Weel 101 - Change in the air

Dear family and friends,

We have seen many blessings this past week. Many people's lives are changing and the blessings of living the gospel becomes a reality and tagible within the dispositon and lives of these people. There is much to be happy about and much to rejoice in. 

I love these people and strive to display such love by serving with my all of my heart, might, mind and strength. Our compionship continues to fire on all cylinders and we find many great people daily and work towards broadening our influence for good daily. 

Elder Peterson is doing great and I continue to learn from him and love him. We are teaching a lot of families right now and many of them are progressing rapidly. Like I said earlier, there is much to be grateful for. 

With many people found this last week, we had a great opportunity to try new teaching styles to more fully rely on Him in His work. We were pleasently suprised as many people changed upon the attainment of knowledge. In many cases we say within the course of a 45 min meeting people's eyes and ears opened to the Holy Ghost and lives infused with purpose and meaning as many had a clear choice between the eternal ultimatum of real and enduring happiness.

Sorry for the length of this email. Because of the stake becoming a district, there has been a lot more placed on us. I will get back to you on the details for skype this Sunday.

Love you all!

Thank you,

Elder Lunt

Week 100 - "Would have passed by them" Mark 6:48

Dear family and friends,

Another converted family to the gospel of Jesus Christ baptized and preparing for the temple. I feel that the Lord is hastening his work more than ever and the blessings are showing in every facet. With all of the recent blessings, miracles, and possible trials ahead of us, diverting our thoughts and attention on the miracles around us rather than the storm in front of us has been a fundamental componet of grattitude and faith. These passages of scripture have always had a special place in my heart as they illustrate a myriad of life long principles worth learning and following. 

Mark 6:48 "And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.

49 But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out:

 50 For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.

51 And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.

 52 For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened."

I firmly believe that the Lord Jesus Christ walks the path of discipleship with his disciples, through both calm waters and ragging stoms. He is with us much more than we realize. Wether this be through His Holy Ghost or the people we love, He is there. Through a habit of prayer, constant communion and the apex of intelligence by pondering the "miracles of the loaves", in other words the daily influence he has in our lives, I feel confident in saying that unconsumated miracles, opportunities and the source of all power does not pass us by like it almost did the disciples in the storm.

One year ago in my first interview with you as an assistant, I asked President Carlson if he could change one thing in the mission what would it be. Intrestingly enough in a casual conversation coming home from Georgia just weeks before my last transfer as an assistant concluded, I asked the same question and was suprised by the same answer.

"Every missionary to understand how to rely on The Lord Jesus Christ, and stop trying to do missionary work on their own." This was his short but profound answer. As I was looking over Elder Kacher's notes and handouts from his meeting I still get the impression that we missionaries are still trying to do to much on our own. I speak by voice of experience, that we try to rely to much on our own skill, apptitude and experience when we more often than not forget who really converts, who touches and changes hearts and who establishes the church. I say what you already know, that only through Jesus Christ's Atonement, both reedeming and enabling power can we rise up, become and establish the church.

Thank you,

Elder Lunt

Week 99 - Consecration by collaboration

Dear family and friends,

What a week! Lives changed, opportunities given and agency activated. Although I can not write all the minute details that each week consists of, it is often the small things that we appreciate the most when present. I love the feeling of waking up everyday knowing that I am "going about the Father's business". The divine purpose of bringing to pass the Lord's will of "immortality and eternal life of all men" invigorates each day with meaning and joy and love. 

Elder Peterson and I are doing well. The investigators are doing well and the miracle family will be living up to their title within the next week or two. Elder Peterson is a great missionary and we have a great time together. I am learning from him just the right things at just the right time in my mission. The ward council is doing great and the divinity facilitated by communication, accountability and unity has brought great revelation and results. 

The Divine council... To live up to such a title can be almost instant for some wards as others before us have sowed the price. Reaching divinity in most cases, includes longer than just a few weeks or even transfer cycles of missionaries that may never enjoy the shade of the seeds they planted. However, establishing the church isn't that small of a task either. But great things are brought about by great means. 

The body follows the head. Elder Ballard's statement rings to be true on every level, "councils are the most effective way to get real results, and are the Lord's way". The divine ward council is the head of the body of members throughout Armenia. To see real results in establishing the church, there must be a real council transcending into real action. 

We see temporal and spiritual results of a divine council in every way as ward members learn to emulate the example of their leaders in "imparting of their substance both temporally and spiritually that there may be no poor among them". They do so as they take hold of their primary responsibility of retaining and reactivating. Likewise, establishing the church through a divine council by continual counselling has lead to greater revelation and changes in the way we work, or in other words "hard work and smart work". Continual counseling and the manner of thinking to establish the church through a divine council is a foundation, means, and catalyst for something greater.

1 Timothy 6:18- That they do good, be rich in good works, ready to distribute, and willing to communicate.

19- Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, they may lay hold on eternal life.

"There is absolutely no point in doing missionary work unless we hold on to the fruits of that effort. The two must be inseparable". Finding, teaching, and baptizing is under the direction of the mission president while retaining and reactivating is under the direction of the bishop. But these two must be inseparable? With the direction of the work under two different bodies of leadership there is a natural margin for dissonance.

We believe that the fundamental purpose of all of this counseling and talk of divinity has been to merge the work of mission president's finding, teaching, baptizing, and bishop's/ward council's retaining and reactivating into one work. Two different bodies of leadership through congruence of the ward council and missionaries creating a venue to establish the church. This has been facilitated by weekly planning through the ward council.

