February 17 2014

Hello, Brothers and Sisters

 This week was an amazing week, in the words of Oliver Cowdery "these were days never to be forgotten" (Pearl of Great Price pg 58) This week we had zone conference with our mission president which is always a revelatory experience but was followed up two days later by two sessions of stake conference, wherein we not only got to hear our wonderful, spiritual giant of a man, President James Kirk (yes that is probably a significant part of his awesomeness) but also Elder Walter C. Selden of the 70, as well as our mission president, and the temple president for the Columbus Temple District. It was amazing and inspiring to see them discuss and educate us on what the work of salvation means, and what it actually means to "Hasten the Work of Salvation" They talked about how the President Monson has exercised the Priesthood keys given to Joseph Smith by Moses in the Kirtland temple, to gather in scattered Israel and to bring all to a knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I would encourage everyone to check out the website hasteningthework.lds.org and to study the "Go About Doing Good" section in chapter 9 of Preach My Gospel. 

 In D&C 8:3 the Lord talks about how the spirit of revelation is that same spirit "by which Moses brought the children of Israel through the Red Sea on dry ground." Elder Betzold, my wonderful companion and I, saw this in action yesterday. So we had gotten home really late Saturday night due to stake conference and accidentally leaving the keys at the stake center, so we didn't get a chance to plan for Sunday. So we were going around shoveling people's driveway and doing things that we had needed to do throughout the week and then kinda petered out we had about an hour before dinner and were kinda out of things to do, and so my compnaions ask me what way he needs to turn at an intersection and I am all like "I don't know where are we going" and he responded with "I don't know that is a good question" then I had a street pop into my mind that we had intended to tract several days ago and it was as clear as day that I could feel the Spirit telling me "go to Inverness" so we head on over to Inverness and we get out and are just about to knock on the first door when we see somebody stuck in the snow. So we run over and help him out, he is a great guy by the name of Mike and we talk to Mike a little and find out that he already knows all about the Mormons because he has been out to Utah, and we ask him where in Utah he has been and he is all like "Ogden, Salt Lake City, Clearfield to take care of my aunt" and then I get real excited because I am from Clearfield and so I start asking him about his family and aunt and what not and he starts telling us about his life and how he has always tried to help people and what not and then we get the feeling to show him Mosiah 18 where Alma is talking to the people at the Waters of Mormon, about comforting those that stand in need of comfort and such and we ask him to read it aloud, and he does then we talk with him a little more and commit him to read all of Mosiah 18 and then Elder Betzold, who is an incredibly powerful missionary spiritually, says a prayer and he gets tears in his eyes and we ask if we can come back on March 1st and he says yes. So now we have another one of God's children that has a copy and has read and felt the power of the Book of Mormon and who has said we could return all because we heeded the prompting of the still small voice that told us to go somewhere. The strangest thing was that at the time it didn't really even feel like a spiritual prompting it just felt like an idea of something to do, a kind of vivid thought, the Lord is Hastening his Work, the missionaries I have met are raising the bar and lengthening their stride, the question becomes now will we begin to lengthen our stride as well, will we make sure to keep up with the Lord and the missionaries in bringing Salvation to God's children? 

 I know that Jesus is the Christ, I know that the Book of Mormon is the most powerful and correct of any book on earth and we were commanded by a prophet of God 26 years ago to flood the earth with the Book of Mormon and there are still those who have not heard it's message. If you do not yet have a testimony of the power of the Book of Mormon then get one now, read it by yourself and with your family every day before next conference, record how you feel each day, then at conference take a look at what has changed. The Book of Mormon will do more to change bad behavior and bring the Spirit of the Lord which is the Spirit of Miracles. More than just use the Book of Mormon in our own lives though we need to share it with the world, for those who are abreast of the troubling political and social issues that are plaguing the world I say that sharing the Gospel and especially the Book of Mormon is more than just an issue of Salvation, it is an issue of national security. I invite every person who reads this to acquire 10 copies of the Book of Mormon Pass Along Cards (preferably the Saviour in America and not Alien Jesus) and distribute them before the beginning of general conference. A real easy way to do this is when you meet someone new just ask them if they like to read, when they say yes, tell them about the greatest Book you have ever read, tell them they can get a FREE copy by calling the number on the back of the Pass Along Card, bear your testimony of it, and shazam you have planted a seed you have spread the Gospel it wasn't awkward it wasn't strange it was you telling people about your favorite book. 

