February 18, 2013

Not much happening. I was on exchanges in Litchfeild, Kentucky. While I was there I was part of a trio so I didn't really do anything. One day we spent half the day doing service at a local food bank. We were able to show LDS presence in the town and received referrals. 

Litchfeild had a few people who I bonded with. Everyone was fun and cheerful and glad to welcome us.

Transfers are coming soon which means all missionaries from here on, will be going home a week earlier than planned. This is because of the influx of new missionaries coming out. My companion, Elder Corbridge is super trunkie because this is his last week. 

There is no change in Russellville because I spent most of the last week in Litchfeild. 

I know its not a lot but work is slow. 

-

Elder Terre K. Short

Tennessee Nashville Mission

Still the Greatest Mission on Earth!!!!

February 11, 2013

Well, this week was a doozie. Spent nearly 2 days with the excommunicated member by performing service at his farm. We did it to somewhat break the ice more with him so we can assist him with the re baptism process. He's just praying to know the date so we can't do anything,m but it is really good for him doing it without our assistance. I have to say, being in an area with tractors, horses, and all the farm animals is making me want to have a farm of my own. That must be the reason why I live in Herriman, it's the only town in Salk Lake where you can have it all.

On Friday, we asked Cliff (ex'd member) for a ride to Hoptown for the baptism of the BELSON FAMILY!!!! He did, and he was happy to perform the service specifically for me. That family was one of the first families that I taught when I started the mission. The mother, father, and oldest daughter were baptized at the same time. The rest of the ward there just made me feel "homesick" for my mission home, Hoptown will always be that home.

Work is just slow out here, visiting less actives continue to happen, but that's about all that happens.

Last month I received three letters, everyone must be busy.

Hope all is well, well that's the wrap till next time.


-
Elder Terre K Short
Tennessee Nashville Mission
Greatest Mission on Earth!!!!

Amish Buggy

Bishop Craig from Hopkinsville and me

Baptism in Hopkinsville 

Belson Family

(3 baptized)

February 4, 2013

Another week, tallying the numbers, in Russellville we are averaging around 7-10 lessons a week, where in Hop- Town was near 20, it is slow, but the work with the less actives is continuing to progress.

Sister McKee update: just received an email this morning that SHE IS OUT OF REHAB AND THE HOSPITAL (heart attack). She still has a way to go, but she is out of the hospital, which ends this nearly 11 week ordeal.

I gotta tell yall something that tickled me pink this week: IT SNOWED!!!! It reminded me of home. Normally, if Kentucky gets snow its very little for the season. We are so far north, I was surprised we got snow, Nashville normally gets all of it and we are nearly 70 miles north of it Sorry... no photos, but we woke up with nearly 1/3''of snow on the ground and the car.

Surprisingly, church was not cancelled due to the snow, it would have, if the crowd wasn't around the 40 THAT WAS THERE. We average 25 for attendance on Sundays, yet 40 were there, YEAH.

Now for the sad news. Ernie Cole had a baptism date for the 9th, it has to be scratched. In the past he had his name removed from the church (in order to avoid punishment) because of that, he has to wait a YEAR before he can be re baptized. That will be June/July, but it cannot happen until then. We had no idea of the rule, the Branch President was busy and couldn't tell us about this until the Sunday before the scheduled date. I'm glad he is excited for that day to come and willing to wait.

But the better news is Cliff Jr. bore his testimony. He was excommunicated due to living with his non- married wife (now married). We are slowly working on him, but if we are bold, he will shun and fall back and we might never recover him back. He bore his testimony that he wants to be re baptized, but he is afraid his wife (active Southern Baptist) will shun him afterwards, so now we're stuck in a pickle and can't really do anything. But just the fact of him bearing it, was an absolute miracle. 

-

Elder Terre K Short

Tennessee Nashville Mission

Greatest Mission on Earth!!!!

Strange a stop sign in the middle of the road. 

We don't see this in Utah.

January 28, 2013

Sad to say, nothing really happening yet. Been visiting less actives still.

The little bit of good news... ERNIE COLES HAS A BAPTISM DATE!!! However, since it's his decision to come back, it may be pushed back with a few requirements needed before re-baptism.

Had a zone meeting a while back, met the old trainer and the greenie, they say the Belson Clan (4-6 of them) all have a baptism date for the 9th of February. Hopefully it will happen, and since I'm close, I would LOVE to be there for it YEAH!!!!

Had random freak rainstorm go through. Freezing rain hit late at night and covered the car. No use of it until nearly 3pm (had to wait for it to thaw naturally... no scraper)

Corbridge is somewhat hanging in there. He wants home really bad, in his opinion, 4 weeks cannot go by any slower.

Hopefully more will happen. Don't worry, Super Bowl will be seen. Been invited by a family who will have nearly 10 people there with HALF not member... SCORE!!!!!!

Have you ever seen a pink elephant?