One of Elder Kacher's commitments he left us and our councils, was every Sunday have the bishop hand out names of those in need of strengthening to each council member. More often than not, us missionaries try to activate and reactivate without the help of the ward council. And in the rare case that the ward council is fulfilling their primary responsibilities of activation and retaining then those efforts are not communicated.

Consecrate our performance--This past week we met with each member of the ward council and prepared them with information from chapter 13 for comprehension of "the doctrine". We asked each member of one active member they would like to visit (other than their home teaching assignments) the upcoming week--covering retaining-- and likewise one less active members. Each member of the ward council has an active member to strengthen and a less active to reactivate and clear instruction from the bishop to communicate with us their visits.  9 members of our council, each with two people (one active one less active) to visit, in the realm of retaining and reactivating our week is planned for the next week and efforts collaborated.

 "The work of proclaiming the gospel will move forward more powerfully when full-time missionaries and members coordinate their efforts and work in unity together". This took preparation beforehand with every member of the council especially the bishop as it all came from him. Counseling, like faith, is a principle of action. Combined efforts of members and missionaries in the ward council by weekly planning in the council has been the apex for continual counselling and a divine council. It is all one work, not one laborer, but only one work, when we all become laborers.

Thank you, 

Elder Lunt

Week 98 - Supposed Him to be The Gardener

Dear family and friends,

I hope you had a great conference weekend and walked away with more than you came. The transparency of the words spoken not only segwayed into my personal conversion but underlined the things that really matter in life and reshuffled priorities and goals. 

With opportunity to practice what we preach, we went to appointments right after our viewing. The spiritual power and divine guidance was immediate. The difference was contrast as the spirit repleted the envoirnment with exuberance and clarity for us and the listener.

In my service of almost two years now I have come to learn that some of the most magnificent miracles are often times the easiest ones to miss. Through out the New Testament countless visions and manifestations of Christ were so common that sometimes the disciples and even Mary when "she supposed Him to be the gardener" following his resurrection didn't recongnize Christ. This has direct revelance in each of our lives. 

A few days ago we had one of these affirmation like experiences that we didn't fully comprehend until the moment and even later that day. Were lost in a part of town looking for a recent convert's home. We spent about an hour looking and couldn't find his home. With no means of communication with this particular member we decided to keep looking a bit longer. With increased seraching and decreased patience, we came into a certain part of town that I seemed to recongnize and remembered a women's home in the area who was baptized within the last year. We decided to visit this women instead while we happen to be in the area.

Unexpected, we knocked on their door. Her daughter (a faithful member) answered and invited us in to find this women draped on the couch with rags on her head. We talked to her and she said that she was having stroke like sypmtoms and was about to call 911. My companion and I looked at one another and made the instant unspoken connection. We acted and offered a priesthood blessing. At the close of the blessing this women sprung up and immediately was her old cheerful self. This women cried and was thankful for the immediate answer to her prayers thorugh us. We all shared this experience together and I didn't realize the magnitude of the Holy Ghost's divine guidance unil later with pondering in prayer.

The chruch is being established in Artashat Armenia. We see temporal and spiritual results of a divine council in every way. As ward members learn how to emmulate the example of their leaders in imparting of their substance and take part in retaining and reactivating efforts. Investigators baptized these past few days are forming strong realtionships with the ward members and leaders. Establishing the church through a divine council by continual counselling has lead to greater revelation, changes in missionary work and blessings in our area. A divine council has been paramount to the progress.

Elder Peterson is doing well and I learn much from his example of Christ-like meekness and humility. I have much to learn and accquire and he has much to give. Every companionship is insipired. I love and appreciate him in all regards.

The blessings continue to flow in every imaginable way. Much has changed and been magnified in my life, with all humilty and dependancy on Christ I feel comfortable saying that I feel powerful and capable in all endeavours. With increased apptittude to draw from His source, the blessings and predicted conviction flows.

Thank you, 

Love Elder Lunt

Week 97 - More than a feeling

Dear family and friends,

Another incredible week! We are being blessed in more ways than just the work and we are enjoying every moment with these wonderful people. This last week a man named prominent man named Haykaz was baptized. He had been coming to our church every Sunday for the last 8 years. What changed his heart? The spirit brought by The Book of Mormon.There is an evident power in then Book of Mormon imparted into the lives of the honest seeker of truth when read and acted upon.

Things continue to heat up and the work hastens as another family member of a part member family will be baptized this upcoming Saturday. The son Stiopa was baptized 2 weeks ago, daughter already a member and the real missionary in this scenario, and their Mom is going to be baptized this Saturday. Within the week, this family will be complete and ready for the Temple in due time.

The miracle family is going strong and will make it to baptism. They continue to amaze me and I learn much from their example and steadfastness. Many other prospects for baptism are preparing and making the necessary steps for preparation.

The ward is incredible, self sufficient and together we cover all 5 areas of missionary work. Finding, teaching, baptizing, retaining and reactivating have become one and the laborers many. 

Divinity is a steep objective in any venue, but so is our progress. Continual counseling helps us achieve this divinity. Continual counseling --and the manner of thinking to establishing the church through a divine council--- is a catalyst for something greater...A divine council. Just as simple as continual planning was in refabricating planning. Continual counseling and the mindset of a divine council has influenced how we work in every aspect of the work. Clearly stated, we have found the doctrine behind it is establishing the church through a divine council. 

Elder Peterson and I are doing great! We get along great and we persist in striving for divinity in our companionships. He is a great man and there is much to be learned from him. The opportunities are endless in every situation. I am grateful for this time and these many blessings.

Thank you,

Elder Lunt

Week 96 - Divine councils

Dear family and friends,

Happy Easter! Easter Sunday couldn't have been better spent as more than a dozen investigators came to Sacrament meeting and felt of the spirit of love, peace and belonging. I wish I could describe every miracle to the fullest, but because of the Spirit lead experiences in your life I don't need to. 