 The time for speaking of missionary work is done, the time for conjecturing on how to help people is done. Now is the time of action, now is the time to spread the Gospel; the blessings of the Gospel only come as we go and do, Nephi didn't get the plates by waiting in the cave for an angel to bring them to him, he went and did. I know that as we seek to spread the Gospel in love we will see miracles happen our conversion to the Gospel will deepen and the blessings will be poured out such that there shall not be room to receive them. I so testify in the name of Jesus Christ my Lord Saviour and Redeemer. Amen. 

The Report of Elder Poe

February 10, 2014

The Elder Poe Report

 So I just want to start out the report by saying "SEAHAWKS RULE!!! WAHOO!!!" that is the last I will mention of it just because I can imagine that must be real painful for the Denver fans right now I mean 43 - 8 in a super bowl game.... wow. 

 So I now have a wonderful new companion Elder Frederick Allen Betzold III from the great state of Idaho in the Boise region. He is a great guy and seems like a really hard worker I am very glad to be able to be his companion we are going to do a lot of great things. He is also one of the 18 year old missionaries, which has been very interesting. I know there are some of you out there that think 18 year olds are just not mature enough to serve missions, but I can say with all honesty that the 18 year old missionaries I have met are some of the most spiritually powerful missionaries out there, they seem to have an unflinching faith and trust in the Lord that I see a lot of more "mature" missionaries just seem to lack. 

 This last week was quite hectic, so my previous companion was supposed to go home on Wednesday of last week; however we get a call Monday night around 10 from President Vellinga saying that because of an incoming storm we need to get him up to Cleveland Tuesday morning, and transfers are delayed until Thursday. So after much scrambling we worked it out where I spent the three days following Monday with the New Castle Elders in New Castle. It was quite the adventure because New Castle is a very special town. 

 Thursday I met my new companion Elder Betzold who I previously referred to, and although we had a ton of appointments lined up for the evening all of them canceled on us, which was rather unfortunate. Things are starting to take form and take off though in the New Castle West area, and I had the good pleasure of conducting my 4th baptismal interview Sunday morning, it was for a man by the name of Gordon. He is a part member that has been coming to church for almost 3 years now but because of a lot of heartache and hurt he has dealt with in the past he didn't feel he was ready to get baptized, but after meeting with the missionaries for so long he has started to feel the effects of and apply the Atonement in his life and it is bringing him healing. 

I love my mission I love the opportunity to serve others. If Christ were to appear to me right now and tell me he was willing to cut me the same deal as the 3 Nephites or John the Beloved I would take it in a heartbeat. There is truly no greater joy than helping others come unto Christ. I know that through Jesus Christ's Atonement we can all find peace healing and comfort if we will follow his Gospel. I know the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the Lord's church once again on the earth and I know that God is our loving Heavenly Father.

The Report of Elder Hunter Poe

January 27, 2014

Salutations from the great frozen state of Ohio, where as of right now we are projected to get hit with a 2nd polar vortex in one month on Tuesday. The good news is that because of the weather people will really start getting excited about the idea of baptism by fire and the Holy Ghost. (haha bad pun)

This week has been pretty fantastic, our investigator Mercedes came to church again this is 2 times in 3 weeks which is super exciting, if her surgery on the 14th goes well we will be probably to be able to help her enter the waters of baptism on the 1st of March. However our other investigator Phil didn't come to church and sounds like he is going to probably have to have gallbladder surgery, which is not a happy thought. 

 So one miracle I have seen this week is the power of prayer. Two weeks ago we had our Zone Training Meeting where we came up with a list of investigators across the zone we were going to pray for and we all agreed to pray for them by name once a week. Last night our zone leaders sent out a text across the zone reporting that 2 of the investigators that we had been praying for had overcome significant obstacles to baptism, including softening the heart of parents opposed to the church, an anti husband, and health issues, all of these have been being overcome by the power of prayer. Prior to my mission I "said my prayers" as  I have come out into the mission field I have realized how much power there is in not just saying your prayers, but in communicating with your Father in Heaven through prayer. One of my favorite statements on prayer comes from the Bible Dictionary "As soon as we learn the true relationship in which we stand toward God (namely, God is our Father and we are his children), than at once prayer become natural and instinctive on our part." prayer isn't just about getting blessing for ourselves and requesting help prayer is a way we talk to our loving Father, whose sole design is our happiness and who has all power in Heaven and Earth to bring that to pass if we will trust in him. As Christ has said "whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name.. believing that ye shall receive behold is shall be given unto you" ( 3 Nephi 18:20) Prayer is a way we can express our concerns and our joys, our fears, our faith, our anxieties, and gratitudes to a loving Father. Although prayers can be said silently in the sacred chambers of our hearts, they gain greater power and will increase our faith if we vocalize them at every opportunity we have. Our prayers will have more energy of heart if we understand that we are actually talking to a being that has a body of flesh and bones as we do, and not some amorphous clump of ether. With prayer being a conversation though after we are done speaking, we must listen, we must allow time for the other party to respond to us and to give us the answers to our questions that we are seeking.

