in this life. I know he lives and loves us and that this is his true church on the earth today. I committ all of us to share the great knowledge that we know with others and help them live the only way that gives a person true happyness. Whatever happens on April 1st, this time will always be cherished with these great people. I love you all and pray for you all multiple times daily. My family and friends 

Love, Elder Lunt

Week 43

Dear family and friends,

There comes a point where there isn't much one can say, after seeing so many blessings, miracles, and change in others and in himself. That statement would apply to the investigators, members and contacts and Elder Kay and I this transfer. I heard a great analogy from my Dad "There are blessings that are constantly being showered upon us; when we are disobedient in even the smallest, it's like putting up and umbrella and deny ourselves those blessings and miracles". 20 There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated--

21 And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated.

D&C 130:20-21

The obedience weather it be for good or bad of an individual affects the companionship, district, zone and is like a chain reaction throughout the rest of the mission, we are one. The following was sent to the district this morning through text, letting them know that we are one and that we are doing great and will do better. Romans 12:5 "We being many are one in body, in Christ." Phillip 1:27 2:2 One spirt, one mind striving together being of one accord, of one mind."every blessing is predicated on a law", although, we may not always know what blessings come from which law, we can always choose to be obedient in order to receive all that the Lord has in store for the area and us.

Elder Kay and I have been extremely blessed in every aspect of missionary work this transfer. For the first 3 weeks the work was tough, we worked hard and were doing everything we could. We were not seeing progress but regress in the work. The Lord had a bigger plan for different investigators, and us. The day after we fasted and lost all but one of the investigators. We were blessed with many answers to our heart felt prayers. The change that was felt in that day was apparent and tangible. Ever since that time the work and every other aspect of missionary life has been  absolutely incredible, people call us to meet, people are changing and the change in them brings tears to my eyes. What a life changing and wonderful opportunity it is to be here at this time.

Elder Kay is and the district are doing great. Last district meeting we talked a lot about all the small things in our missionary work bringing miracles. "Behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass." All the small things add up, we talked about always looking for opportunities to be diligent and do  missionary work, as well as being obedient in all things, that we may have the faith and confidence to pull down the power of heaven, as well as a few other great topics from the spirit that has helped all of our missionary work. Something that has helped all of us is following on the commitments given in district meeting with each companionship every night. It helps keeps us all accountable and pushes us to work harder.

Its been another great week in Hrazdan, Armenia. Its truly a privilege to serve here with Elder Kay and get to know these great people. Many great things and baptisms are right around the corner. I love these people and know feel for them when they hurt and just desire their happiness and success. It has been amazing to see the change in others through the Atonement, the light in their eyes and change in their countenance. Thats the joy I live for, thats my joy and happiness.

I often ponder Mosiah 2:41 and again realize that this life is hard, the gospel isn't. The commandments are for our benefit, for our happiness and guidance. He is the way and the only way to real happiness! Love you all and hope and pray for your happiness and success everyday.

Love, Elder Lunt

Week 42

Dear family and friends 

There comes a point when words cant describe how much joy and happyness this gospel brings to a person. Reminding me of Ammon when he expresses how grateful he is for his God and Christ, their reedeming love and mercy. How perfect their plan is. Its the only thing in this life that will bring real happyness. I often feel like Ammon and ponder the many blessings that God has given me. This week has been hard due to things back in the home. However as soon as I get outside and lost in the work its like it doesnt even exist. There is always a direct correalation there, when we serve others we forget about ourselves. Then the Lord can make shape us as a tool in his hands Matt. 16; 25. I am blessed and have seen many people change their lives! We have been lead to people and they have been lead to us.

 The work here changed the 3rd week for the better thanks to the Lord answering our prayers and fasts. We did and try to change every day for the better to get better results. So that we may be used as an instrument in the Lord's hand.  If I would say one major factor that has helped us and me personally on my mission, the answer is simple ... work. As we read in DC and the Book of Mormon those whoe preached this perfect message did not think about where they were going to sleep or as to what their next meal was going to be. They were lost in the work! As a result they baptized thousands. PMG says it best, " the secret to missionary work... is work", I say the secret to life, is work!  We have noticed, the greater the sacrifice the greater the reward or blessing. We are very blessed to be lost in this eternal cause. I wake up with so much purpose and happyness everyday because of this great work, and because I get to do P90x ab ripper! Yeaaahhhh dont worry ladies this guy  is still looking good, correction..better! ;)

Elder Kay is doing great, we learn a lot from one another and have great gospel discussions. I grown to love him even more and he will always be a good friend. The district is doing good from my perspective. Elder Garish and I will be doing a split on tuesday to pray and discuss what we can do for the district, so that we can change the work as a whole. Elder Garish is an amazing man I can see the love in his eyes for all the people he is around.