Hearts have been softened, potential recongnized and effectuated. The work is hastening in every form. Because of the Father, through the Holy Ghost, the foundation for the pinnacle of success is being laid by those nail driven hands of Him our brother Jesus Christ through us.

Elder Peterson is doing great. I love him and respect his peace and maturity. He has been sick this last week and seems to be tired a lot. I have been trying to help him communicate more so he feels my love and we attain that fullness of divinty. I am learning many things from him that will be of great benefit now and later in life.

I am doing great and the investigators are progressing rapidly and the sphere of our influence broadens daily. We were blessed to baptize a 13 kid (Stiopa; future missionary) and his Mom (stella) will be baptized on the 9th of April, with his sister already baptized, this family will be complete and ready for the temple in due time. 

The miracle family is going strong and they are all on board. Many others will be baptized this month and the work is at an all time high in the history of Artashat according to our bishop..He is funny. We have been privledged to work with a lot of the youth. Almost 20 youth came to an activity this last week in which we had a major part in and we had a great time throwing the football and walking to a famous old church (Khor vi rap). All of them want to come to meetings with us and be missionaries. The love is strong between the youth and us.

(The following is a continuation of conversation between president and I,sharing revelation concearing establishing the church through the ward council that has blessed our area and companionship and is shared for the benefit of the mission)

Divine Councils---In my humble oppinon establishing the church means establishing the ward council. However, preliminary to establishing the church we must "work out our own salvation" and "cleanse the inner vessel" of our companionshps. I believe that to have a dinive council we need to first be divine individuals and second have divine companionships. As each prefaces the other and can't surpass the one without the other then we can move to a higher plane of influence---divine councils.

Continual counciling persists in changing the way we do missionary work. Many immediate blessings surface as we are diligent about communicating, reporting, and collaborating our efforts daily with the respective auxiliary. I have come to the realization that the most successful principles applied in continual counciling are communication, accountabilitly and unity. These are the basis for divinity. 

These three principles are needed in any scenario where divinity is the goal especially something as intricate and vast as establishing the Chruch of Jesus Christ, divinity is the only successful option. Communication as we council, accountability as both parties do and report, and the spirit of unity as we work together. With all of these simulatneously exercised we become one as Christ commanded...We become a divine council.

D&C 104

12 That every man may give an account unto me [and each other] of the stewardship which is appointed unto him.

13 For it is expedient that I, the Lord, should make every man accountable, as a steward over earthly blessings

Chapter 13 in PMG states "retaining and reactivating are the Ward council's first responsiblity". Although, we assist in retention and reactivating frankly put---and I feel comfortable saying I speak for the majority---we do not do these two as frequent as finding teaching and baptizing and rightfully so, as long as the ward council is established. I agree that Finding, teaching, baptizing, reataining and reactivating is all one work but we are not one labourer. 

D&C 104:11 "Ye shall organize yourselves and appoint every man his stewardship". Members and specifically those of the ward council are mavens in the field of retaining and reacitvating as they know much more about the areas, people and past than we do. We know how to find teach and baptize as that is our area of expertise and they know whom to find teach baptize retain and reactivate. 

My observation is that only in the realm of unision does missionary work--finding, teaching, baptizing, retaining and reactivating---become one and the labourers many and we establish the Church by establishing the ward council. Divine councils have been the keystone of success.

Thank you,

Love Elder Lunt

Week 95 - Fullness of Joy

Dear family and friends,

What a week! This last week the work went viral in every facet of the work. I would attribute a major portion of it to the unity and compatibility of our ward. We are of one mind and one heart as the scriptures portray. The leaders in our ward have embraced the mindset of continually counciling and the trust, love and correspondance has plorifirated.

 Ward council has become a mindset rather than a once a week event. Something so simple as communication---as Moroni would say---has "altered the management of affairs among [us]". It makes since as we think about how important companionship unity is and this principle of continual counciling takes unity to the next step in our ward councils to establishing the church through auxilaries, while simultaneously promoting self sufficiency and unity in our ward.

 After planning at night we call the auxillaries corresponding to those with whom we met that day and report to them the specific needs and progress of those we visited under their stewardship and specify that we are reporting, then empowering them by asking what they think needs to be done. 

This does many things that when implimented will be discovered and magnified. However, if I had to choose the three major assets of this I would say first member missionary correspondance, second, activates agency of the leadership by outlining specific ways to help those they serve and take part in missionary work, the last, and in my oppinion the most diverse, the communication and compatiblity of the members and missionaries merges finding, teaching, baptizing, retaining and reactiviating into all one work.

"You reap what you sow" , when all is said and if "this" works or not in any given ward, it will because of a missionary's and the ward council's diligence and willingness to experiment. I see time and time again that if we do the bare minimum or just what we think is good, The lord will give us the bare minimum or what He thinks is good. It is not until we do our all and give our all in a consentrated effort that we recieve all He has to give.

More often than not in missionary work we exert so much effort on trying to solve the "how" of accomplish a certain task or implimenting revelation-----understanding our purpose, christlike attributes, and lately establishing the church---- that we end up on a detour of extraneous solutions with almost little or not benefit. No wonder there is frustration with leadership at times. Simplicity...The idea of continual counciling is simple--- daily communication. I hope we can keep it that way. It doesn't answer all the questions or solve all the problems, nothing all at once ever will. However, it has done much good in our ward, and seems to be a very simple,clear, and specific way of establishing the church through auxilaires.

