Friday, December 10, 2010

December life

Well, the lights are up, the trees are in the window, I am starting to get the gifts wrapped and the Christmas music is on the radio. I love this time of year. I get the Christmas spirit as soon as I start singing the Christmas songs on a nearly daily basis. That is about all it takes. It becomes extra strong when I get my bedspread on and the trees up.

Memories flood my mind of Christmas's when I was blessed by others generosity and concern as well as being able to bless the lives of others in the same way. I love the stories we read and the memories of others as a reminisence of the Christmas spirit comes to mind. There are so many with a good heart and a willingness to share and who do so as angels who walk among us.

May God bless your every footstep and know that we at this household wish YOU a very Merry Christmas!!

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Almost 2 Weeks

Wow, it is hard to believe that it has almost been 2 weeks since that boy has returned home. What a difference!! He has really embraced the missionary work, kept the commandments and wow the changes!!!! I love what living the Lord's way and working to bless others in his name does to one's soul. That boy is no longer a lad, he is a man and it is so fun to see the maturity. He takes on the tasks around him without being asked and seems to want to be in the middle of what ever is going on. That is so much better than being reclusive. Klynton seems really glad to have him home as well and it has been fun having both of them in the same room but I have started calling them trees because they are both so much taller than I am. Amazing. The school stuff should be taking off soon and he can get things done in a hurry and then be ready to go to school.

At this Thanksgiving time, I feel so blessed to be able to have such wonderful family and friends in my life! I feel that my cup runneth over and that God in Heaven is so good to me. It just doesn't get much better than this! Having friends and family around at Holiday time and being able to spend a little time with them!

Monday, November 15, 2010

Last Week!! Last Letter!!


This is my last baptizem Suyash, this happened yesterday night.
Love you

To all of you who have followed the blog: Thanks so much for your love and support!! This isn't the end of the blog, but it is the end of the mission. I will try to maintain the blog occasionally as big things come along. Then when Klynton goes, I will do it all again. Colton gets home on Wednesday night about midnight and we are so looking forward to that.

Leslie

Monday, November 8, 2010

November '10 Week 1

Well well well the end is even more in sight...


You ain't kidding this is probably the busiest week that I will have, and its my last. Actually mom the Trip to Erode and Coimbitore is today, I will be lieaving with in the next couple of hours, but I promise I will get you some Photo's, I love the country side on the way to any place, India is just quite the beautiful place, and you never know what to expect, you can have which ever way you want to live life, you can life in the smallest of the small, or the Biggest of the Big, and that is how India is. I agree this is probably the greatest opportunity that we could ever have to learn what the lord wants us to as we spend time in his service and in a blessed land.
So Jess is going to Baltimore huh? That's SWEET!! we just had a few missionaries that got visas come from that mission. Pretty cool.
Hey by the way mom, You'll Never guess what I just received in the Mail.... the shoes. I finally got them, When I was in Bangalore for ZLC I was in the mission office, and I was looking around, and All of a sudden I see a box with your hand writing on it addressed to me, and of course nothing but a few Gatorade packets and the shoes made it safely, the Milano's and the what ever else was destroyed, Supposedly "rats" got into it, But I did get some Beef Jerky. Those rats where probably 5'3 and spoke Tamil, Oh well what can do, I at least got new shoes for the last week and a half of my mission. THANK YOU !!!!!!
Well yes I did get to go and visit with Usha, and her family, and that was such a great visit, they bore such strong testimonies, and Usha has done a full 180 from Roman Catholic to one of the Strongest members in the Branch. It was really grate to spend time with them. They wrote in my Book of remembrance for me and left quite the letter's. My heart will probably go with them and the rest of India when I step on that Air plane.
I love you all and am so grateful for all the support you have given to me, I know that this is the lords work, I know that the savior lives, that Our heavenly Father is Mindful of ALL of his Children and that with out his power and his guiding hand Nothing is possible. I know that this is his true and living church, I know that it is Directed by a living prophet, and I know that The Prophet Joseph Smith did restore the truth of god and if fact translated the book of Mormon. I know that the power it holds is not any mans power, but gods power. I don't care what anyone says, its true.
I love you and am so thankful for your love and supporting prayers in the last Two years.

Love,
Elder Colton Frederick

Monday, November 1, 2010

October Week 5

Wow...I think some one is way too excited about the future... Okay i am excited too, but I have way to much to do to even think about that kind of stuff, I am going to zone leaders council today, and will not get back until wednesday, and then on monday next week I will be going to Coimbitore for exchanges with a few of my Missionaries there and that will be for a few days since its like a six hour train ride to Coimbitore from Chennai... Oh what fun it is to ride and Indian train for six hours, I lucked out and was hooked up with some really good tickets, which means I don't have to sweat the whole way there. (thank you members of the church)
Well things are Awesome here in good old Chennai, we are really working hard, and really spreading our wings from just focusing all of our efforts on one specific place, we are really getting to know the Area, and working on really using the members, for some reason the last set of Elders where not really using the members on exchanges, or ever using them for any kind of work. It is such a fun thing to visit with the members and to really work with them, I love spending the time with them, they all have just such strong Testimonies, since more that 80 percent of the members are all converts.
We are going to go and see some of my converts today, I am so excited to see Usha, Rechella and Anto, they are not in my area, but we got permission to go, so we will be going before I go to Bangalore today. Lunch... Mmmmmmm I love the food here so much, I might just have to move back... ;)

Well I just want you to all know that I am so thankful for the Examples that all of you have been to me. I have been so grateful for all that you have done for me, I have been able to in one way or another use something that all of you have taught me. I use them every day and have been ever so blessed because of it. There are some that have no Idea how much they have caused a change not only in my heart, but in the hearts of hundreds in India. That is not an exaggeration. I Know that this is truly the lords kingdom on earth, I know that it was restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith in 1830 I know that because of that we have the understanding of god and his Eternal plan for all of us. I know that his plan is perfect, and that what ever happens in our lives it is for the betterment of our selves. I know that the book of Mormon is the word of God, and that the spirit that it brings is so Powerful that no one can second guess, if they read it with a heart that hears and Ears that Feel. I am so thankful for all that that means. I know that the words in the book of Mormon where written for us in this time and if we use them and it EVERY DAY that we will "be able to know all things which we should do" 2 Nephi 32:3 I know that there is "no other way nor name given under heaven whereby salvation can come except in and through the name of Christ." Mosiah 3:19 I also know that god is watching over all of us, he knows we are here, and that he know's our needs and our wants, and I know that he pulls all kind of strings, and that miricals are not over. He is a god of power, and when we show our faith, all things are possible.
I love you all and am so happy that your happy. With all my Love
Elder Colton Frederick

Monday, October 25, 2010

October '10 Week 4

HOLY COW CAN SOME ONE PLEASE PUSH THE PAUSE BUTTON!!!!!?!?!?!?!?!
Well Here I am again sitting at the same computer that I always sit at writing again another Email.... I have no Idea how the days just Keep flying by. I cant seem to make it slow down... That's not a bad thing though.
Well I have quite the News, I HAVE ELDER LOHAT BACK!!! Yes its true were back together just rocking good old Chennai, and are ready to just burn the and work it to the ground.
I finally got to listen to that CD that you all sent to me for my Birthday, Last night after my Follow-ups. It was kind of Weird to listen to you all, and it was really fun to make comments to you even though you where not Physically there. It was pretty cool. I thought it was kind of interesting at how much all of you have changed, and that was a year ago... I cant even Imagine the changes that have been taking place....
Well as for my news, nothing to much, I now have elder Lohat, and we are just really loving every minuet back together. We have really been having so cool experiences with how we want to do the work, the spirit has been really strong as we have been brain storming together about our goals and about our courses of action. Its kind of cool to know that with in just a short amout of time I will be handing over the ropes to him to take care of the Chennai Zone. Pretty sweet, but kind of humbling just to know that its the lords work, not my own. Just goes to show that he really is aware of what is going on in his missions.
Well Not much to say Other than I know that the church is true. I am so thankful to Heavenly Father for allowing me to come to India and to Take part in such a Peculiar work in such a Peculiar place called India. I am so amazed at how much the lord blesses his children as they are truly obedient to the commandments of god. I love the Verse in Mosiah 2:41 how Obedience brings forth the blessings of heaven, I love the lord, and am so grateful for the opportunity to serve his children in India. I love this place so much and am absolutely convinced that this is the greatest work that we could ever do. I love The people that I meet, and that I work with so much, I am so excited to see My brothers and sisters make promises with our Heavenly Father and see them just take off in life. I am grateful for the example of the savior, he is truly the Master, and I know that he lives. His Atonement is proof of our Father in Heaven's love. I love you all and am so thankful for you and your Constant love and testimonies.
I love you all.
Elder Colton Frederick