I am doing great and I ponder and reflect as to why I am where I am, right now being that many old friends have taken different paths. Why was I blessed to take the turn for the better? Everyone has the light of christ and knows right between wrong. However free agency is always the process, as hard as that maybe, as a direct result we will always be the product. I have found solace in the scriptures, and have been studying the New testament and the Book of Mormon side by side to better teaching from both. Love you all and hope are all truly happy!  I know that this is true and that through the Savior is the only way to happyness! l know that they know us personally, better than we know oursleves. I love this work, I love this people, and I love the Lord Jesus Christ and my Heavenly Father!  Please stay close to them and rely on them in all you do! You have something that most of this world doesnt, share it by your examples. Be happy, smile! 

John 13;17

Love Elder Lunt

Week 41

Dear family, 

Its been a great week,

This week we had a great privilege to serve with a native missionary named Armen. We worked hard and had a great time. I learned a lot from him in every aspect as we carefully listened to him. He's a great guy and he desires the same great things we do, a family, opportunities, and happiness and peace. He said many great things that really impressed me. "I know that God really exits and loves me". And that he said he learned a lot from serving with us and that he plans on incorporating what he learned into his daily life. It was a great privilege to serve with him, I know that I will always remember him and the brotherhood and friendship we formed. 

 Elder Kay is still doing great. He is easy going and a hard worker as well. The district seems to be doing well. Elder Garish and I would like to see us all working together as a district more as in everyone pulling their weight as a companionship. Its something we are praying and fasting about to know what to do to help the district as a whole. They are loved and appreciated, I have the privilege to talk to them each night during call ins and its neat to hear about their miracles, highs and lows. 

Ever since that tough week when things changed for the better, work here continues to amaze me. We are so blessed and as we really work hard and try to do all that we can, we are blessed in every aspect of the work. The members are going with us for lessons and introducing us to people to teach. I was blessed to baptize a very elect man that is going to be a leader in this church one day, and he wants his family to be taught as soon as possible. So many tender mercies. As I keep a journal I try to write them all and realize all that the Lord has done for me. I plan on giving my journals to you to read after the mission, that will be the closest account of all that I have been through.

Love you all and miss you guys. I realize everyday how great of people you all are. I would be happy the rest of my life just serving you guys when I get home. I love you!

Elder Lunt

Week 40!!

Dear family and friends,

 All is well here. We have been blessed every week to have many great people to teach and to learn from. The love for these people can't be described. There are times when I take a moment to realize how blessed we are to be here. To serve, love and get to know these great men and women. As we had the opportunity to watch meet the mormons last week in zone confrenece I realized that its not just Armenians but every person in the world has the same God given light of christ that inspiries those to help others and want to be safe with their families from the world. As a companionship the movie helped us in our work but not as much as the things the zone leaders said especially Elder Garish. I let him know that he has a love in his voice that the spirit carries out. You can tell he really loves all the missionaries in that room and his motivies are right, the spirit bears record of it.

Elder Kay and I often talk about all the miracles we have seen together and in other people. The spirit of the Lord is chaning the hearts of men. People are quitting smoking, coming to church, becoming better spouses, fathers, mothers, and disciples of the Lord. It brings tears to my eyes when I see the light, the change in someones eyes and face that only the Atonement brings. I remeber my Dad explaing that to me, its something that one can only experience. The joy and happyness it brings is Celestial. The members are 100% on board with us and help in many aspects of the work. This area and the work here has changed and we continue to work hard as a result see the blessings. Hard work through the Lord is the key to sucess. We must do all we can to, if we really expect to pull down the blessings of heaven.