I can not explain the hundreth part of the tender mercies witnessed this last week. It has finally all come together. The area is on fire. The ward is firing on all cylinders and I am pleased to say would be just fine if missionaries had to leave Armenia. Our bishop along with most members is a great leader and understands the importance of personal ministy. The people we are teaching I feel in reality are teaching us and we learn so much from them. Elder Peterson and I couldn't be happier.

The miracle family...2 weeks ago Mher and I were on a bus going to a near by village. As always we talked to as many as would listen to us. We talked to a young single mother with her daughter and shared with them briefly about what we do and the blessings of forever families. We gave them a restoration pamphlet with our number and information on the back and like most people do, she said she would call. 

This past Tuesday we got a call from this lady and she said that she read "our book" and wanted to know more. Anxiously suprised we set up a time and visited her the next day. I didn't make the connection over the phone that it was this lady who we had talked to on the bus 2 weeks ago until we went to her home and met her and her children of 4. We started the lesson and she and all 4 of her kids (between ages 9-18) said they had read the book we had given them as a family. 

Elder Peterson and I at this point thought we would wake up from our dream at any moment, then the next words they said brought the spirit and confirmed the reality of this unique message to the world. "When we read as a family, we felt something so powerful and peaceful, we just had to call, what did we feel?

I wish I could fully portray through words of just how that meeting went with the miracle family and how every meeting since has gone. I testify of the divinity of this work and the results of faith in Jesus Christ through consistent effort. I know without a doubt what we share everyday is true. This family and 2 other families made up of 2 people are progressing so beautifullly. These 3 families all came to church and will be entering the waters of baptism these next several weeks.

I have been on my knees this last week much in offering my grattitude and joy that is full in the Lord and these people. If you want to know how we feel Ammon in Alma chapter 26 is the closest account in words that can depict the fullness of joy that comes from this work. My joy is truly full in the Lord and in these people. 

Thank you,

Elder Lunt

Week 94 - Rising Tide

Dear family and friends,

We are doing great! Everything is coming together. This last week consisted of much as each week does. However there was a distinguishable change in the work because of the way we are working, that is hard and smart work. The basics for success in missionary work which protracts into life are "obedience to the gospel, faith in Christ and working hard and smart"-Elder Kacher. As we adapt and change the way we work---working smarter to work harder---- the results are tangible. Ephasis on the members has changed the game. This last week we closed the final gaps on missionary/ member correspondance. 

We have done so by visiting members more often and finding the elect through them. I have noticed something very unique that is often over looked but eventually leads to the success or unfulfilled potential of an area. That is there is a network among members. They are the mavens of information , data banks, specific for each area. A network that we can barely tap into before our time in each area expires. They know who the active members are, the less active members, the part member families and the potentials. They have answers to most all the questions. The problem I have noticed is this...Members in most of Armenia don't see opportutnties and potential like us missionaries do. This leaves unconsummated potential.

The game changer for us has been missionary/member correspondance. We have been able to tap into this network of information of part member families, less actives and more with a variety of methods. However the biggest asset has been working through auxillaries (Elder's quorum pres, relief society pres, ward council) by reporting our progress. We report specific progress and needs of those we visit to the corresponding auxiiary and we specify that we are reporting to them. Not only has this involved members in missionary work, it has opened the lines of communiaction making ward council an on going mindset rather than just a once a week event. This has worked wonders for us and helped members better understand their role and take a part in their calling and missionary work. 

We are doing very well! Elder Peterson and I get along well and we have a fun time. He is a great guy and we balance each other out well, we make a good team. As mentioned above, things are coming together. The work in taking off through the members (about time). We have been blessed to meet many incredible people this last week. We found many great part member families that are progressing very well. It is amazing to see the progress of others as they start the journey of discipleship. Many people will be baptized in these next few weeks, and the Lord is doing wonderful things through us.

As I was pondering a few nights ago, I was amazed with all that I have been blessed with through the Lord. As I sat in silence I was humbled to my knees by the gratitude I felt for our Father in Heaven, Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost and their three distinct but yet unanimous roles in my personal conversion. Words can not describe how grateful I am for them and their patience with us. I am blessed to be apart of this gospel and even more fortunate to be sharing it. I endorse the words of Matthew 10:39 as I have become living evidence and of the Atonement of Jesus Christ both redeeming and enabling power. I truly love these people. I love this work. Thank you for you love and support! I love you all!

Love Elder Lunt

Week 93 - A land choice above all other lands

Dear family and friends,

Much has happened in the span of a week. Elder Porcelli and I parted ways as he went home, it was hard saying bye to him, love and miss him. Mher (an American Armenian missionary) served with me for a few days until transfers and we had a lot of fun together and worked hard. My new companion is great. Elder Peterson, he has a calmness about him and is very down to earth and mellow. I look forward to all that we will learn from each other and we are excited for a great transfer together and completing the goals we have set out to accomplish. 

On that note, goals..As Elder Peterson and I sat down and made goals for this transfer and we did the same with our auxiliaries, I was reminded just how important goals are and how much they help me navigate my life. Monthly goals, weekly goals and daily goals have kept me accountable and facilitated growth and personal development much quicker than I would of had I not set these goals.

  "Where there is no vision the people perish". I feel the problem with goals most times is that we often forget the purpose of the goal. The doctrine behind it, why are we setting that goal? Those who feel uncomfortable  with numbers and goals, need to understand the purpose behind them and why they are setting that particular goal. The goal becomes a catalyst for growth and completing a specific purpose, a standard of accountability and a personal criterion of determination and desires transformed into action. I find it worth to say that as soon as one loses sight of the purposes behind their goals they lose sight of their vision and eventually fold in, defeating the whole purpose of goals. 