 I know that prayer is a celestial form of work and if we will put the time and effort into developing a personal and close relationship with our loving Heavenly Father, we will be blessed so much "that there shall not be room enough to receive it" (Malachi 3:10) I know that if we will earnestly pray to our Father in Heaven he will hear and answers our prayers, he will provide guidance, and comfort. I know that few habits in this world will bless a family more than praying as a family each morning and evening, as we do the Spirit of the Lord will be more present in our home. I know that our Saviour Jesus Christ is the Saviour and Redeemer of the World and though him all mankind can be saved by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel. I have come to this knowledge because I have prayed sincerely and have had the Lord answer me in unmistakable ways, I know in the same manner, and by the same power, that Joseph Smith is the prophet of the Restoration and the Church of  Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the Lord's kingdom on the Earth again. I testify in the name of Jesus Christ Amen

The Report of Elder Hunter Poe

January 13, 2014

Well ladies and gentleman good news the New Castle West Elders, Tollefsen & Poe, survived the arctic vortex alright. Our mission president had us stay inside for 2 straight days to keep us safe and I have decided that missionaries do not do well in captivity, also in case you were ever wondering if a scribble monster and a fracking monster get in a fight with their associated allies, the fracking monster doesn't survive but his side wins, and Ariel escapes the destruction with her waterlogged toaster. Sadly although Porter Rockwell does take out the Goldfish of Doom he gets taken out by Sister Voyles. There is a lot more to it than what is mentioned here, but the point is missionaries don't do well in captivity. 

This week has been absolutely splendid though for missionary work in our area even with two days cut off of our proselyting, we found two wonderful new investigators Daniel and Richard, they really have a desire to learn, unfortunately  they have a little more of a difficult time with retaining what we teach, but we are going to try and keep working with them and helping them come to Christ as best as we can. 

We also had another wonderful miracle this week our investigator Mercedes came to church this week. Mercedes is a woman that lives completely alone and has several very severe and crippling health issues, and to boot her family has disowned her and refuses to associate with her. Missionaries have been working with Mercedes since before my companion, Elder Tollefsen, had gotten here 6 months ago, and during that time it had been difficult to help her progress and she didn't always seem to understand everything we taught the first or second time so it was also an exercise in patience. Persistence pays off though and once we show the Lord our faith by doing everything we can the Lord makes bare his arm and starts to work miracles. In 6 months meeting with the missionaries Mercedes had still not been able to quit smoking however 2 weeks ago she had quit and hasn't smoked a cigarette since, then the biggest miracle happened yesterday when she came to church, it was awesome to see her there and she stayed for all 3 blocks and enjoyed it immensely. It was awesome to see what the Lord will do for his children. The experience with Mercedes has also taught, how vital and critical it is to continue to work with people even when it feels like you aren't making any progress and things aren't progressing forward. The Lord is willing to work with us and search out for us no matter how little we move forward and how often we end up stumbling or getting lost, the Saviour's arms are always outstretched and reaching to lift us up if we will let Him. 

I know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God the Savior and Redeemer of the world and if we will look to him and take advantage of his great Atoning sacrifice by repenting he will lift us up. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet called of God to restore the fullness of the Gospel in these great last days, and because of that I love the Prophet Joseph Smith, he was willing to live and die before denying that he had seen a vision, and because of all he has done we now understand many of the plain and precious truths that were lost because of conspiring, evil, and misguided men. I know that God is our Loving Heavenly Father and he knows and loves each of us completely and entirely, he weeps when we do, and is happy when we are happy. 

January 6, 2014

First off my apologies for not sending a report out last week things get real hectic around the holidays. I wanted to start by thanking every person and family that sent gifts, cards, and other items to myself over the holiday season they are very much appreciated and I am incredibly grateful,  I express my thanks to the following people and families,

The Gaurduno family

The Major Meadows Ward

The Chatwin family

Grandma & Grandpa Poe

Grandma & Grandpa Parke

The Hale family

my father Josh Poe

The Clearfield Utah stake presidency

The Vellinga Family

The Tollefsen Family

The Parke Family

My angel of a Mother Marilyn Chrisetensen

and all others who sent cards or gifts to support the Ohio Cleveland Missionaries.