My companion... I love him. I really do. He is a great man. Elder Kay has changed a lot just in the short time that I have been with him. The spirtual maturity and the growth in every aspect is momnetual. He is a humble, christ like disciple. He knows how to serve these people and others. There is very little pride. He loves others and shows it by his example and works, even those who maybe hard to love at times. He continues to progress in every way. We have a great time together, he is funny and has a different personality. He also knows when its time to work and he does just that. 

The district is doing good. Elder Garish (zone leader and close friend) and I both feel that we need to review the things we learned in zone meeting. Also we feel like as a district we need to be working harder and all pulling out weight as companionships. We know that areas are different, however we can always work harder and do better. That being said we were happy to see the faith in goal setting this week.

I often think what I did to have things so good, my parents, upbringing, to be born in to the gospel. The least I can do is share that. I often ponder the Lord's mercy and his Atonement. How did he do it? How does he love us all so much with a perfect love? His grace and love is perfect and he knows what we can become through his grace. I reflect on my past sometimes and realize it isn't something I am proud of, however like Paul the apostle I dont regret it and I know God's grace made me who I am today and will continue to become for the people I serve. (1 COR. 15;10) I know that the Lord is the only way to true happyness and peace. The means to obtaining his light is progression..daily scrip study, prayer and all 3 hours of church. I love you all and apreciate all the letters, packages and uplifting words. I miss you all and am grateful for you. Escpecially my great parents who have done so much for me and have always loved, and supported me. I love you all and pray for you by name. 

Love Elder Lunt

Week 39 - Happy Valentines day!

Dear family and friends,

First off, happy valentines day to everyone! Sorry to all the babes reading this but my Mom still and will always have my heart, maybe one day to all you 10's out there reading this. Haha we had a good valentines day here, its just a another great day of the same great work.

As usual I am not sure where to start and can never tell even a little bit of all the miracles, truly miracels that I have seen this week. Its been a good week. As every week comes and goes I realize how blessed we are as a companionship and I am personally. This area is so special and the work is going how we wanted it to. We are branching out to other cities and seeing blessings in every single aspect as we work hard and never miss an opportunity. 

Many miracles this week and blessings. We have been blessed with investigators and with meetings constantly. Some fall through but there is always many other ready and willing to meet. We had many neat experiences this week one of them being as we have now completely cleaned out the area book and called all the potential investigators and formers. We met with a family that has been "waiting for that call for a year now." Their words not mine. Its another testimony to us to know that there are elect ready and waiting all around us, in our area books, referrals, neighbors. And instead of saying each one of our cities, I would say at least 5 ready to be baptized in each one of our buildings. It truly is a great opportunity and privilege to be here. All is well.

Elder Kay is a great missionary and is in tune with the spirit, he loves these people and is continue to progress in every way, spiritually, maturity and with the language. I point out to him that the Lord is making him and shaping him as a tool in his hand to help bring souls to repentance. I love him and enjoy this time as his companion.

The district is doing great there is a lot that I don't have time to write about, however I have been really blessed and leaned a lot from serving other missionaries. I sent the district. DC: 97;8 the Lord notices all that we do and accepts all of our sacrifices no matter how big or small. I am out of time but I love you all so much and and miss you guys. I see your faces every day as I pray for you individually. Love your son, brother, soldier and missionary

Elder Lunt

Week 38

Dear everyone,

Wow...this week. This week was the hardest, but the best week of my mission so far. I willlexplain. The first three days were trails of our faith. We have been and are working so hard. Skipping meals, fasting, never missing an opportunity to work and we were just not getting any breaks. We know that sacrifice brings blessings however,everything was falling through. We dropped all the investigators but 2. The man Suren who we held a fast for on Tuesday, didn't have enough faith to be baptized and his wife talked him out of it, it was hard to see him deny the spirit and it made me sad. We had so many people arguing with us and bashing on our faith and my testimony. It was hard to know how hard we were trying but nothing was happening. I started thinking it was me and that I was doing something wrong. However, at the same time I knew that feeling was not from god and that this was just a trail of our faith.