Monday, October 18, 2010

October '10 Week 3

HOLY COW !! I think I need glasses after that Email...Just kidding.
Well first of all I have some pretty exciting News...My companion is now the new assistant, and I am being made into the senior Zone Leader, and now my new companion Is.... ELDER LOHAT!!!!! wOOO HOO!! Yep I am so excited to have him again. We are going to ROCK chennai!!!
Okay so that's the transfer news, on other news for the week, have been just as busy as ever, we went to zone conference, and received sweet trainings about following the spirit in our lessons. It was just amazing... by the way.... we finally have VISAS!!!! Yep you read it, our mission finally received visas for some of the American Missionaries, The missionaries that where supposed to come just Before Elder Peckham where given their visas on Tuesday and will be coming to the mission this week. I will have four of them in my new zone. As you can guess this just rocked the moral for the mission and for the work, we can see the hand of the lord in our mission and in our lives and are so excited to get some more missionaries. Our hopes are that Elder Pecham's batch will be allowed to come about the same time that I take off. It would be such an amazing blessing to see this happen. I know even more now than ever that the lord really does take care of his missionaries. President Funk said " Its the lords work... He knows where here." so it was pretty amazing to see what it is that the lord does for us.
So in some more cool news. We set Suyash for Baptism this week, his Date is the 14th of November... MY last week. Suyash was so excited about it. He tried to act passive about it, but you can see in his eyes that he is so excited about it. I know that he will really be a great leader here in India. He has a great life ahead of him and so I know that he will be awesome.
JESS YOU ROCK!! I am so excited to here that you sent your papers in, My mom said that you did it On Wednesday!! that is so awesome... and of course all those that can are welcome to the airport. ( That is weird saying that)
Okay on another note, I am way excited,we will be having as I said 4 new missionaries here in my zone, and of course I get to go on exchange with them. I am SO EXCITED they have been pretty sweet to the ears, and so I think that I am going to take advantage of the situation and learn as much from them as I can.
Oh by the way mom, about your experience at the Doctors office.. I think Its so cool that our doctor has the Priesthood, and is able to use it in his practice. (how many people can say that instead of giving you any treatment that their doctor gave them a blessing and they got better Immediately) ahh the power of the Priesthood.
Well as much as I would love to go on, I really don't have much more to say, the week has gone by so fast that I didn't even realize that it had been a week since General Conference until I had been in the middle of sacrament Meeting, and then I felt like it had only been like a day.. Weird
I know that this is truly the lords Church, and I know that the work that I am engaged in is truly the lords, I know that the proclaiming of the gospel is fulfilling scripture. I know that the plan of Salvation is real, I know that the savior lives and that he loves us. I know that Heavenly father lives and that he loves us. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful family who roots for me from far away, I am so grateful for the Emails that I get, and the love that is shown to me and those around me. I want you all to know that I love you too, and I am praying for all of your success. I am so thankful that the lord has blessed us with his gospel in these latterdays. I know that Joseph Smith was visited by two heavenly Personages, and I know that he was inspired, and directed by god to restore his truth back on the earth today. I know that Thomas S. Monson is the lords living prophet. I love you all and am so happy to call you my Family.
Love,
Elder Colton Frederick

Monday, October 11, 2010

October '10 Week 2



FAMILY!
well since I didd'nt get a letter from you all this week I figured I would Update you all with the new Information of what happened this week. What a week it was too, I have had quite the neat experiences. From families getting baptized, and people wanting to be baptized, and even to taking an airplane to Bangalore and back.
I hope you all enjoy the picture that I sent. That was my airplane ride to Bangalore, I went and had my Full on Zone leaders council, it was awesome, My mission president gave a great training on following the spirit, and how we can attain the gifts of the spirit. It was way cool. We also discussed all kinds of things about the mission. It was quite the experience.

Other news, Usha, Richella and Anto where Baptized this week!!!! Elder Tewari got them baptized during General Conference this week... WHICH WAS AWESOME General Conference was quite the conference I really liked the whole thing. I think that It was quite interesting that they really focused on having faith in the lord, Trusting the prophet, and following the words of living prophets are soooo important. that talk about the 14 fundamentals of following the prophet by president Benson, is sweet, and I had just read that the other day, and to have them talk about all of the principals that where said was pretty cool. If you get the chance and haven't followed the council in reading it for FHE..... DO IT!!!! Its quite interesting at what was said.
okay any who, so that was about all that happened During Conference, after conference we went and saw Suyash who has been looking for answers to his prayers, and was not sure if he was even praying correctly, so we sat down with him and talked to him about how he could receive an answer, and he ended up praying and asking specifically to know that the book of Mormon is true.
His friend from Utah (Cheryll) who is a member of the church, was in complete tears, the spirit was so strong as Suyash said the prayer. You could hear the desires of his heart where so strong and you could tell that he really wanted to know the truth about the book of Mormon. He said though that he will be baptized, that he knows that Jesus Christ is our savior, and that this all was true, but he said that he really wanted a spiritual witness that it was true, he did'nt want to just simply believe, He's such a stud!! I love him so much. Well that was just about all of my week, I loved every minuet of it, mostly just because of the way every thing just played out. My most favorite thing though was Usha's baptism. It was probably the greatest moment of my Entire mission, That was quite the Cake topper, To see that whole family get baptized was just so thrilling. I Just wanted to give her a big huge hug, and tell just tell all of her family how happy I was for them.
with all of that said, I know ever more the stronger that this is the lords true and living church. I know ever more that the gospel of Jesus Christ was restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith, and I know with all my heart that the savior did Atone for all of us so that we could be able to come back and live with our loved ones. I will be so happy when I get to see all of the people I have taught, and baptized in the Celestial kingdom, I know that the promise that the lord gave to Joseph Smith is true, when you bring but one soul to my kingdom, how great shall be your joy.
I Know with all my heart that this is the greatest work in the entire world. I know that this is the lords work and that it truly does bring so much more happiness when we follow the words of the prophets, and we apply the gospel in our lives. I love you all and hope the best for you. I am happy that your all my family
Love,
Elder Colton Frederick

Monday, October 4, 2010

October '10 Week 1

FAMILY!!!
Wow, what a week, I am glad to here that your all on the mend of what ever bug you have just had. Sounds Pretty Nasty!
Well, My week has been pretty busy as well, I have been on quite the Roller coaster of life, On Monday Last week, we took the Mission president with us on exchange, (he came to Chennai for Interviews) and we took him to see Suyash, President Funk also graduated at Utah State University, and so it was quite the Exchange, and Suyash really benefited from it, President talked about Faith, and we went on about the gospel of Jesus Christ, which was really great, because now he is thinking about baptism. Yesterday after church, we where looking at the October 2010 Liahona, and it has a ton of Pictures of the Temple in side, and Suyash turned to me and said, " I think I would like to go there with in the Next year or so." I got a big old grin on my face and said to him "Hey that's a great goal, Well get you there" He smiled and said " thanks... When can we meet again?" which in suyash talk means "I want you to come to my house so that we can talk about baptism" I was so happy, and so was he.
My week was also consisting of Interviews for all of the missionaries here, and then some good old Lock downs (I was stuck in my apartment all day long), and then me running around trying to get into school... Pray hard please... Ill need it.
So over all I had a pretty good week, I have also been thinking about families a lot lately, there is a couple of x-pat. Families here, and we had the oppurtunity to go and visit with them, and it was so cool to see how strong the gospel was in their lives, I was really impressed with the attitude of the children about the gospel, and how much it really has blessed their lives. I really think that it is so cool to see families faithful in the gospel, and living their lives in a way that is harmonizing to the gospel of Jesus Christ. I really hope that when it's my turn to have a family that I can do the same and Help my Children live the gospel. The whole thing brought my thoughts to how much you as a family have truly helped me learn and grow, and It brought me to true Joy Knowing that you have helped me and the rest of our family to know about How we can have happy lives. It is such a blessing to see families that are so loving, and so caring about every aspect of each other, and that are yet still so secure in the promises that they have made together. It is a shocking thing to me to see families that still have some problems, but are sure that through faithful obedience to the lords Doctrine. Shocking in the aspect that I know so many other people that would benefit from living the truth. I guess in short, It truly is such a blessing to be able to carry this truth to so many families here in India, and then see the problems they have just melt away because of their faith in the lord.
I know that the gospel is true, I see the evidence of it every day and because I do My testimony grows, I know that this is the lords truth, and that it is what will make families the happiest. I know that Jesus Christ and our Heavenly father do love each and every one of us, and that they truly are aware of everything that we need, and or want. I know that my Redeemer Lives, that he loves me, and that he atoned for each of us. I know that Joseph Smith, did receive the Keys to open the last dispensation, and that Thomas S. Monson is the lords mouthpiece today, I am so happy that we get to listen to the words of a living prophet, and I know that what he and the 12 apostles say is exactly what we need to hear at this time.
I love you all and hope the best for you, I am happy to have you all in my prayers.
Love,
Elder Colton Frederick