So this was the first time in my fragile little life that I was away from home for Christmas, it was definitely an adjustment and a change. Although it was depressing to be away family for the holiday season I have been far blessed beyond the sacrifice, and I know my family has been as well. 

This past week was quite excellent we accomplished quite a bit and got an opportunity to invite many people unto Christ, unfortunately not all of them were so interested in accepting the invite. 

With the New Year dawning it has really caused me to reflect on new beginnings and the Atonement. In Elder McConkie's final general conference address he said that "The Atonement.... is the least understood of all our revealed truths" and I honestly can say that in my travels up and down this great Ohio Cleveland Mission and throughout life I feel that this statement is just as true as it was when spoken by Elder McConkie. This New Year allows us to understand the Atonement in a greater and deeper way. The New Year brings new opportunities and a new calendar, the Atonement brings gives us a way to become a new person, and to have our mistakes blotted out. I feel too many of us think that the Atonement allows us to be forgiven of our sins and gives us a chance to try over; however the Atonement is so much more than that, the Atonement not only allows us to be forgiven of our sins if we repent, but if we repent and turn to the Lord in faith the power of the Atonement becomes operative to change who we fundamentally are and helps us to become like our Saviour. The Atonement is not just about removing the effects of our past mistakes, but it is about giving us hope for a brighter future. The simple truth of the matter is that no unclean thing can dwell in the presence of God, that means those who are in the celestial kingdom have no more repentance for between the time they sin and the time they repent they are unclean and as such could not have a place in the presence of our Heavenly Father. That is what the Atonement does it allows us to be changed into what we desperately want to become, perfect. Christ voluntarily paid the price of sin and took upon him not only our sins, but felt every hurt we will every feel, went through every temptation we will ever go through, and suffered every grief we will ever suffer. In doing so he gave us access to grace that we might become changed from who we are, into who we want to become. The Atonement makes it possible that a man who was an alcoholic last year can stop being an alcoholic this year, he is not an alcoholic he is not a recovering addict, it changes who the man was so that the person in his past who was an alcoholic is not him. The Saviour wants to change us into perfect beings as fast as he can, however he will only be able to help us change as fast as we will allow him. The Lord will not change us against our will, he cannot for it is contrary to the principle of agency, but if we are willing to submit all things to him he will remake us in his image spiritually as well as physically. As we follow him and give up everything holding back no part we will find peace in this life, we will find the peace that comes from knowing we are following the path of discipleship. As we put off the natural man and become a saint through the Atonement of Christ we will find that the amount of good we can do is limitless as we give up our favourite sins to the Great Mediator we will find that we have lost nothing, as we consecrate our heart, might, mind and soul unto him who created the heavens and the earth we will find that he will make so much more of our brief sojourn in mortality than we could have ever made if left to our own devices. The Lord lives, he loves us and wants us to be happy. I have been commissioned to go forth and witness to the world that Jesus is the Christ the Son of the Living God and I know that if men will turn unto him they will find everlasting joy, if men will repent and turn to Christ they will find freedom, I know not how to express adequately how great the joy and peace and happiness is for those that follow the Saviour and yield their whole souls up as an offering to him, for words have not been written and tongues cannot describe how blessed and wonderful the blessings of repentance and the Gospel are. Come unto Christ and be perfected in him.

The Report of Elder Hunter Poe

December 23, 2013

The Elder Poe Report

Merry Christmas all of the people of the world from sunny Youngstown Ohio where we really do see the sun almost 3 times a year. This week was amazing. Also quick update, Elder Tollefsen and myself will be moving either Thursday or Friday so if you have any packages you are sending in the next day or two send them to 2070 W 117th St. Cleveland OH 44111 and they will get it directed to me until I get my new address. 

The first news of the week is that my wonderful companion Elder Tollefsen of Mesa Arizona will be spending the final 7 weeks of his missions with me as his trusty sidekick. I am glad about it, Elder Tollefsen is awesome. 