I apologize for my last email as I was cut short and wasn't able to finish my complete thought, however, you probably got the main idea. The work is going well. The member support is not quite where it needs to be, so we have been working with members to fully gain their trust and to complete part member families and attain referrals. This past week as we have sought to work with members and complete part member families for the purpose of finding the elect. We have noticed a difference in the type of investigators that we are teaching and the their level of preparation.

We had many great lessons this last week as we taught with the spirit the investigators responded under that same influence. I often wonder how broad the sphere of our influence extends. One couple we are teaching in their late 40's after explaining the Restoration and the purpose of our meetings ---receiving an answer from God then acting on such-- and how to get an answer by following the basic tenets of the gospel allowed the spirit into their hearts, their eyes were opened and their understanding enlightened. This particular couple in reference to receiving their answer and following those basics of the gospel said "If that is what needs to be done, than that is what we will do" They clearly understood that faith will be manifested by their works as the apostle James declared "faith with out works is dead".  As the spirit pervaded the room Mher and I  capitalized on such an opportunity and told them that what they were feeling was exactly how they would get their answer and that they could not deny such a feeling as this. 

As for myself I am doing great! I am doing all I can to give opportunities to others to activate agency and growth. As I was studying this last week from the book of Ether (1-3) I was amazed with the words I was reading. I felt like I was reading a different book I must had skipped in the past. A land "choice above all other lands which the Lord God had preserved for a righteous people". 

"And the Lord would not suffer that they should stop beyond the sea in the wilderness, but he would that they should come forth even unto the land of promise, which was choice above all other lands, which the Lord God had preserved for a righteous people."

"I will bring you up again out of the depths of the sea; for the winds have gone forth out of my mouth, and also the rains and the floods have I sent forth. And behold, I prepare you against these things; for ye cannot cross this great deep save I prepare you against the waves of the sea, and the winds which have gone forth, and the floods which shall come."

As I read I made the connection that the Lord is not only talking about a geographical location but the land preserved for us which is above all other lands is eternal life. He asks that we go into the Wilderness at times and cross the great raging deep of life and trials. As we do so we are perfected, we are become like him as we trust him. At times we like the brother of Jared get comfortable and forget to call on the name of the Lord. Figuratively speaking we stop in the land by the seashore for 4 years. However, the Lord always leads us out of complacency  and gives us the opportunity for a better place just beyond the horizon. It is worth it to think if we are on the journey to reaching our land of promise which is above all other lands. If we call upon the name of the Lord, repent, follow the spirit and go to work our faith will become dormant in that sphere and we can know as the brother of Jared did with a knowledge of the things of the Lord. Love you all and I am grateful for you love and support. 

Thank you

Love Elder Lunt

Change in responsibility letter

ARMENIA YEREVAN MISSION OF

 THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

March 7, 2016



Dear Brother and Sister Lunt,


We’re pleased to inform you that your son, Elder Lunt, has been called to serve as a District Leader.

He has been an excellent missionary and an example to other missionaries.  We’re confident that he

will serve well.


District Leaders carry the responsibility of leading and lifting the missionaries in their district. Elder

Lunt  has shown the capacity to do that.


We appreciate the work he has done here and we’re so happy he has chosen to serve his Heavenly

Father as a missionary.  Thank you for teaching him Gospel principles and raising a fine son.  His

service will bring blessings to your family.


Sincerely,

President and Sister Carlson

Week 92. Preparation and Opportunity

Dear family and friends,

Every week I seem to find myself in the same situation as I try to write a letter summarizing all that I have experienced in a week of service like this. We were blessed to see an incredible women act as the head of the family and be baptized. Her family will follow her example and many others whom we have taught this transfer. 

The foundation has been laid for so many and we will never be able to fully congnizant of the influence we have had on people. I take confidence in knowing that many will have full access to the Atonement of Christ through baptism next transfer and transfers to come because of our efforts.

This last week I have thought much about the importance of preperation through pondering, prayer and scricpture study. That preperation can be for any event, lesson or task in life. However comes in most amenity when we face the challenges or trials that seemed so fare off or non existant. Prepation and perseverance go hand and hand. When we have adequatly prepared we know why we stay the course and how, our agency is activated and our faith becomes a principle of action and power. 

Admist the trials of a mission, this transfer and life, I would say it is among the basics of the gospel that help me navigate the epicenter of the storms of life, solve the problem and there find peace and solace. 

I have learned much about observing, listening and then acting. I feel that those items listed in of themselves are forms of preperation and as I do so with sincerity and love then I can emmulate the "stature of Christ" often mentioned in the New Testament. I better understand my role in teaching and bringing the Holy Ghost into the venue. 

We know that it is our purpose to bring the Holy Ghost "unto their hearts" and those whom we teach then choose to bring it "into their hearts". Although the former is often more attainable than the latter,I realize we can preparing the those whom we teach to bring the the Holy Ghost into their hearts. We do so by three simple steps, inviting, enticing and identifying. As I have followed this pattern in teaching there has been a new influence and light that has come upon the investigator as they realize and accept the Holy Ghost in their lives.

Thank you, love you all

Elder Lunt

Week 91. All good things

Dear family and friends,

      Great week! This last week we met many great people who are progressing investigators and who are the answer to many of our prayers--finding the elect. As we put those first who put us first, preparation met opportunity. The spirit was tangible in our lessons carrying the message "into the hearts" of the people as we carried it "unto their hearts" and they accepted.

 There was a resolute change in our lessons and the way that people responded as they did so under the influence of the spirit. Initially it starts with the small and simple things by which great things are brought to pass (Alma 37);prayer of faith, obedience, adequate preparation and foresight and then I would say simply having faith in those we teach.