Now you have :)

Billboard of Hopkinsville Stake President/ Attorney 

Freezing rain storm caused 1/12'' ice on car.

-
Elder Terre K. Short
Tennessee Nashville Mission
Greatest Mission on Earth

January 21, 2012

All I have to say... wow... our mission is receiving 22 NEW MISSIONARIES this transfer, and yes, I am staying in Russellville for at least another one. That means I will "kill off" Elder Corbridge since this is his last transfer.

Due to the rapid influx of missionaries, this transfer will be ONE WEEK SHORTER than the traditional transfer, just so the mission will be in sync with the MTC and because of this shorter transfer I WILL GO HOME ONE WEEK EARLIER!!!!!! I'm looking forward to it... hahaha

The work is still slow. Still attempting to visit people, but it is still really slow. One person had a baptism date the transfer before I got here, but her mother said "Church or your forced out of the house", haven't had any contact since then, sad to say, she's been dropped. UGH One person we've been continuing to visit is Terry Wiebe. She's an old single gal who nobody in the Branch visits, so we do. We mostly go because we are all who can, but let me say she loves the company as well as some fellow NFL fans to cheer with.

Ernie Coles is an interesting fellow. We received a refferal week two from online (he did it himself) and he desired a visit. He had his name removed a while back for an unknown reason, but he contacted us via refferal to become active again. His work schedule hit and miss for Sunday service, but he was there this last one. Plus EVERYONE in the Branch knows him from before he left, he felt right at home again.

Photo is obviously me with a beware of Amish sign on the side of the road. Surprisingly haven't seen very many.

Well, that's the wrap. Hopefully next week will be a fun one, keep in touch.


-
Elder Terre K. Short
Tennessee Nashville Mission
Greatest Mission on Earth!!!!

January 14, 2013

Well, the work is slowly progressing out here. We are mostly working with the less actives. (in fact only working with less actives) This Branch (including us missionaries) have ONLY 8 PRIESTHOOD MEMBERS (2 Missionaries, 3 Branch Presidency, Elders Quorum President, 1 High Priest (I think), and 1 Priest). That is why we were needed for the temple trip, without us, no service was done. That must also be the reason why Elders are now here instead of Sisters, the Priesthood here is badly needed.

Well, one other way we've thought of to know the community was to go a little church hopping. So many decisions since I'm in the BIBLE BELT we decided to go to the United Pentecostal in Russellville. The people were very nice and happy to see us which shocked me. The sermon was based off of Acts 2. That chapter to the Pentecostal say that the Pentecostal Church is the only true church. Somehow I kept my composure. The preacher also shouting AMEN after every sentence was different, he also recommends all to pray and use his AUTHORITY daily. Got me thinking, how did they get the authority, one of life's unsolved questions I guess. The weirder part was that they anointed a cloth for a sick person before the rest of the congregation, why not for the person directly? Overall, it was an enjoyable Wednesday night. I have to say though the best/ odd part of the service was the band which consisted of a drummer, electric guitarist, and an electric piano jamming out to gospel- like tunes.

Well, better leave yall with a spiritual thought. I've slumped lately in reading out of the scriptures. But now I'm attempting to read seven pages a day and have succeeded in doing so. I'm getting into a study form of writing the important verses of each chapter. A few have opened my eyes a bit. 1 Ne 21:3 "Thou art my servant, (Elder Short) in whom I will be glorified". Another goodie, goes along with Moroni 10:5, its in 2 Ne 26:13 "He will manifest unto you by the Holy Ghost according to thy faith."

Those have been a few goodies, look forward to more in the future.


-
Elder Terre K. Short
Tennessee Nashville Mission
Greatest Mission on Earth!!!!

November 26, 2012

Please, do not fray. We have received word as missionaries that our beloved mission presidents wife, Sister McKee has suffered a major heart attack and has been hospitalized for the past week. Tests, surgeries and more later, she is in somewhat stable condition. This news has somewhat struck me hard, she is essentially my mother away from home, PLEASE do not add the stress to the situation and call for updates, just keep her in your thoughts and prayers.
As a mission, on 5pm on Thanksgiving, we all prayed wherever we were for a miracle and for a speedy recovery. I urge you all to do the same, and to pray for a speedy recovery of our beloved Sister McKee.

Every week, if updates are received, I'll let yall know, just keep her in your thoughts


-
Elder Terre K. Short
Tennessee Nashville Mission
Greatest Mission on Earth!!!!

January 7, 2013

 

 This is the tie that the family gave us.

 

 

Well, first week of the New year is officially over. The work is slow and steadily moving forward. One family out here (has 5+ members of family in city limits) we have finally met. He was excommunicated for some reason, but after a meeting with the Branch President, he says he is thinking and desiring baptism again. With excommunications, missionaries have NO SAY in it, its up the the Bishop/ Branch President. The entire family as well is that kind of family that you cannot push or be bold with, or else they "hide in their shell" and refuse to let ya come back. The family has 3 less actives with each of the wives non members.