Monday, September 27, 2010

September '10 Week 4

Hello Family!!
OH boy what a week, I have had some of the most interesting experiences this week.
On Monday I told you all that I was going to this Leadership training for a few days, and holy cow was it awesome, we learned from the mission president the "simplified curriculum" of Preach my Gospel. We worked on 8 things that we can do to improve our teaching, Listening, and the reception of the spirit in our lessons. It was so amazing to learn more and more about how to teach the gospel, and how to Help people Know that it is true. I had a blast. But it took four days of us being out of our area, so now its time to play catch up with our goals.
I did have a really cool experience on Saturday, My companion has been teaching a brother Named Suyash, he lived in Utah for a while, he went to Utah state University and met a ton of members there, and began to go to church, he made lots of return missionary friends, and then moved back to India, He met a sister that is teaching school here that is a member and has been coming to church here for a while, so he decided to come with her to church, so to make a long story short, the missionaries started teaching him here a few weeks ago, and then we went on Saturday which ended up turning out to be really great, he even came to church in a white shirt and a tie this Sunday it was pretty cool. As we sat down with him though it was really interesting to see and listen to him speak about what he had the desire to learn. I really enjoyed listening to him and thinking about how much he really knew, and how much he had the desire to learn about the gospel. As we taught him I was able to feel the spirit.
Anyway, Life is good here, Like I said we are trying to play catch up with our goals, and we are hoping to be able to make up for what happened last week.
I am glad to hear that your on the mend, I have been praying for you and your health. I hope that super bug gets out of there pretty fast, it sure doesn't sound good. NOT FUN.
Hey that's great about Klynton's Job, I am happy to hear that he knows how to do some pretty good business I know he will enjoy good Ice cream, and dishing it up is all kinds of fun.
Well I love you all, and am happy to hear that your on the mend, I hope that you get feeling good enough to get out and get back to your normal old schedule... If you even have one, by the sounds of the last two years there is always some thing new going on. at least that's just how I feel. You can never do the same thing twice, no matter what your doing.
I know that the church is true, I know the Book is blue, and I know that God is a Mormon too. " that came from one of our assistants to the president, I laughed pretty hard.
But on that Note, I do know that this is the lords true church, I know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is what brings us the greatest happiness, I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, that it does contain the way to get back to our heavenly Father. I know that the Savior atoned for our sins, I know that because of his sacrifice that we can return and live with our Heavenly father again. I love you all and am so grateful to call you mine. I know that the lord is watching over you and is allowing us the oppurtunities to learn and become better people every day.
You are all in my prayers
With lots of love
Elder Colton Frederick

Monday, September 20, 2010

September '10 Week 3

MOM!! FAMILY!!!
Well Life is good, I am sorry about last week, I was pretty busy, we had to send a missionary home who was finishing his mission, pretty crazy to see him go. This week is pretty busy too, I am going to Bangalore for a leadership training meeting with all of the zone leaders and the district leaders in the south part of the mission. I am pretty excited to see what President Funk will be training about, I went on exchange with the assistants yesterday for a little while and they said that it was probably the best training they have ever seen, I am way excited( you all know how much I love Leadership trainings!! WOOO HOO!!!)
So about my Companion His name is John Boone Block, he is from the small town of Chicago, he is faster then a speeding bullet and can do 20 pull us with a missionary on his back, (not me, I havn't tried yet) He is about 6' 3" and about 180 pounds, he is about 26 years old and very cool, he ran track in high school, can play the guitar and the piano. He is really loving and way into the work. I really like him. We have been really working hard, my new area is really cool, we have a member that takes us all around one area and introduces us to families that love to hear about the gospel, and is able to get us into any house we want. Suguna has the coolest testimony ever and is a recent convert of about 4 months. So with the concoction of all three of us, we are able to put a huge dent in the week by about wednesday its so cool.
I really don't have too much news other then life is good, and I am headed to Bangalore, for the week, until Friday Morning, I am really excited to learn, but am bummed about the amount of time I spend out of my area. Oh well, Suguna is on it, and preparing our investigators for baptism.
I love you all and am so happy to have you all working hard, I know your all sick, but please be careful with what your doing... Weird, shouldent you be telling me that ? Just kidding
I am so grateful to the lord for allowing me to come here and see the people that I have change and learn the gospel, I know that I can never forget the things that I have learned here, and am so grateful that the lord has allowed me to grow. I can still remember my first day E-mailing you in Rajahmundry and how hot, weird, and strange it was to be experiencing all of this. I know that this is the lords work, and I know that is the only true and living gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that the lord did send his son Jesus Christ for each of us. I know that the savior did atone for each person on this earth, and I know that by living the gospel we can accept the atonement, I know my savior lives, I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, and that it truly was translated by Joseph Smith. I know that Thomas S. Monson is our living prophet in these days. I am grateful that the lord has blessed me with such a great family and friends, both here in India, and in America. I know that it is the family of god, and that we can be able to live with each other in love an harmony as we develop the love that the savior has for us.
I love you all and am happy for you, I am praying for you.
Love
Elder Colton James Frederick

Monday, September 13, 2010

September '10 Week 2

MOM and Family !!
YOU ALL BE CAREFUL!!!! I dont like hearing about you all getting hurt!!
SO here is the deal, I have a little less time, but I have some news, I am transferred to the 3rd branch and am now a zone leader here, My new companion is way awesome, his name is Elder block and is from Chicago He is way cool I really like him so much.
So thank you all for the Happy birthday wishes and thanks for the love and wishes and prayers. I love you all and am so grateful for the gospel that we all live in our lives, I am grateful for the savior gospel of jesus christ in my life, I am glad that I have the oppertunity to live with god again. I love you so much and am praying for each of you.
Please remember that .
I promise that I will get you more of a real letter this next week.
I love you.
Elder Colton Frederick

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

September '10 Week 1

Wow You all had quite the busy week, and now your all camping with out me... HOW DARE YOU! Just kidding.
Life is good here in India, we are really working hard and trying to get people into the waters of baptism, when I started the week we only had two baptismal dates, now we have 5 with a date, and are planning to set about ten more... PRAY HARD.
I told you about Usha and Anto this last week, well there is more and more, this week Usha got really sick, so we ended up giving her a blessing, and helping her in her home a little, (she hated it, because men here don't help the women, but she couldn't do anything about it,) she later thanked us for it. The whole Family knows that they need to come to church, and are now making the correct steps to following the gospel. Sister Usha is such a funny women, she loves to ask questions, and it is so funny to watch her eyes get big as we explain about specific things. This last time we had to pull out the Pearl of Great price to help her overcome her concern, and then instead of attacking it she said this. " Frederick, I need one of those, I need to read the Doctrine and Covenants, and your Pearl of Great price.. I think that would be a good thing." I love her so much, she is just willing to really take a hold of the gospel and run with it, as well as drag her family along with her.
Well mom since you asked about the Mission, the news is that right now we have about 50 Missionaries in the mission, 2 are going home next week, 5 are coming from America, then in october on the 22nd 14 missionaries go home, three weeks after that 8 more.
With in the last year we have had 388 baptisms as of Sunday, our goal is 600 for the year (this is 100 more than our goal last year and with half of the missionaries) we are really hopeful for the next couple of months because we have planned to set more than the goal for the month, for one companionship. So hopefully... well pray hard, and work hard to get it done.
The mission is really working to get people active because that will lead to a stake, which will lead to wards which will lead to a temple. The lord is really blessing the mission because of the hard work ethic that the missionaries and the members are putting out there, the branches are really strong and working hard to get people to the temples. so basically the goal is the temple, and more and more converts to build up the church, these people are really Pioneering their way into history.
I guess this leads to my Testimony of how much I know that this really is the lords work, I have seen so many people make complete changes to their lives, I know missionaries who diddn't even know what a missionary does become the best missionaries in the mission, I have seen my self make the changes that I needed to be able to teach the gospel, and become the person that the lord would like me to be. I know that Because the lord loves his children he will pull Miracles out into peoples lives so that they can know the divinity of his truth. I know that the book of Mormon truly is the word of god and is his words, I have seen men who couldn't even say hello in English speak better English then I do. I know that the lord has truly Sacrificed his life for us so that we could be able to live with him if we just but exorcise a little faith in him. I know with out any shadow of a doubt that Joseph Smith was Visited by God our Father in heaven and his son Jesus Christ. I know that he was commanded to restore the gospel back on this earth, and I know that if we follow it with all of our heart might mind and strength that we can and will be blessed, that we can live in gods kingdom. I know that the plan of salvation is Real, and I look forward to being able to truly take more part of in in my life as I build a family that is based on the Savior Jesus Christ and his Doctrine . I know that the savior lives and that he loves us. I love you all
With all my love
Elder Colton Frederick