With not a single plan working out...Then came Thursday and the remaining week...Something changed in the work here. It was almost tangiable. We felt it. A 180 degree turn in the work. Starting with the first meeting. We planned our best and on Thursday and through the rest of the week almost everything worked out, we met new investigators and many members gave us referrals and not just told us about their friends or relatives but actually came with us to their houses. Gago our branch president , Armen and many other members are such examples to me. They have solid testimonies and desire this real joy and happineses for everyone they meet.Through the members is the best and only way to do this great work. We were blessed with many meetings with investigators and members present,10 referrals and 13 new investigators this week. I have a testimony of fasting and that there is power behind a fast with a purpose and prayer. I also know that trials of faith always come, some before and some after. We were very blessed this week and I felt a joy and change in the work that I had been seeking for this whole transfer. That only came after much prayer, fast and humility. My hope is that we will continue to be led and blessed, for these great people and their happiness and salvation. The Lord is in control of everything. I know he lives and I love him. His love and Atonement is what motivates me to give everything I have. The same happiness and joy I have received. I desire for all. This is the time of my life! Love you all and hope and pray for you to stay close to the Lord and rely on his spirit. Cut out the noise and tune in.

 A good mormon message I showed a few weeks ago in district meeting It is the one of the old man tuning his radio and cutting out he noise of the world, I don't remember the exact name but its worth watching and pay attention to how you feel. Love you guys and invite you to help the missionaries in your ward. Share the gospel with all you can, every member is a missionary and you know the people who need the gospel better than we do. I invite all who read this to share this perfect message with as many as you can this week. Try it and you will get to feel the happiness I feel daily. Love you all so much.

P.S. I forgot to tell you that we were blessed with a baptism 2 weeks ago, Tigran,21 years old and he is already teaching with us and wants to serve a mission. And I love these people and our branch pres. Gago is an amazing man.

Love Elder Lunt

Link to video Brian is talking about:
Voice of the Spirit VIDEO

Week 37

Dear friends and family,

We have seen a lot of change this week in the work and the area. We feel there is an excitment about missionary work and the branch is all for it. Gago the branch pres is steping up more as a leader and applying the things we are teaching him. Hes is great man and I love him and his family very much, I see the light in their faces that only comes through living the gospel. We have obtained an M.L.S. list and have been trying to find all the less actives on the list. Less actives are some of my favorite to work with, nothing is more joyful to see the light and happyness return in their eyes as you bring up their baptism and the feelings they felt during the time of their conversions. We have noticed tender mercies being in the right places at the right times. We have also made some big promises this week through the holy ghost, in one of the lessons I promised a man that I am positive that if we could just talk to his wife, that I know her heart will be softened to be ok with him being baptized, he was quiet and said "if you are positve then next time you can talk to here" we hit on faith with him and that we know she will be softened to the message but that he had to beleive it as well. Alma 32 was the committment. The next meeting with him and his wife will be followed by much fasting and prayer. Please pray for us and him (suren is his name) and that his wife's heart will be opened. I know that the Lord will make good on his promises that he made through us, As long as we have faith and show it though fasting, desperate prayer and humbling ourselves. 

Elder Kay is doing great. He is making leaps on the language through hard work and the help of the Lord. He is always wearing a smile and its contagious, Its great and the people love him. He has a great sense of humor and we are working hard and also have many great times together. He has a humility about him that most dont. Its a gift he has, to be able to be so nice to people and not bothered by things some people say. Hes a great missionary, with a firm testimony. 

The district is doing great from what I can see. I feel that I know every one pretty well know. 

Every week has been great of my mission some more joyful than others. However this week I felt that I have received a lot of personal revelation as to what to do and how through study of consencration. I reveiceved an answer to many of my prayers as to what should be the drive and the motivation behind all the hard work and conscencration. I always knew it should be for the love of the Lord but how do I change to be conscencrated in every situation for that reason? I felt strong impressions that I needed a better understanding of the atonement, the most important event that ever was and will be. I am grateful for the answer and am excited to get started. Everything is going well, we are changing every day so that this will be the Lord's work through us. I love him and know he and our Heavenly Father live and love us more than we can comprehend. I cant imagine, and dont want to what would be if I hadnt had come on a mission. This has been the most joyful time of my life! Only one who has served will understand this great feeling. I felt this week to challenge my family and all who are reading this to read the scriptures every morning together as a family. Even if it is only a little bit. And to go to all three meetings of church. The blessings are there, we limit ourselves as to how much we receive. Love you all so much and pray for you all daily. Live what you know, and be happy, smile! Love you

P.S. about this time each Monday is when I will be emailing

Elder Lunt