This week we had several amazing experiences, most of the week day was a little bit slow, with many of our appointments canceling and not having a lot of success in finding new persons, in addition we realized that because of an unplanned trip to Kirtland this month and an extra trip we had to take to the church, which is an hour away, this month we were down to about 17 miles a day. To put this in perspective we use about 10 miles getting in and out of our area each day. As a consequence we spent two wonderful Friday and Saturdays biking in the Ohio rain. This is when the miracles started unfolding, Saturday evening we finally got in contact with a media referral we had spent a week trying to get in touch with, Neze, she had requested a bible, and so we delivered the bible and started following the guidelines in Preach My Gospel about referrals and how to begin teaching, and BAM! just like that the Spirit started coming into the room while we listened to Neze talk about her religious past, and how she came to know Jesus Christ then we started bearing testimony of the restoration of the Gospel of Eternal Families, and she wants to learn more.

The next day was Sunday and an investigator/ part member that we had been working with came to church which is awesome since in the 7 months my companion has been here that has only happened twice. He seemed to enjoy church. In addition his 15 year old son has been coming back into activity and on Sunday was ordained to the office of a teacher, and he asked me to stand in, it was quite amazing to be part of a such a sacred experience and the blessing pronounced on him was quite powerful. 

So in conclusion I just wanted to end with an invitation to every person who gets this to accept the challenge put forth by Elder Ballard this most recent general conference to 

"reach out to just 'one' between now and Christmas" 

or new years and help someone else feel of the joy of the Gospel. Truly the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the only thing that will save the world from its own self destruction, the only thing that will lift up the souls that are drooping down, the only thing that will give direction to those lost souls wandering in the wilderness of life, the only way we will rescue those trapped on the plains of mortality without any prospect of making headway against the mountains that are in their way. 

A great way to do that is to get a copy of The Book of Mormon, wrap it up put a bow on it and wham you got yourself a relatively inexpensive gift for every person you still need to get a gift for but aren't sure what to get them. 

I know Jesus Christ is the Saviour of the World and the Great Redeemer of all men, and although he came to the earth 2000 years ago as a baby his life did not begin there in Bethlehem and it did not end 33 years later upon the cross of Calvary but he is the Great I AM, the Eternal Jehovah, the Creator of the Earth and all things thereon, and I know without a doubt he lives still he was seen by Joseph Smith, and that he stands now at the head of this great latter day work and directs this Church. I know that he will soon return in honor and glory and when that day comes all those who have worked out their salvation with fear and trembling will be prepared, and those that have chosen to sin a little, lie a little, cheat, and take advantage of another will find that day will be terrible. So come unto Christ be perfected in him, for his yoke is easy and his burden truly is light. 

The Report of Elder Hunter D. Poe 

December 17, 2013

This week was a week of miracles, and excitement.

So first I wanted to start off the week by thanking my companion's mother and my own mother and any other prayers offer in our behalf for our safety they work. Sunday night and Saturday morning we had a snow storm blow through the area and as Elder Tollefsen and I were driving down the road all happy and content when a big ole Ford SUV attempts to shoot across the road. The problem is when the ground is covered in snow and ice no body goes anywhere fast, or stops fast. So I slam on the brakes to try and get us to stop before mr SUV gets us but we keep sliding forward and he sees us tries to stop but can't. So there we are hurtling towards an imminent death on the clod poorly maintained roads of Youngstown when at the last second I turn the wheel which moves the front part of Solina (our car that is her name and no not after Gomez) just barley out of the way where the radiator of the Ford was. Miraculously Elder Tollefsen, Solina and myself all escaped without a scratch. Thank you for the prayers they are working.

Also this week we had one of most marvelous lessons I have had on my mission. We have an investigator that missionaries have been working with since the beginning of my mission that has gradually been growing to understand the Gospel and all of the things that it entails, she has at this point gained a strong testimony but she has a smoking habit and some serious health problems that is preventing her from coming to church. We haven't been able to meet with her for a while because she lives all alone and we have had difficulty getting priesthood holders out with us so we could see her, this most recent week though we found out that her insurance had kicked her off and they were denying her a surgery she desperately needed and to top it all of her car had gotten hit by some bozo going the wrong way on a one way street. So we decided we had to get someone with us to go see her come the browns winning the super bowl or high water. So I prayed earnestly that the Lord would provide a way for someone to come with us, and we managed to get the wonderful Brother Melville who is a basically superman, he has a bachelors degree in Computer Science and works as a child abuse specialist doctor at Akron's Children hospital. He went with us to the appointment and was able to connect with her in a very deep and personal way and the Spirit was super strong as we tried to comfort Mercedes and explain how the Atonement will allow us to overcome all challenges in our way. It is difficult to describe it in words what happened there but it was truly something I will always remember. 

I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is God's church on the earth and has the fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that the greatest joy we will have in this world will be found in the service of others and their is no greater gift that you can offer someone than the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

The Report of Elder Hunter Poe