 

Slowly but surely we are getting in houses to continue wehre the sisters left off. But some of them their schedule makes them home after 9 pm, which is bed time. Wishing for a miracle for some of the residence here to be home when we stop by so we can attempt to continue.

 

Now, for the McKee update. SHE HAS DRAMATICALLY IMPROVED. She has been able to move ALL extremities and I received word this mornign that the feeding tube and trake have been removed from her mouth. She is tube free!!! Miracles

 

Keep up the thoughts and prayers

 

 

-

Elder Terre K. Short

Tennessee Nashville Mission

Greatest Mission on Earth!!!!





December 31, 2012

WOW, now I'm starting to understand what President McKee meant when he said that Christmas time is the best time to serve. This Christmas is one that I will never forget. Went to a members and had breakfast as well as Christmas with the family and extended family. Surprisingly us two missionaries had a few gifts under the tree. All were great, but I can't wait to wear the Univesity of Kentucky tie once it is received.

That's only the beginning of Christmas, then the skype call. OOHHH boy, that was something I was looking forward to for the last 2 weeks. It was great to see the family as well as an unexpected guest (thanks Jason). That is one Christmas gift that I am definitely looking forward to, next years Christmas skype.

That's all great stuff and I was excited for, the work in Russellville, unfortunately has somewhat stalled. Everyone the Sisters left notes for us to continue to cantact have either rufused phone calls, or not home. We have run out of options and do not know what else to do, but we are still giving it our all.

We as mission, received a late christmas present, which brought me to tears. We randomly received a voice mail from President. We listen to it, and he says Sister McKee has a few words to say... she spoke to motivate us as a mission to never give up and continue... I haven't heard her voice since the "accident" on November 20. She still has a long way to go to be recovered, but she is not giving up. the doctors said that she was "supposed" to be in a coma all her live and unable to move, now shes WALKING WITH A WALKER and TALKING, which the entire mission heard.

This "speed bump" has somewhat hit me to the core. Sister McKee is my "temporary mother" and I want to do anything and everything to keep her safe and healthy. I want to give her a huge hug next time I see her in person... but that may not happend and either be allowed.

I know that the Lord has been responsible for these small miracles, and more are ablout to come to pass. Thank you for the prayers in behalf of Sister McKee.

Something a missionary told me i wish to tell to yall, When in doubt, pray it out (also replace doubt with discouraged, unhappy, ect.)


-
Elder Terre K. Short
Tennessee Nashville Mission
Greatest Mission on Earth!!!!

December 24, 2012

 Russellville Branch Building

there is no gym inside about 12 class rooms

Entire Nashville, Tennessee Mission

Well, the end of the world did not happen like the Mayans said. However, that day we had a zone meeting, (little ironic, one final meeting on end of the world) but it was more than a zone meeting, it was a Christmas party zone meeting, as well as an unexpected surprise... it was Sis. McKee's birthday. She has been in the ICU for nearly 6 weeks now, and us missionaries were able to sing happy birthday to her over the phone, and we all heard her voice in response for the first time since the "accident". Afterwards we held a White Elephant gift exchange, I received a WOOPIE- CUSHION... Hahaha. 

I have accomplished something that I have always wanted to do since I got my call to Tennessee/ Kentucky, EAT AT A KENTUCKY FRIED CHICKEN IN KENTUCKY. Surprisingly, the Kentuckians think Kentucky was the birth place for KFC... nope its not. 

Saturday was a really fun day the branch has little priesthood (only bishopric) and we were asked to assist in the baptisms for the dead in the temple. We could not say, we told the Branch President to call President McKee for approval, we get the green light to go, however, we were only allowed to witness due to "possible child liability" issues. Either way, we went and participated in the temple. That was a very fun and spiritual experience that I will never forget. We saved the day, if we did not go, the Branch would have had to scratch the service due to lack of priesthood, because of us, 180+ souls have the option to accept the gospel, what an awesome feeling for the Christmas Holiday. 

Sunday, an interesting question/ statement was asked: Christ was the gift to the world, what is the best gift you have received/ given? I ask you the same.

My gift given was the service I rendered due to the machine gun wildfire in 2010. I did not need do it, but as a citizen I desired to assist in the reseeding process. Now two years later, my gift has let the mountain side flourish with life once again. 

My gift received was a special and close one to my heart. Christmas 2003, the original gift received was the GameCube but the next day, the power went out and was out for 3 1/2 days. That helped me in knowing that the family is the most important gift. That time as a family I sometimes wish could happen again, but that was my received gift: the true love from the family when nothing else could be done.

Once again, the best gift received to all people is the birth of Christ, a Savior to all people. Now it is my duty/ honor to share this gift with the people within the Nashville, Tennessee Mission. 

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night 

-

Elder Terre K. Short

Tennessee Nashville Mission

Greatest Mission on Earth!!!!