I was reminded and amazed this last week as I saw many people in many different circumstances and environments not believe they could receive an answer or do all of the work expected to receive an answer or change. We saw miracles as they changed by the end of the lesson because of our faith in them, reaffirming that their conversion is much more dependent on our faith than it is theirs.(Ether 12:4)

Elder Porcelli is doing great and I learn much from him. I have a love and respect for him that is beyond words. I know my wife will thank him one day for all that he has taught me for about exuding love, joy and appreciation. We have had a great transfer together and look forwarding to ending strong. Great disciple of Christ and a man I love.

Each week I feel like I receive that "grace by grace" that the scriptures speak so prevalently about. Lately I have been "considering the lilies of the field", taking it all it and envisioning eternal perspective, observing and listening to the spirit. After a great interview with President Carlson I came out with stronger connection and acquisition to always have that spirit present. Such an asset and opportunity in our lives if we let that third member of the Godhead work as that cleansing agent through obedience, revelation received then acted upon. 

Acting upon every good thing brings more revelation and confers upon us full access to the enabling power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. The change is evident in myself and others as I have sought to act in confidence on every good thing. Anything good is of God. (Moroni 7:13) Having the spirit is a blessing but following the spirit by acting on all good things brings the light, inspiration and change we all seek for in life and the blessings it brings will be much more immediate. Mosiah 2:24 

I thank all of you for changing these people's lives and for your love an support. I love you all!

Elder Lunt

Week 90

Dear family and friends,

Happy Valentines Day! Hard to believe 2 years ago today I came home from basic training. The statement of Jacob from the Book of Mormon "time passed away with us and also our lives passed away like if it was unto a dream" seems more surreal everytime I have a moment of reflection and ever real on my mission. How grateful I am for this time I have been given.

 This entire last week I was with an Armenian missionary as Elder Porcelli was down with sickness in Yerevan. He seems to be doing better. I pray for him and his health. 

 I learned and grew much, as much opposition and testing came. Sometimes it felt that the only attribute I have developed on my mission is perserverance but as I talk a step back I realize the eternal growth and the tangiable evidence of the Atonement in my life. It was a great opportunity to emmulate the Character of Christ and turn outward in the midst of trials and constant grind. 

"Oh wretched man that I am". As Nephi stated at low point in his life. comforting to know that Nephi understood the importance of humility and the capability to be changed through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.(2 Nephi 4) Recongnizing the love of God in his life and the need for change Nephi essentially asks for a change of nature. 

This principle of our will becoming the Father's through the enabling power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ is one that continues to change my life. I am grateful for this gift from our eldest brother and the love and perfect unity of the Godhead.

The biggest miracles this last week were the ones within ourselves.The short term missionary (Narek) and I had many neat faith building experiences of obedience and love. 

There are many investigators that will be baptized one day as a result of our interactions with them. There are a few that have understood, applied, and now are ready for the waters of baptism. We have done our best in activating agency and being epistles of the Lord. After every test,trial or detour on our path of discipleship, It is a blessing to be able to say "I know in whom I have trusted". 

I love you all, thank you.

Love Elder Lunt

Week 89 "Grace to grace"

Dear family and friends,

This last week was full of ups and downs as my companion is down with some type virus nothing chronic but he will be down for a few days until he gets feeling better he will be with an office couple. Elder Porcelli is such a good guy and taking it all well. I went out as much as I could this last week and did work, that is as much as members would stay with him and the other go with me to do missionary work. I had a lot of time to think inside and reflect about what I need to do different, predominately for those I serve but also for my future. 

It was a special time to receive needed revelation from Heavenly Father. . As I have been saddened to miss opportunities being inside this scripture has brought me comfort.." All truth is independent in that sphere in which God has placed it, to act for itself, as all intelligence also; otherwise there is no existence"- DC 93:30 .There is opportunity in whatever circumstance or sphere we are placed in, it has become surreal to me as I try to find what those opportunities are by acting in every sphere or circumstance that I am placed in. Specifically that sphere out of my influence.

As we did our best this past week the Lord did the rest and more. We were blessed to met with many people and have great spirit filled lessons and almost just as many lessons as we do regularly with out illness. The investigators are progressing and each has been blitzed by the opposing force as they come closer to their baptismal dates. It has been sad to see some fall because of the trails but so beautiful to see the triumph of the investigators that let their trials mold and shape them as they rely on the Lord and take the step of faith without seeing the whole staircase. 

Observing these people's progression from a third person view and compared to the prevalence of time on a 24 hour perspective, our meetings during the week are occasional, giving them infusions of truth and guidance and fostering their connection to the Light of Christ. They are much further exposed to the dimming, distracting and disabling shouts of the world. I would imagine is a lot like our Father in Heaven who allows us to learn and choose for ourselves, is saddened by our choices or rejoices when we do things His way. If we choose to do it His way and draw to that light we are given than that spirit that converts will always overpower the one that diverts. All of us going from "grace to grace" until we can receive of His fullness DC 93:13

I love you all, I apologize for the length of this letter I pray for you, fast for you and love you!

Elder Lunt

Week 88 His work, His way

Dear family and friends,

All is well...I am at an awesome point in my mission when I can focus all of my energy and attention on the people I serve and serve with. This last week was the tipping point for this transfer, as many investigators made the decision to be baptized and put in the effort accompanying that decision. 

These people are incredible and impress me every day. The members are more than behind us as we work with them and establish the church here. Bishop loves us like his sons and he is escatic about missionary work. He is squared away and understands the importance of personal ministry. He has great realtionships with all the invesigators and we are holding a ward dinner Saturday night and fasting together for missionary work this coming Sunday.

