Springfield Adventures

Zip-lining in his own backyard!

Home Sweet Home - Guest house of some members

Elder Anderson's Zone

Elders in the Zone

Questions of a child

P-day fun

Elder Anderson didn't stay in Decatur very long.  It has only been 5 short weeks and he is being transferred to Springfield IL, but will be serving as a Zone Leader!  He is very excited for this new opportunity and looks forward to also training again.  He enjoyed the short time he was in Decatur and the people there.  He said the members were great and very supportive.  He felt strongly that one of the reasons he was sent to that area was because of his testimony of the priesthood and being able to hold it, being part African-American.  They had some investigators that really struggled with why the Black people weren't able to hold the priesthood and some believed it was still that way.  He was able to boldly testify that all worthy men are able to hold the priesthood and even showed pictures of his dad and grandpa.  He was even able to get a commitment for baptism.  Elder Anderson is looking forward to his new adventure in Springfiled!

Elder Anderson and the City!

Back in September Elder Anderson was transferred to the Carondolet 2 area in South St Louis.  He has LOVED serving in the city.  In his words...."so much hype and things are just moving quickly and there are a bunch of crazy people, it's sooo great!"  He loves being able to take the bus everywhere, especially because it gives him the opportunity to talk to so many people and as he says, "its the perfect situation cause they are stuck there on the bus with you and are somewhat forced to listen to what you have to say."  He has been able to serve with Elder Vaka and Elder London, who are both from California.  Elder Anderson has really been able to see this area grow.  When he first got there, the teaching pool was down to 2.  They have really worked hard and have increased the pool week by week.  They have seen a lot of success and blessings.  There have been a lot of baptismal dates set and a few actual baptisms.  In regards to one baptism, he writes, "The baptism went so well and it was such a spiritual experience.  They both have been waiting a year to get baptized due to some complications but after that long year, they finally made it, and they diligently attended church every week for that whole year. They truly were a miracle.  And it was amazing because Assiata, the daughter was terrified of water, but after some prayers and seeing mom do it first she was ready!  She looked right at me when her mom was done and said, 'ready', and I could truly see the spirit of the Lord in her giving her strength and it helped me to know that God truly does strengthen us and help us when we are scared, that as long as we are striving to do what is right and do it for Him, that He will give us that needed boost."  He has also been able to see blessings here at home as his good friend finally received his mission call and his other friend entered the waters of baptism.  "It's just been a blessing to see all this happen because it's truly been an answer to many of my prayers and my patriarchal blessing.  I read it almost everyday and it truly talked about this but I never knew how much joy it would bring me.  It's something I really have never felt before and it's just amazing.  I am so thankful I came out on this mission.  I would not trade one moment for anything in the world."

Elder Anderson has also been made a District Leader in his area.  He has been humbled by this opportunity and has loved the opportunity to get to know and love each of the Elders in his district.  He is learning that with this knew opportunity comes responsibility and leadership (and lot's of phone calls and paperwork).  Recently they had a district meeting on finding and how they need to be talking to everyone they see on a day to day basis.  Afterwards they all went out and talked with as many people as they could and were able to give out many Books of Mormon and set appointments.  

Elder Anderson has also been able to attend the temple while in St Louis.  He writes, "I think it's amazing how you can go to the temple and get all the questions answered that you needed answered.  Being in that Celestial room is just amazing.  I feel so close to my Father in Heaven and it always tears me apart when I have to leave, but one day we will all be there with Him so it makes me want to do better so I can feel that later.  That's the big think I have learned this week, it's not living in my past but having faith in my future and doing things that will benefit me in the long run.  

He has had many wonderful experiences in the city, but one was with a lady that they had met at a bus stop.  She agreed to come to church with them and as the sacrament was being passed she said, 'I don't partake of the Sacrament yet, cause I'm not apart of the church.' As he handed the tray back to the deacon, she tapped him on the leg and said, 'yet'.  This brought a lot of joy to Elder Anderson as he realized that she could feel the spirit and wanted to be a part of the church.  They are currently teaching this sweet sister and have hopes for baptism soon.  

Elder Anderson was notified this past week that he will be transferred to Decatur, IL.  He is headed back to the county.  He will continue serving as a District Leader and looking forward to the new opportunities that the Lord has to bring him.  He is so glad that he made the decision to serve the Lord on his mission and for the things he is discovering about the gospel and himself.

Elder Vaka and Elder Anderson

California and Utah, comin' together

Elder Anderson's favorite people..........kids!

The district.....pondering their many blessings on Thanksgiving

Elder London and Elder Anderson.....Merry Christmas!!

Hump Day!   Burning a tie!

The Brotherhood!

This is what it's all about

Something to think about.......

Thanksgiving day Breakfast with the District

Homemade Mac & Cheese!

Fried Chicken for Martin Luther King day

The Elders of St Louis

View from the Arch

Loving the city and the people he gets to meet

Being Transfered!

Elder Anderson is doing great!  His mom on the other hand has slacked a little in keeping up this blog for him and those who are interested in how he is doing.  She apologizes and will try to do better in the future.  Elder Anderson has been busy the last few months in Champaign, IL mostly trying to find new contacts to teach.  Some weeks have been rough with lots of dropped appointments and doors shut in their faces.  In July they got a little break and got to attend a "Super Activity" in St Louis.  The first day was spent visiting the Arch and going to a Cardinals game, which was a highlight for Kody.  The next day was spent in a more spiritual atmosphere where they heard a lot of inspirational talks.  This really gave Elder Anderson a needed boost.  He also recently celebrated his 20th birthday.  He is not too sure about getting "older".  He wants to stay young all his life.  We know he will always be young at heart!  He got spoiled on his special day with breakfast and lunch from Sister Price and dinner with the Bishop's family and the Goodrich's  He said he ate so much that the next morning he felt like he had a food hangover.  He has loved serving in this area and for the members in his ward.  Last week,  Elder Anderson found out that he was being transferred to St. Louis.  While he is excited about the new opportunities that lie ahead, he knows he will miss many that he has grown to love.  He has already made mom and dad promise to bring him back one day so that we can see and feel what he has for the past 7 months.  He will now be serving in the Carondolet 2 area in South St Louis.  His new companion is Elder Vaka who is from Oakland CA.  He was really excited because he met Elder Vaka at the Super Activity and knew he would one day serve with him.  He just didn't know how soon.  Elder Anderson is so grateful for the experiences he is having and for the growth of his testimony.  He loves serving the Lord and knows he is where he needs to be right now.  He loves and appreciates all the letters and those who continue to support him through letters and packages. 

Missionary day at a St Louis Cardinal game

St Louis Cardinal Game

New bibs!  Made by members to keep those white shirts clean!

A Missionary's life

Service work at the local museum in Mohamet, IL

Preacher Anderson!

Elder Anderson's 20th birthday

Elder Anderson and Kevin Brazell

The Brazells.  One of Elder Anderson's favorites!

On June 23, 2012 Elder Anderson had one of the greatest experiences of his mission.  He was able to baptize a family that he feels very close to and tracted out in his area.  He truly feels that they are one of the main reasons he was sent to the Missouri, St Louis mission.  In his recent email he said his feelings were best described in the scripture John 14:27...."Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."  He is also very excited to called as a trainer this week.  He will be welcoming his new missionary on Wednesday.  He feels it is a great honor to get to train and start a missionary off right.  He wants to be the kind of example that his trainer was for him.  He continues to be excited about the work and the opportunity to serve.