Monday, August 30, 2010

August '10 Week 5

FAMILY!! (and Friends!)
Hello from India!!
Oh boy do I have some fun news this week. We have just embarked in the most interesting three weeks of my Entire mission... three people in a companionship... holy cow I really hope that having children is easier, but if my children are anything like I was probably not. we have been really working hard getting to two areas, keeping them separate, and yet keeping companionship unity. Oh boy let me tell you it is tough I am just praying that I can stay sane long enough to plan for my night, and then go to sleep, because the fun just starts again in the morning. I really am having a good time with it, I have the chance to get to know two companions as well as get to know each of the new investigators. Then I get to spend time in my own area. SWEET!!! its really kind of fun to see two different areas, and then work in both of them in the same day. I am also in a new apartment so it kind of feels like I am the one transferred and just in a new area, so now I am putting two mental maps together in my head and seeing where they both lead, ( let me tell you I wish I had a GPS some days.)
OH Man I am sorry to hear about Jess's car, that really bites, some people just don't use their heads, ( I know I am no exception sometimes but really, Hitting a car with an ax is ridiculous even if your in danger)
mom your going through my mail huh??... are you really looking for photo's? ... Just kidding its no problem, but thanks for telling me.
Wow it sounds to me like the scout stuff is really taking off, and now that I hear that everyone is back into school is crazy, I cant even imagine school right now, even to have family in school, but I am glad to hear that everyone is getting back to their educations, that is what the lord asks of us, to continue learning and growing, and seeking out of the best books. I am really excited to put my efforts into learning (unlike what I did before my mission) there is no giving up or getting fed up this time, I know that the lord will help me if I really honestly give it my all, he'll make up the difference.
Well for a story this week, I have found a really sweet family that I have really been trying to get to progress. Usha, Anto, and Richella are the coolest family ever. Usha and Anto are originally roman catholic, Usha has spent A LOT of time in the bible and know's that roman Catholicism is not correct, but just doesn't know where to find the truth, when we started to teach her it was kind of crazy hectic because she had a ton of questions, but when we pulled out the book of Mormon and she decided that she needed to read it, things began to really progress. Usha now reads the book of Mormon every day, and not just reads, but tears it apart by studying it, she uses the foot notes and is really prayerful about the whole thing. Her husband is just willing to follow what ever she teaches him, and the daughter Richella is of course going to follow her mother. We finally got to teach them about the Word of Wisdom, and the whole family really loves to Drink Tea and Coffee... it was so funny because as we where teaching about Tea and Coffee, she stopped me and said "Frederick... you cant make me do this.. I really like my Tea and Coffee."
I looked at her and said " Sister Usha, I am not going to make you do anything, this is all up to you and god."
she looked at me and just blinked and we continued on.
The next day she called and told me that she wanted to follow it. It was way funny to watch as she has called me every morning to tell me that she is doing it. and what was even better was that this morning she called and told me that she was now enforcing it with her husband and her daughter. and they love it!!
I know that this truly is the lords work and that his commandment are there for us to grow and be happy. I am so grateful for the gift of Moral agency that the lord has given to us. I am so grateful that we have the gift of the Holy ghost, as it leads and guides us in our lives and as the lord has given us this gift as we bring our lives in accordance of his gospel.
I know that the savior lives and that his atonement was truly infinite, I know that by living our lives the way that the prophet has taught us that we can be happy and successful in our righteous endeavors. I know that the gift and power of prayer is sent from the lord, and that the lord does truly listen and answer them. I know this because the prophet Joseph Smith did see Our Father in heaven and His son Jesus Christ. I know that a young farm boy 200 years ago was chosen by god to restore the truth and Gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that the book of Mormon is the word of god, and that by abiding by its precepts we can, and will get closer to God.
I love you all and am so grateful for all of your support, I know that the lord is watching over you and that you all are being guided by our lord and savior.
Thanks for all that you do and say,
Love, Elder Colton Frederick

Monday, August 23, 2010

August '10 Week 3

HOLY COW YOUR ALL..... busy.. Good, its good for you.
Oh man Tell Parker I am sorry, that's tough, I know we have to be really careful here in India because of the mosquito's they are terrible here, sometimes they are is big as your pinky finger nale crazy little bugs, ( we have an electric tennis-racket that fries them when ever I see them, as well as some stuff that we can burn that keeps them away, but they are terrible little bugs.
well on to other news, Things here are going to be getting a little... bigger, we are now combining two areas for at least 3 weeks, and I am now in a threesome companionship that means we have A LOT to do and very little time to do it. Ahh the beauty of missionary work.
I had a really cool experience last night, we went to a part member home where every one but one brother are members, and only the mother and one daughter are active with a family of 7 (I hope you understood that) anyway I have been working with the non-member brother who is just not happy at all, he is always quiet and just doesn't talk much. With in the last two week's I haven't been able to get much out of him other than he just was not happy, and that he had a lot of dreams... but he wasn't sure how he was going to get to them.
So yesterday I was talking to him, and I the thought came to mind to shut up. I looked at him and asked " Anand... who is god?" and then I shut my mouth and began to listen... really listen... it was great because it opened him like a book, I found out what has happened in his life to make him so unhappy, and I was able to listen to him and the spirit tell me his concerns, and now because I shut my mouth, I know how to help him resolve his concern. I was so grateful for the opportunity to have the spirit tell me to shut up, and listen to what he had to say. it is truly amazing at what you can learn when you listen to those around you and you don't say anything. I love learning from a mission.
well not to much other then that has happened here, we are just working hard and focusing on getting things done here in Chennai, and boy oh boy do we have alot to do. My plate is clear full, and I am so excited to start at it.
I know that your all being taken care of, and I am so happy that you are all as busy as possible, I hope that you all continue to do so, its so much better when you stay busy, I wish that I could just stay busy all day and all night, then I don't have to sleep and I can get things done even faster.
I know that this is truly the best work in the kingdom of god, and I know that by sharing the gospel you can truly be blessed, I know that when you put your life in the lords hands he blesses you and is able to sustain you in all things. I know that the lord lives and that he loves us, I know that by his love he was able to send his Beloved son to this earth to atone for us and to allow us to be forgiven. I am grateful for the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and for the book of Mormon, I know that is is another testament of scripture that can help us to gain that closeness to the lord that we need. I Know that Thomas S. Monson is the the lords true and living prophet. I know that as we Listen to his and the apostles words, that we can be able to safeguard our lives so that we can live with the lord and our families.
I am thankful for every aspect of the gospel and all that it has done for me, I may be 20 years old, and not much has really happened in my life, but the little things that it has done for me are monumentous for me to learn and grow. I know that by living the gospel plan and applying it into our lives, that we can be able to overcome the sad times in our lives.
I love you all and am so grateful for you and your support. I am grateful for your sacrifices to help me become who I am to day.

Love
Elder Colton Frederick

Monday, August 16, 2010

August Week 3

Well Being that my New P-day is on Monday, I guess we are all just going to have to get used to the changes of schedule.

So the last couple of days have been good, we just had a baptism this week, and are going to be having a few more next week.
Chennai is a pretty cool place, its just on FIRE!! we have been really excited about seeing people progress and getting ready for amazing changes in their lives.
Like I said, not too much going on around here, just a change in schedule, I have now officially started it today so like I said not to much has been going on around here.
I love you and hope you all know how much I love and appreciate you and your support for me to be working out here, I Know that you are all cruzing through life, just flying by the seat of your pants... Haha (I know I am only funny to my self) but anyway I will be happy to hear from you all next Monday
I Know that this is the lords true gospel, and I know that because of the Prophet Joseph Smith's simple question, we know and love the lord even greater. I know that because the lord loves us so much that he really did give us temples, all so that we can have the understanding, and feel the love of the lord. I am grateful to the lord for giving me such a wonderful family and friends who truly care and who are so supportive to do this work.
I know that the Book Of Mormon is the word of god, and that because of it we have the gift of understanding the ways that the lord works.
I love you all, and hope to hear from you again soon.

Elder Colton Frederick

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

August '10 Week Two


FAMILY!!
Hey Well life is good here in good old Chennai, Just really excited for the weekend, we have a couple more baptisms. The district that I am with is just amazing, we have two amazing missionaries here who just really are excited about doing missionary work, they are all just amazing.
I don't really have much news, I am just staying busy, we have a lot of work that we have to do, so that really makes me focus on getting them ready, mostly that is just my life just running as fast as we can to one appointment to the other.

One neat experience that I have just had though is that we are teaching a really neat sister that is Roman Catholic, who knows that the Catholic Church is not correct, but isn't sure what is the correct Church. We gave her a Book of Mormon and she is now in 1nephi 8, but she just dissects the crap out of it with her bible Knowledge, but with sincerity, and now knows that it is true she feels that she must read the whole thing. She came to church this last week and had a lot of Questions about the sacrament and how its not bread and wine, and how its passed, funny lady, she is a little nuts, but I love her so much, she keeps me on my toes, and makes me have to really look things up in the scriptures, she has me scouring the New testament looking for scriptures that have to do with the soul. We just taught her the Plan of Salvation, and she had LOTS of questions, it was fun to watch her face as she gets more and more understanding of the truth. we just have to make sure to pick our "battles" she loves knowing more and more about the bible.