I testify of what you already know, that this is the Lord's work and he hastens it in his own time. He most often hastens our progression when all else seems to be stagnent and dull if we let Him do so. To briefly illustrate this... A lady we met on a bus is going to be baptized with her son soon. Why? Because we talked to her. A family is going to be baptized soon that found us from one of the thousands of pamphlets we give.  They called us...  Why? Because we gave someone, somewhere a pamphlet. A man that has met with missionaries before came up to one of the members and said "I am ready to meet with your boys".  

Now  I can't fully explain the why of all these miracles and many more, however, I can say that if we had not talked to these people or given that one person a pamphlet or maybe asked for referrals in the past from that particular member that arranged our meeting with his friend, these things would not have been and lives and potential would go unchanged and untapped,

What I am saying is that these last 6 weeks have had their fair share of highs and lows during all of this time we were exhausted and at times saddened by all of the dissapointments or interference of others. However, I feel that so many people throw in the towel right as they are about to hit knock out. Sometimes it just takes going a little bit longer, a little bit harder, doing a bit more, remembering that this is His work and it will be done his way. Ideally and certainly more joyful together the work or our eternal progression will always be hastened if we but turn to Him and do it His way.

As we were asked this week why we are on a mission my mind thought of our missionary purpose that clearly states the why of and the how of our ministry. That is why I am here. However, more personalized I would say my reason for being on a misson is to give others full access to the Atonement and Godliness. 

I allude to Mosiah chapter 14 whenever I feel like I am alone and like know one understands. I remebering reading this chapter one day and this was after a particular hard week. Many shattered hopes and goals as people used their agency. I remember reading and I heard a voice come into my  mind echoing "you think I don't know"?  I continued reading on and felt Christ's and God the Father's encompassing and surreal love for each of us. Such an experience is difficult to fully describe but was powerful and life changing. The Atonement is real both the reedeming and enabling power. They love us. I love them that is my manifesto.

We are doing great Just enjoying every moment. I don't fear going home, but I will miss this chapter of life. This sounds monotonous, but I love this time, this service and these people. Comparatively I would be nothing with out all of this growth under gone and life lessons learned, and people in my life. All of which that comes from doing His work His way. Thank you for all that you do and the consistent example that you set. 

 Love Elder Lunt

Week 87 Love you all!!

Dear family and friends,

Where is time going? Time seems to be fading faster and faster with each coming day. We have had many learning experiences this last week. We have enjoyed having a mini missionary with us for a week (Arman) serving with us. I love his attitude of faith and steadfastness. He has some things to learn but don't we all. A mission will be great for him! He will be a great missionary, and change many lives. 

The work is going well, not where we want it to be but It is on a perpetual increase. We have fasted a couple of times in the past weeks and we see the blesssings. The Lord is teaching me patience and trust in him and his timing. As well as many other attributes. I love these people.

Goal setting has been revelatory as I take time to tap into the powers of Heaven and know what goals to set. There are so many things to do, but life is about doing the right things. I feel like the baptism goals we have set are realistic I do not doubt in the Lord or his timing. I think goal setting is a pretty simple process if we invovle The Lord, it is the faith in Christ, diligence and patience that requires the effort. There are many people lining up and many should be entering the waters of baptism soon.

I am changing in so many ways. Elder Porcelli has taught me much about love, and listening to people. He is a great man and companion. Elder Porcelli is doing great. He has made leaps and bounds this transfer in every way. He is a completely different person than the one I knew at the begging of the transfer. I am proud of him and the skills he has developed and worked for. I am trying to change and help him to be consistently happy. He has taught me  much and I have changed for the better because of him, shortly said I am grateful for all the blessings, and opportunities to learn.  

I am doing great. I am exhausted but I love it. We are learning much together and the people we are teaching are progressing and teaching us many things. I love these people so much. As we met with Aghasi from Yerevan and his family and a few other investigators I felt so much love for them, and concearn for their lives, future and eternal progression. Life is hard but how blessed we are to have this gospel that simplifies it all.  Thank you Mom and Dad for all that you do. Please let me know what I can do better in every aspect. We love you and support you in every way. Thank you for your Character of Christ.

Love Elder Lunt

Week 86 Hanging on the moment

Dear family,

What a week. Every week of this transfer has been exhausting but so rewarding in every way. We dropped a lot of investigators this past week and were dropped by many. It is sad to see many influenced by the oppions of family and friends. It is even harder when so many deprive others of their free agency. Over all about 35 investigators are on progression hold. It was needed. As we united in fasting and prayer, Elder Porcelli and I learned much together. It was test of faith. We were losing investigators faster than we could find them. As we trusted the Lord and put those first that were putting us first we were able to focus on finding less actives, working with recent converts and members, meanwhile finding the elect every where we went. A great quote my Mom sent me that well repersents this last week. "Sometimes when things are falling apart, they may actualy be falling into place". As long as we are doing our all we know that the Lord has a bigger plan in store.

We are teaching a few great families. One of which, after fasting called us and asked if we could meet. We found 8 less active members as we prayed on the street before trying to find their addreses, one family had not been visisted in more than 10 years. So sad, people just want to be loved and cared about. Another family was found as we prayed on the street and found the builiding they were in but had no appartment number. We knocked on the appartment door and they instantly opened up, we asked "are you Gevork"? "Sure am, come in". Less actives came to church and members are catching the vision of missionary work. The work is hastening. The Lord is softening these people's hearts. It is incredible how only a few missionaries in one city can change the whole atmosphere and spirit of thousands.