Well as I said, not to much has been going on around these parts, Mostly I am just teaching the gospel with some amazing missionaries, and looking forward to serving with more and more great people.
I know that this is truly the lords true and living church, I know that this is the greatest work that the lord could allow us to do. I know that because of the atonement of Jesus Christ we can be saved in the lords eternal kingdom, I know that the future is only as bright as our faith. I also know that when we put the lord first in our lives and we are obedient to his commandments we can and WILL be blessed. I love you all and I love that you are all strong members of the Church of Jesus Christ, I am so happy that you all have the same faith that I do that we can live together, no matter what happens, just as long as we accept the savior and his atonement, and live the gospel.
I Love you all, and am excited to hear from you again.
Elder Colton Frederick

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

August '10 Week 1

FAMILY!!!
well it sounds to me like things are going pretty good, You have all been Crazy Busy, and will be even more, That's great, I am sooo happy for you all. I know that the best Cure for a little sadness is when you get right to work, I love being able to just get lost in what ever it is that I am doing and then all of a sudden... Its time to wright home again, Kind of cool how that works out.
So I have some news. As of the 15th of August We will be changing our schedule, our whole weekly schedule, that means that our preparation day will no longer be on Wednesday. It will be on Mondays from the 16th onwards. For all those who are writing on tuesday night, you are going to have to write a little earlier, that means like...Sunday.
Well as of that I am pretty good, I have a ton of things to get ready for this week, we are having one more baptism this week, and then two more next week, so we have to do all of the paperwork, Interviews, (this Means that I have to get he zone leaders to come and do the Interview's because I am not allowed to interview my own investigators even though I am the district leader.
In other news, our mission is slowly slowly going down in numbers, we just had 12 amazing missionaries going home, and now that means that we are going to be taking areas and putting them together so that we know each area... oh what fun, that means Million more souls are on us to cry repentance! Bring it on baby, we have the lord on our side!!.
So it sounds to me like your all getting the mission on the brain now, Tyson, Brigham, Jess, I think next on the list is Hayden, Klynton, Devin, Kadee, Teancum, (not in that order) but holy cow, the craziness of it all, I don't think the whole family will be under one roof for the next LONG TIME, 10 years I guesstimate. Thats cool.
KYLE!!! Man those Photos are awesome, I am so happy for you, thanks mom for sending them. I have to say that you are all looking pretty freaking good.
Its crazy to me that all of these things are going on out there, but its cool to see and hear the news.
Well I am so grateful for all of your support here, and I know that your all doing well, I know that your prayers are being answered, and I also know that as each of you look to the Lord, and focus on the things that he has taught I know that no matter what you will all be blessed, I know from a little hearsay that things are not so good with the things that are going on, but I know that the lord has promised us that if we are prepared, and if we are able to follow the commandments, the evils of the world will pass by us, "as the destroying angel passed by the children of Israel" I know that you are all being watched over, and I want you all to know that I pray for each of you on a daily basis. I love you all and know that the lord is there.
Love
Elder Colton James Frederick

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

July '10 Week 4

Mom!!
Hey Well things are Pretty good here, Chennai is amazing, and there are just so many people here that are just willing to listen to the gospel, we where walking to some investigators home, and all of a sudden some guy comes running up to us and was asking us what we where doing here, and if he could know about us, we then shared with him about Joseph smith on the road, and he said that he wanted to come to church, I was just really so surprised to see that he wanted to know about the gospel.
So Zone conference was Pretty good, the New Mission President, President Funk is way Chill, I really like him, I was able to sit down with him in my Interview, and come to find out, he is originally from Manti, and Both of his Little brothers where born in the Mt. Pleasant Hospital!! so we where really able to connect.
Chennai is Amazing We are really rocking it out here, and I really like the area, its way sweet. The people here are really nice, and very loving. One of the things that I have been trying to do here is to wash the peoples Dishes, here in India, only the woman goes into the Kitchen, unless the boys are putting something in there, so I have been sneaking in there and washing all of their dishes, its the funniest thing ever to see the womens faces, they just stare at me in pure shock that I would do anything like that, and sometimes the men try to "pull" me out, they don't try to hard, they are also usually in shock, its pretty funny.
Yes mom I found the school, it is rising star, and they come to church every week, Brother Gorden and his wife are in provo now, they haven't been here in about a year, but it was really cool when I asked about them to the family that is running the school, she was so excited that I had Knew about them already.
Well about Kyles wedding pics, you'll just have to tell the hoser to send me some of his Pictures, I am not getting on to facebook.
Hey I am so happy to hear about lane, that is way cool, your going to have to send me some pictures, I know that things will be so great you'll all be taking pictures any way, but I want to see the pics.
Well I love you all, and am just so happy to know that "we are all in this together" I know that even all the problems that are in the world are able to just pass us by as we stay strong in the gospel. I know that the lord is watching over all of you, and I also know that he is aware of your individual circumstances. I know that this is truly the lords work and that because of the wonderful gift of the gospel being restored, Know that those that embark in this work are doing the right thing. I know that the book Of Mormon truly does testify that God lives and that he loves us. I know that because of the savior that we are all able to live with god again, because of his gospel plan.
I love you all and am so happy for your success and your desires to preach the gospel to those around you, you are all such amazing examples.
Love,
Elder Colton Frederick

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

July '10 Week 3

Vanakam from Chennai!! (means Hello in Tamil)
Well life is great in Chennai, My new companion is Elder Tewari, he is originally from India, but has been brought up in the states, he was living in Virginia before his mission and has now been out 6 months, so it has been pretty interesting to see the way he does things because he was trained by a former assistant, and follow up trained by another former assistant, so now just a lone little Elder from little old vizak gets to try to live up to the standard given... pretty fun, I am really enjoying the way that Elder Tewari works and has a way to do everything. he is espically fun because he was a big politician in Virginia before his mission.
Well it sounds like your all just having a blast, I hope that you can send me some pics of the good old wind rivers. Oh by the way the package came, but is in custums in Bangalore, the hosers have my shoes, and wont give them back unless I go and get them... There is a good thing that I am in Bangalore today, ahh Zone Conference, somebody is going to get a good old chew if they don't give it to me. Oh well what can you do?
Hey so how is Jess, please keep me updated, that poor guy is working hard so that he can go on his mission, I am quite proud of him and his hard work, I know that he will do an amazing job, because the lord want's us at our best before we go and do his work, and I know that he will do just amazingly as he dedicates his life to what he knows to be correct.
Well I just want to let you all know how thankful I am to have you all be a part of my life, I know that its not easy just simply going through life, but you all do it well, and You have all been such grate teachers for me, I know that it wouldn't be possible if it wasn't for the savior Jesus Christ. I know that because of his Atonement we are able to have happy lives... if we work at it. Lately I have really had my eyes opened to the atonement of the savior. I feel that each day my eyes have just slowly been opened to the light and love that it brings. One of the things that I am trying to work on is just simply my love for everything, and I know that it truly is a gift from god to be able to love one another, and to have compassion and charity for others, but I also know that it is so important to have it for if we have it not, "we are nothing."
I know that this is truly the lords true and living Church and I also know that the book of Mormon is a true Witness that the gospel of Jesus Christ is restored. I am so grateful that we are able to go and proclaim this to "every living creature" I know that by living the gospel of Jesus Christ we can live with each other in the lords kingdom, and that the wonderful plan of the living god is that we can live in his kingdom as families.
I love you all and am so thankful for your prayers and your willingness to write and support me here in India. Your all the best.
Love,
Elder Colton Frederick

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

July "10 Week 2


FAMILY!!

Well I actually don't have very much time this week because I am GETTING TRANSFERRED!! I will be going to Chennai first branch, I will be leaving on Friday for Chennai, I am pretty excited too, because it will be the biggest area that I will serve in, and the biggest place in the whole mission.
but I will be sending you some pictures with this e-mail, I really hope that you like them, I know that time is less, but I wanted to at least tell you all that I love you and that I' will be giving you more news with everything next week.
I love you and I know that you are all being watched by the lord, I know that The lords plan of Salvation is true, and I know that the savior is the center to the lords plan for us all.


I love you and know that time will pass as it passes, I know that we are all excited to see each other again, but... I STILL HAVE 4 MONTHS!!! I have time to work... I love you and I know I will be seeing you in due time.
love you all so much, Please don't misunderstand my comments, but my whole mission is going home with in 4 months, 42 missionaries are going home in three week intervals, so I just want to be able to focus on the mission.

Love you all
Elder Colton Frederick

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

July '10 Week 1

OH MAN YOU HAD WAY TOO MUCH FUN!!!!

AH the fourth of July, I got fed rice and then got sick because of it...
Sounds to me like you all had just quite the amazing week this week, and oh boy was I missing you for the fourth, although I am quite glad that the lord let it fall on a sunday this year, all because he know's of the party that will be happining next year... OH the Fire works. they will be AMAZING!!! almost like Divali here in India.
Wow, sounds like the winds are a changing in life, speaking of the winds, I NEED PICTURES!!! so here is the deal, pics for me, pics for the family!! (mom no worries they will be on the way soon)
Well it sounds to me like you had a lot better of a week so far then I have, I was on lock downs on monday, This means that I could not go out prosalyting for the whole day due to some stupid people thinking that they cant live with a one rupee raise on carrots!!! can you believe it Carrots!!? anyway, that day was terrible!! I thougt I was going to die of cabin Fever. Then the worst... At 5:00 in the morning I woke up due to my body screaming GO TO THE BATHROOM!! and it hasnt stopped since... ahh rice. from that, I have had my week.
other wise I have had a great week, we are working on some sweet families who just already love the gospel, and have already had spiritual experiences, we are really hoping that we can watch them progress towards baptism.
Other then that, not to much has happened here, I am just Fighting the urge to run to the bathroom!!
I do have some other news, WE HAVE A NEW MISSION PRESIDENT!! his name is President Funk. I will be meeting him at the end of this month. So thats really all my news.