We were blessed to have 5 investigators come to church, we were hoping for more, we will work to get the families present. The work is just on the tipping point of taking off. We are doing well but "good is great's biggest enemy". There is always better, I find that as I am grateful for all that the Lord has done through us, I can simultaneously feel the need to do more and improve. I learned a lot about a lot this past week specifically in the realm of Christlike attributes and composure, patience, love, always having the spirit and faith in Christ. I feel that I am on a steeper learning curve each week as the Lord blesses us with opportunities to learn and develop.

We did some service this past week and built a pig pen. We were right by the border of Turkey and we could see the mosques and the majistic snow covered Ararat (seis and masis) The big and the little is what it translates to. It was a quiet little village and gave me time to think and unwind a bit while carrying bricks I realized more and more that missionary work and anything in life doesn't really matter until we always know why it is that we do it. It is all about the realtionships that we make with one another. It is about love as the Savior continually stated in his mortal ministry. As I thought of this eternal truth more clearly it helped me appreciate this service, my companion and these people much more, It allowed me to see the bigger picture and expanded my vision.

As a senior couple lost a son this last week I was thinking what I needed to say to someone that just lost someone that close. I had a neat experience as I pondered what I should say to them. As I thought these words resonsonated in my mind from the Holy Ghost, the perspective of eternity heals alll wounds. It is something small but significant that has perhaps brought me more comfort than them. Great blessings are given, prayers are answered and the deepest of wounds healed as we turn outward and focus on others. I love this service, I am hanging on to every moment. I love Elder Porcelli, he is all around amazing and I have learned much from him. My capacity to love has grown. I love you, these people and this time of my life.

Love Elder Lunt

Week 85 Maintaining level flight

Dear family and friends,

This last week was a bit difficult in many ways. However change always follows opposition weather it's for the good or bad is dependent on how we react. Elder Porcelli and I changed in many different ways. I noticed that when we set goals, we are asking for opportunities to improve to be perfected. 

Simply said, I was reminded that my companion's well being and happiness is more important than the work. However as we work hard and smart we are happy. It's all about loving the individual. The individual makes up the majority, or in this case "missionary work". I came to an even deeper realization that I needed to always act out of love to have the spirit.

We are working extremely hard and smart. We know that we are doing everything we can although, we seek what more there is to do. It has been hard with another disappointing week of investigators not attending church. And a variety of frustrations, anxieties and worries. Christ like attributes of charity, patience, gratitude and faith are being tested all across the board. Despite the opposition we have been blessed to recognize the opportunity for growth and make the needed changes, it is a peaceful process if you go through it with The Savior. "Faith is not only the power to move mountains but to stand firm when mountains don't move." A lot of times I have noticed life is just about making the needed changes and learning, and being strong when being strong is all you can do. 

First "cleanse the inner vessel". The Lord works from the inside out,the individual, the companionship then the members, investigators etc. Elder Porcelli and I have changed and recognized the blessings and assurance of the Lord. I am grateful for this time to learn, for Elder Porcelli, these people and this service. I continue to learn much with each coming day. 

I love you all,

Love Elder Lunt

Week 84 Happy New Year!

Dear family and friends,

Merry Christmas!! And a happy New years! New Years in Armenia...This last week we had many great opportunities and miracles present themselves. The work was difficult because of the alcohol with new years celebrations. On new years day, we got hit with snow storm so while many of our meetings fell through we were focusing on making the best use of time and getting off the streets. We had already visited many members and we had planned to focus on finding less actives. While we were knocking doors to ask questions about potential less actives in many areas, we had dozens say "Come on in" with out recognizing us. Each time we went straight in, making the most out of each opportunity. 

We have some great investigators and continue to find consistently. However, as we have taught the doctrine of Sacrament and started working through the members to invite investigators to church and exercise faith in Jesus Christ it has been frustrating to be let down these last few weeks. We both feel that we are doing everything that we can. In these situations its no longer about doing your all but doing differently. In fact we feel that we are doing to much for them. We received great revelation to change our teaching. Teaching in simplicity and activating their agency through giving them more responsibilities.These people need to do their part and act on the word they hear and give. They need to be "doers of the word" as James directs. I ask a favor that you please pray for these investigators to understand and act. Please let me know your input and advice for their behalf.

Elder Porcelli is awesome and I am learning much from him. I do my best to vocalize all that I am learning from him. I feel that he has the attributes I have been seeking to apply most of my mission. He is a great man and missionary. I am constantly impressed with him. I am doing well, I am happy. I am exhausted but I am happy. Fatigue is small price to pay for the joy and happiness of a mission. "The pain of discipline or the pain of regret". I am healthy other than a few small things I am trying to postpone until I get home.

Goals for the new year...I will share the highlights as I have finished up some rough drafts, they are still in the making. The basics... Faith in Jesus Christ by being the best I can be through him. Increasing spirituality by following the gospel of Jesus Christ--faith, repentance, bap. covenants, The Holy Ghost and enduring to the end; each applied consistently at a deeper level. Charity-- By always having the Holy Ghost being filled with charity, asking seeking and earning this gift. Time management, obedience, prioritizing, urgency... (let me know your thoughts on these, especially time management in the regard of effectiveness and charity;sincerity;patience). Becoming a better teacher by alluding to Christ, bearing testimony, listening, teaching with simplicity, stories and examples and love. There are many more goals in self development in every aspect, intellectual, physical, and spiritual. I have shared some highlights and how I will accomplish them. I have daily goals and ways to accomplish those goals written side by side, this has helped me be accountable and make goals habits.

Please let me know your thoughts, feelings and ideas especially in goal setting and implementing. What works for you? Your inspiration and ideas. Thank you.

Love you all!