Something that I have been thinking about lately is the amazing promise of the book of Mormon, One of the families that we have been teaching we just gave the book of Mormon to, yesterday, and we showed them the Promise that Moroni Gives to all those who read from the book, Moroni 10:3-5 states that all those who read from the book, desiring to know if it is right and true, must ask god. and that if they will do it in faith, and With Real Intent, that means are willing to do what they must to follow it completely, will receive an answer by the power of the Holy Ghost, and that "by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of All things." I know that what god, and Moroni promises is true, and as I have promised this to so many families here in India, I promise this same thing to all those who have, and havent done this yet, and I challenge all of you to do this, read from the book, again, and then pray with a sincere Heart, I know that you will get an answer.
I love you all and hope the best for your week, I know that this is all true. I am praying for all of you and for your well being, I know that god lives and that he loves each and every one of his children.
Love you all
Elder Colton James Frederick

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

June '10 Week 5

FAMILY!!
Well what a time to prepare for, It sounds like your all getting quite busy with this summer being about to end, ( I know that as soon as you all realize that the summer is here, you'll then realize that its over) I cant believe how fast time is just FLYING BUY!!! I have about a two day week, and that doesn't help that it's Sunday and Wednesday, mostly because those are the days that I realize that the week is just about over.
I actually am shifting my apartment this week, we are shifting to a place in our area, instead of being a 20 minute bus ride now I can walk out of my front door and be in my area. Our apartment is way nice, I really like it.
Well we had quit the week, we have been Finding some REALLY sweet families, they are all just so sweet, We have one family that asks us when we are going to come back all the time, and they all just love what we teach.
I had a neat experience with this family who are Brhaman, (Hindu) they tried to tell us that they pray the exact same way that we do, which we ended up explaining that because they talked to a brick, or a stone that there was no way that they could get the things that they needed. We where really amazed that they actually got down on their knees and prayed to "Heavenly Father" and not just Heavenly god.
We have another family that we are teaching that are from Bangal, (northern india) that are Just AMAZING!! they asked us when we where coming back and also where so excited about the Plan of Salvation that they asked us how they could know that it was true, and then when they prayed they said that where so thankful to god that these two sons came to teach them truth. I am really hopeful about all of these people.
Well I love you all and am just so happy for you all, I know that this is truly the lords church, I can see it in every thing that is done, I am so thankful that the lord lives and loves us, I know that Jesus Christ truly atoned for each of us. I know that God Lives and that he truly did Select Joseph smith To Restore his Gospel. I know that those who devote their lives and talents to him and his bringing about his truth, in families and around the world are all doing the lords work and are bringing to pass the Immortality and Eternal life of man -moses
I love you and am so thankful for your prayers.
Elder Colton James Frederick

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

June '10 Week 4

FAMILY!!
well sounds to me like the life and times of good old Mt.Pleasant are going great!!
Just don't forget that the greatest growing comes from the scriptures. I have seen so much more of a change in my self as I have put my nose in the scriptures. I know that the best way to learn is to ask the lord for his help.
well life is good here in good old Vizak, I am really excited to be able to be here and be teaching some of the coolest people. I told all of you about Amar and Saritha, and man things are like pulling teeth with these people, but We think we have found a solution, we are giving them a chapter to read, and then calling them in the morning and giving them questions that they need to look for in the chapter, and then we are following up with them that night. sooo.. hopefully that will get them excited about the scriptures, we are also giving them a tour of the church tonight and then we are taking a great exchange to help give them some help with their 1year old son. who is their excuse for not coming to church.
Well we just had zone conference this last week which was really amazing, and sad at the same time, this was our last one with my mission president. He gave us his advice, and told us about how his family became members of the church. As all of this was said and done, it got me to thinking about my life goals, and about how I really want to have my family raised as members of the church. I Thought alot about how much I really don't have any Idea about what I am going to do with my life, but at the same time I am so excited about how much I get to plan it all out as time goes by.
I love you all, and am so happy for all of you, I hope that you all know that I know that this is truly the lords Gospel restored. I am so happy that you are all living and keeping your lives in the gospel of our lord and savior. I know that he suffered for all of us and I know that it was all out of love for us that the lord created the plan of salvation. I know that this is the greatest work that we could ever do (next to having a family) and I know that if we live the gospel and show the lord the evidence of our faith, that he will give us what we need.
THanks for all that you do!!
Love
Elder Colton Frederick

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

June '10 Week 3

Hello FAMILY!!!
well thanks for all of the Info! I hope everything goes well with Jess, I will defenetly keep him in my prayers more specifically some times it does take some waiting before the lord has us ready for our new experiences, and sometimes we have to remove things with in and about us before we can do the things that the lord has us do his work.
Well I had quite the experience this last week, we have been teaching this family the Fathers name is Joseph and the wifes name is Hemilata we where teaching them for quite some time, and as I told you last week she was not really sure that they wanted to take baptism, so we started to talk to them again and found that they where not willing to take baptism, even though she new that if she did that she would be able to go into gods Kingdom, if not, she knew the consiquences, and she (Hemilata) said that she understood, but that she just could not do it. I was so sad, all I could do was bear my testimony to her and let them go, It was quite sad, and then the next sunday we also dropped a family who had a baptismal date, but just was not interested to come to church. (I think that I have had my heart broken to many times for these people that I don't even blink anymore, its sad, but I cant get my Emotions in the way, of anything, if you do, you just end up getting hurt. which doesn't help them, No matter what, your Emotions will not get people baptized, Only your sincerity will help them get into the waters of baptism.
Well I am sorry about the cold there, but I am so happy that its getting into the Rainy season here, because It has just been so MISERABLY HOT!!! Oh well, I did Kind of Enjoy it, mostly because I have just really learned Diligence even when its tough. Kind of like that good old saying "when the going gets tough, The tough get going. "
As much as I had my heart broken with those people, I have really enjoyed learning about how we as people gain experience, and how when we gain a testimony we can Enjoy the gospel in our lives and be blessed by its teachings.
I know that the lord lives that he loves each of his children, and that he truly does have our priorities in mind, He has the happines of each of us at heart. I know that god truly loved us so much that that he sent his son Jesus Christ on this earth to atone for our sins.
I know that the book of Mormon is the word of god, and that by reading and following it that our families can truly be blessed. I know that Thomas S. Monson is the prophet and spokes man for god. I know that Joseph Smith truly under Direction from god restored the gospel and the priesthood of god to bless each of his children and to teach them how to become like him.
I love you all, and I hope that you all have a great time this week.
To all of you fathers out there, HAPPY FATHERS DAY!!
Love, Elder Colton Frederick

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Jume '10 Week 2

Hello Family!!

Sounds to me like there is quite the amount of activities going on there, people coming home from missions, people going on them, people just moving along in life!! I am so glad that you are all good though.
Well life here is good, nothing like killing snakes though. I am just running around like an Elder worried about families who don't seem to want to do anything...Grrr, oh well. we have been working with this family that I have been just so hopeful on, but this last week they went to their families house and the brothers to the wife where scolding the husband and telling him that he was dumb for wanting to be baptized again, and the wife just seems to not care... so right now we are trying to be a little creative and get them to have a spiritual experience so that they can know what the spirit feels like so that they can get an answer... pray hard.. thats what I am doing....
on the other hand, things are pretty normal around here, just trying to learn more and more, I really have enjoyed my companion, he is way cool, and he is teaching me a ton about just being a person, as well as gospel things, I really like the way he does things.
I had quite the learning experience the other day, just about how much the lord really loves his children, and how sad he must feel about the things that go on in life, as I was out walking, I saw something that just made me sick to my stomach, and since that time I have just really felt bad for what the lord puts up with. It makes me want to make sure that I and my family NEVER ever get into those kinds of things. I am so glad that I have been on a mission to learn some of these big lessons, and I am so happy that I have had the people around me to train me how to live and except things in life. It is truly amazing at how much the gospel can truly bless us if we really strive to learn it and follow it in our lives.
Sorry for the rambling on about life.
I am really happy your all enjoying the weather, I think I might die here if it gets any hotter!! I am praying for the rain, so hard that you just want to die... your sweating to death, everything is wet, and you cant even concentrate because your brain is soooo past fried... but its fun, and good for the body!!
well I love you all and am so happy for you all to be doing so well, I hope everything goes well with all of you this week, and I am praying for you, so don't forget it. By the way for all of you snake fighters BE CAREFUL.
I want you all to know how thankful I am that you have been such great examples in my life, I am also thankful for you teaching me so much. I want you all to know that I know that this is truly the lords true and living church. I am so happy that the lord has given us so much, and that he even sent his son to come to the earth for us and our sins to be overcome, all so that we could live with a loving, and living father who wants our happiness.
I know that the book of Mormon is the lords words and that by reading and following it that we can be able to have happier and more loving families.
Thanks for all that you do.
Love Elder Colton Frederick

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

June '10 Week 1

FAMILY!!!
Well not too much time here, but I did want to tell you a little news!!
So I now have a new Companion, and he is way COOL!! we have been pretty excited to work together, he is from Idaho, his name is Elder Thompson, Its been a lot of fun the last few days, and I have already learned so much from him, things that I never would have thought I could do, but it is soooo much more effective.
We have been working with some really sweet families this week who hopefully we can get baptized, Amar and Saritha where having a tough time understanding the importance of getting an answer, and we also decided that we needed to start from the beginning. So that is what we are doing.
I am sorry this one is a little short, but I am pretty busy this week, I have a few Erends that I need to run, (buying a new Mattress!!!!) Hopefully this will help me sleep better.
I love you all so much an want you all to know that I know that the lord lives, that he loves us, I know that he truly answers prayers. I know that he restored his gospel and did so for us and our families I know that the book of Mormon is the word of god. I know that the prophet Thomas S Monson is the lords Mouthpiece today. I know that the blessings from living a life worthy of a temple recommend and then using it is the best thing that we could ever do. I am amazed at the way that the lord works in such small and simple ways.
I love you all and am so happy that you are all such great examples in my life, I hope and pray for you all every day. I thank you for your love and kindness that you have all given to me.
Love you all
Elder Colton Frederick

Ps. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL THOSE THIS MONTH< YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE>

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

May '10 Week 4


Hello Family!!!
Well life is good, I am way happy and really excited about life. I have some sad news, my companion is getting transferred, I am getting someone else, I am a little sad, Elder Lohat has been alot of Fun, and I have really enjoyed his company. My new companion is Elder Thompson
I have had him in my district before, he is a really fun guy, so I am a little excited.
Life has been good, My companion and I are really excited about Amar and Saritha they have accepted a baptismal date, and will be baptized on the 19th of June. We are praying hard for them, I know that they are ready, and will be such a blessing to the church here in India. I am so happy that I have been so blessed with so many wonderful Families here in India that have taught me so much about how I want my family to function, I have seen such a difference in my attitude as I have been with so many great people.
Well not too much news again this week, I am just working on getting people to really read from the book of Mormon, and get their own testimony... sometimes that is the hardest thing to do, that and getting people to church. but when it happens, things just take off like a rocket!!! we have this family that we just met the other day, the brother is a Janitor in a High school and he has two children, since he got married his wife started to have "fits" and has needed care for it, some times she isnt all there Either. About 5 years ago he ran off deciding to leave his family, after sometime he decided that was a big mistake and he came back looking for his family with the Idea of Fixing the problems, he found his daughter in the hospital, his son in an orphanage, and his wife on the road. Since that time he has also lost faith in any church because of how Nasty the Pastors are, and how corrupt they are, so he ended up just not going to any church. We where walking out in the rain and saw the wife and Just knew that we needed to go there. When we did they invited us right in and told us this story, as we shared the restoration they said that they would come to church and wanted us to come back, when we came back we gave them a book of Mormon and the Father has been doing everything that we have asked him, he even came to church on sunday and LOVED IT!! We are going tonight and are hoping to set him with a date.
Well over all it just goes to show that the Lord really does work in small and Simple ways. I know that he is there and loves each of his children, and wants all of them to know about him and his Gospel plan. I know that this is truly the place that peace and love can come, I know that the Lord truly bled and died for you and me. I love him for it. I know that God lives. and I also Know that he has given us his words to read and Learn from so that we can come closer to him.
I love you all and am praying for you. I know that you are all good, and Happy, and I hope the best for all of you as things in life go on.
with all my Love,
Elder Colton Frederick

Thursday, May 20, 2010

May '10 Week 3

Hello Family!!
Wow what a week it sounds like your about to have, and that you are having!! I am so happy to hear that your all happy and excited about life!!!
Well You said that you want News, So not too much news, other than I am way excited to get back to work this week, we are going to go and see Brother Amar and Saritha, They have been really trying to progress, Amar came to church but their child is a little sick, and brother Amar's sister is facing some problems with her Husband, he is quite a peice of work, and to top it off it was an aranged marriage, Amar went to the police about him today and they are going to go take him to Jail, (he was just going to go and beat him up, but we talked him out of it)
On a fun note, IT FINALLY RAINED !!!! It has been so hot here that no body could function, and last night it rained and it hasn't stopped since!! and when we woke up this morning my companion and I had to go walking around our area to check out the beauty, I even got a few Pictures, ITS ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS!!!
I am sorry not too much news, I am going to be better next week, I actually have a few apointments today Early, otherwise our work wont get done for the week.
So I want you all to know that I am so thankful for the Emails, I am grateful for the news. and I am really excited for all of you!! espically Kyle YOUR GETTING MARRIED CONGRATS BRO!!!!
I hope that you all know that your in my prayers, and I am really grateful for all that you do, and all that is going on. Please know that your loved from clear across the world, and that I know that your being watched over always.
I know that this truly is the greatest work that we can do, I know that the lord is there and that he truly did send his son on Earth to atone for us, I am so grateful that he has given us families to share this wonderful love and grow together, with. I know that God truly did restore his gospel through the Prophet Joseph Smith. I know that the Living Prophet Thomas S Monson is the lords Prophet Seer and Revolator in these last days. I know that This is the Lords gospel, it is his true and living Church. I know that the spirit truly testifies of him and his son. I know that they live and love each and every one of you.

I love you all,

Love,
Elder Colton Frederick

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Mother's Note

Sorry I am a day late. But, with my having surgery yesterday i didn't remember to check this yesterday.

May '10 Week 2

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!!!
Too all Mothers out there!!


Hey family!!
It was so nice to hear all of your voices this week, Kind of weird to realize that this was the last time that I will talk to you until I get home.
Well as I just talked to you all recently, not too much has changed, I am happy and really excited to rock the Missionary work, so we (me and the mouse in my pocket) will see you all soon!!
I am happy for all of you that are progressing through life, I want you all to know that I know that your when you are trying to progress, you'll all get the things that you need espically when you focus on the things of the gospel and not the world.
Kyle!! Congrats on next week, I know that you'll be to busy to write next week, but I am so happy for you.
Jess, I am so excited for you, hit me up again with an Email, I miss you and am so happy to hear about your progress, by the sounds of it you are really happy.
I love you all, I know that the lord is watching over all of you, and I know that this is his true and living church. I know that Jesus Is the Christ, that he truly atoned for our sins, I know that he loves us so much that he wants each of our brothers and sisters to know about him and our Heavenly Fathers Gospel plan. I know that the book of Mormon is the word of god, and that by following by its precepts we can be closer to god in all things.
I love you all and am so happy for you. Best of luck to you all!!!
Love,
Elder Colton Frederick

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

May '10 Week 1

Hello Family,
Well its very nice to hear from all of you!!
Its really cool to hear that People are leaving for missions, and that calls are coming and people are taking off to lands away from home to serve the lord and to gain growth and knowledge about our lord and savior, all to bring more of our brothers and sisters to the gospel.
I can't tell you all enough how awesome you all are. I have been thinking about how each and every one of you reading this Blog have each touched my life and pushed me to go on a mission, I know that it probably doesn't seem big in your lives, but I know how big it is here in my life. I am so grateful that each of you have been such blessings in my life.
Well I am pretty excited to talk to you all on Sunday, Kind of weird, I feel like I just called you for Christmas yesterday, doesn't really feel like its time to call again, and then soon after that I will be coming home. The lord wasn't kidding when he said that time will fly right by as you concentrate on the work of the lord. Its CRAZY!!
Well not to much has happened this week, I have been pretty excited for peoples mission calls to come, and that people are putting papers in, and then some of you out there are getting married, but are not telling ANYTHING...KYLE!!!!!! what the crap is up bro!! I haven't heard a single thing since I very first got to Vizag, that was 3 months ago, and I know your getting married this month...
well I am also really excited to talk to all of you, I have been thinking about what I am going to say... and I don't have any CLUE, so your all just going to have to think of things that you want to know and ask away, other wise I wont know what to say. I know its going to be cool to hear all of your voices agian.

Well as I said not to much here to say, I know I am just way excited to talk to you all. I am so glad that you have all been such an influence in my life.
I know that this truly is the lords true and living church, I know that the lord answers prayers, he has in the past and he does now today. I know that the lord really does love each of his children, I know that the savior lives and that he truly atoned for our sins, I know that the savior understands that we are not perfect, but that if we work like everything depends upon us, and pray like everything depends upon him, I know that our lives will work out the way that we need. I know that the the Lord truly appeared To Joseph Smith Two hundred years ago, and I know that He restored his gospel, I know that the book of Mormon is the word of god, and that it truly testifies of the lord and savior.
Alma was right when he was speaking to Korihor, Everything denotes that there is a God, that he is Omnipotent, Omniscient, and Omnipresent, I know that these things that we do are all according to the lords plan as long as we do what he says. I am so happy For the Plan of Salvation.
I love you all, and am excited to talk to you all this sunday.
Love
Elder Colton Frederick

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

April '10 Week 4

Family!!!
Well life is going Pretty good here in good old India!
JESS YOUR A FREAKING STUD!! I am so excited for you!!!, You have to tell me when you get your call, I know how strange it is when you actually put your papers in, but I promise that it will be the most rewarding choice that you ever make in your entire life, and that goes for all of those who are putting their papers in and are receiving calls very soon, (you know who you are)
Well A big congrats to BRIGHAM!! I am so happy for him, thats great!!
Okay well not to much is going on here, We just had Zone Conference, It was one of the best That I have ever been too, I was really able to see how much we have been working, and I was able to have a great Interview with president Nichols, I love him so much. I sometimes wish that I could sit at his feet and just watch what he does and learn from him.
Highlight to all of my Uncles, I just want you to know how much I really love all of you, you have each helped me in my life, and on my mission, I have been able to see your love and your small teachings in my life have been there so that I could be able to learn and grow. you have been such a grate insperation in my life, and I aspire to become just like Each and every one of you, I love you all, and am just so happy that you have put the gospel into your lives and your families, Please remember how important it is and don't forget the wonderful examples that you have put and been in my life. There are a lot of Missionaries here that want to meet you all. I also want you to know that the work that you did with me is being rewarded 7 fold if not more, your example has been a blessing in my life.
I don't have any news lately I am doing pretty good, and I am really happy, working with my Companion has gotten really good, and we are starting to see a lot of success, we just recently had 2 baptisms, and we are planning on setting a couple of Awesome Families Today if not tomorrow, I really pray that they know how much this gospel can truly bless their family.
I love you all and am so happy to know that you are all striving hard to live the gospel. I know that this is the lords true and living church, I know that it was restored along with the gospel 200 years ago, I know that Joseph Smith truly Saw Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, I know that Thomas S. Monson is his living successor and that he holds the keys to lead and guide this church in these tough, and trying days, But I also know that as we all try to live the gospel and we put forth our effort to read the scriptures and gain a relationship with our heavenly father that we can be saved from sadness and sin. I am grateful for a living and loving savior. I know that the lord has given us a divine witness to know his plan for us, and I know that its the word of God. The book of Mormon has been truly writen for us in this day.
I love you all and am so happy for you I am praying for you all.
Love,
Elder Colton Frederick

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

April '10 Week 3

HOLA FAMILY!
Well Things are great here, mom it sounds like you had a good time at Conclave, I am really happy that was fun, but I am sorry about the Gopher, at least its not one of the Rats here in India, they are as big as house cats, I almost kicked one the other day that was trying to get into our gate at home, but it ran away!! they are NASTY!! sometimes I wish I had a hand gun and I could just POP them as we drive down the road.
Hey so I Have a cool experience that happened this week, as we where out "Finding" and just Knocking on doors, it was about 8:15 and we had a half an hour to travel to get into our apartment, we also had just been canceled on, so we thought we would go and see a family that we had met a while back, but as we where walking down the road, we noticed that we where too far from there house, and that it was behind us, but as we where talking about it, we felt like we should just keep walking and searching, and all of a sudden this brother starts talking to us, we offer to share our message with him, and he invites us to his home. When we got to his home, we found out that his wife had studied in a Christian school, Her husband was hindu, but he was very interested in hearing about how his family could learn to be happier, and he wanted a way to raise his children in a proper way so that they would not end up like everybody else. As we sat down with them we shared about prayer, and Sister Lila (the mother) just started to ask some really good questions, so we offered to come back later and answer them. The next time that we came they had had Family prayer every night, and where really excited to ask their questions, which where about how they could get an answer to their prayers, and who was the Holy Ghost, and why was he so important, and then they asked the Most Important Question... why is your church different from all of the rest? and it was so great, we just unfolded the restoration on them, and they where so happy, and excited, they even asked us for a book of Mormon before we could give it to them. The spirit was just so strong with them, so we are really praying hard for them. They are so awesome!.. well I am glad to hear the your doing good, just take care of your selves, I know life gets tuff, but I promise that its worth it.
I know that the lord lives and I know that his son Jesus Christ Atoned for our sins, that he was resurrected and that he and Our heavenly father appeared to Joseph smith 200 years ago. I know that the truest happiness is found in the gospel of Jesus Christ, and that through the Wonderful plan of our Heavenly father we can be together for Eternity as we work out our own salvation. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of god. I know that the lord has called and chosen Living servants today. I am so grateful that we are able to listen to his words today.
I love you all and am always praying for you.
Love,
Elder Colton Frederick

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

April '10 Week 2

Family!!
hey thats great!! you just sound so BUSY with EVERTHING!! Hey Tell everyone at conclave that I said HELLO!!! I miss everybody, I have been thinking about all of the fun things at scout activities.
HOLY COW CONFERENCE WAS AWSOME!! I completley loved it, it was one of the funnest ones that I have heard, I think that the Lord wants us all to know how much he loves us, and how much we need the priesthood, and the gospel in our lives, espically after sunday mornings session from Pres. Monson, it was AMAZING, I was just really blown away by the spirit.
SO my questions where a little Vague, so my answer was vague, so, its about time I just get specific about all of my questions, oh well that's what I get for doing my own thinking with out enough thought. good old me.. I just have a hard time asking the right questions for my self.
Mom I think its funny that you bring up the way that we change, I am so grateful that I have seen the Kind of people that I want to hang out with, and the kind of people that I should seek to be with, sister Beck answered that question with out me even asking she said " women(and men) should be women, not babes that need to be constantly petted to keep them happy." I Like that, I need to just plain surround myself with people who rise up to their best and want to teach by example. People who just want to push each other in the right way towards a righteous goal. Thats what I am looking for when I go home, Righteous friends.
Oooo... Tell the Spencers I am praying for them, and send them my love, I really love them, they are just absolutely an amazing family. I know that times get tough, but I also know that the lord gives us these Infirmities to strengthen us.
Well, not too much happened this week, I am just blown away at how much, and how fast the time flys by, I know its just part of the lords time and plan, but I just cant believe the speed that things like time goes out the door, I was just thinking about how it feels like I was just sitting down to Email you all last week. Oh well that's life I guess.
I love you all and am praying for you all, I miss you, but am happy to be doing the lords work here in India, I know that this is the place that I need to be, I am so grateful the lord has called me to be here to help these wonderful people. I know that this is the lord true and living church, I know that the Savior lives, that he atoned for our sins, I also know that he restored his church by selecting a living prophet. I know that the power that he sent back on this earth through Peter James, and John, is the power that can truly bless all of our families. I am so happy that we have the ability to hold this power as we strive to stay worthy and live the way what we should.
I love you all, and am so happy for you all I know that your being watched over.
Love
Elder Colton Frederick

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

April '10 Week 1

FAMILY!!!!
I hope you all enjoyed Conference, I am so excited for it, I get to see it THis week, I have questions that I am hoping get answered, I hear that it was really fun... I don't know how that works, but I am looking forward to it.
Wow, you all sound so busy, some are preparing for the end of semesters, some for marriage, some for Events, and some for just everything else, I am praying for you all, and I am hoping for the best in all that you all do. That is so exciting about everything that is going on. I have thought about you all a bit this week. Its crazy that your all just moving on, some times its a little weird as I sit here and progress only with my Investigators and not in life, but I am just so glad that its the lords work that I am doing and not my own, I think I would go nuts!!
Well I have a cool story for you this week, on Sunday we had an appointment with this family that has been having troubles, the husband and wife are fighting and they have been starting to really get torn apart, he finally received a testimony of the book of Mormon, and then he started to come to church, and she wasn't happy. So this week we decided to take the Branch president and his wife, but they called us and told us that they were not able to go, and that they wanted to send another couple, so they sent brother Sunil and Sister Nazreena, they where really happy to come, but when we got to David and Hephzibah's, Sister Hephzibah was so angry that she went into the other room, and sister Nazreena went in after her, we had a great lesson about the atonement with brother David, and as we needed to go, they stayed with the family, when we got home, we called brother Sunil and he told us that they had just left brother Davids home, and that the family was laughing and smiling when they left. We called brother david and he told us that he needed to pay his tithing, and that he wants his whole family to be baptised, they just need to wait for sister to come to church. They are so happy!! It was so Amazing.
I cant Imagine my life without the gospel and I am so Happy that the lord cares about us so much that he has given his son Jesus Christ, all so that we could be able to Live with our families in the next life. I know with all of my heart that this is the lords true and living chruch, I know that by living the restored Gospel, and by following a Living prophet that we can truly live in love with each other. I know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true, and that it is the only way to reach the Kingdom of god. I hope you all know that I Love you and that your all in my prayers.
I love you all so much,
Love,
Elder Colton Frederick