Elder Curtis Sudbury

Elder Curtis Sudbury

Monday, December 27, 2010

Curtis' arrangment for a Christmas Call....

I actually need you to call me at 5:00 PM your time (I believe) that is, 6:00 PM my time :) I love you all!

Christmas Greetings from Curtis December 24, 2010

Merry Christmas!!!
 
I don't have much time at all this week due to a new plan I'm doing in my district to help them with referrals that I was figuring out, but know that all is well.  The Lord is blessing us immensely for all that we are trying to do right.  This is truly God's work and He is guiding us. 
 
The big highlight for the week was a family that went to the Mexico City Visitor's Center and asked to meet the missionaries.  They are a good family and the mom and dad have accepted a baptismal date for the eighth of January.  Brenda's baptismal date will also likely be moved to that date.
 
I'm looking forward to this call, short though it may be.  I can't wait to hear everyone's voices again!
 
I love the song Oh Holy Night:
 
(Words by chappeau de roquemaure
Translated by john s. dwight)


O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of our dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
'Til He appear'd and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! O hear the angels' voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born;
O night divine, O night, O night Divine.
Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
Here come the wise men from Orient land.
The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friend.
He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King, Before Him lowly bend!
Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother;
And in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! O praise His Name forever,
His power and glory evermore proclaim.
His power and glory evermore proclaim.
 
 
I want you all to know that I know that Jesus is the Christ.  He was born, he lived, and he died for us.  I know because, as the song says, I have fallen on my knees and, in prayer, asked.  The angel's voice of the Holy Ghost has told me so very clearly of that truth and I know it.  He Lives!  This is truly the Church of He who liveth and he who was slain.  It is true.
 
All my love,
Élder Sudbury

Letter from Curtis, December 13, 2010

Hello World

Well, it's been an interesting week.  Monday we went to the doctor, tuesday we did some tests, wednesday we got the results, thursday we got the results interpreted, and saturday we went to pick up Élder Wayman's inserts.  It was a very hectic week.  

I'm copying music back onto my iPod, so I haven't much time to write this week, but know I'm doing well and all is well with me. 

The highlights of the last week were the following:  We put a baptismal date with a new investigator, Brenda, for new year's day; the trip to the temple and all the Lord had to say to me there; and I've been made district leader again.

The lyrics for this week have to do with that charge: I'll go where you want me to go:

It may not be on the mountain height
Or over the stormy sea,
It may not be at the battle's front
My Lord will have need of me.
But if, by a still, small voice he calls
To paths that I do not know,
I'll answer dear Lord, with my hand in thine:
I'll go where you want me to go.

Perhaps today there are loving words
Which Jesus would have me speak;
There may be now in the paths of sin
Some wand'rer whom I should seek.
O Savior, if thou wilt be my guide
Tho dark and rugged the way,
My voice shall echo the message sweet:
I'll say what you want me to say.

There's surely somewhere a lowly place
In earth's harvest fields so wide
Where I may labor through life's short day
For Jesus the Crucified.
So trusting my all to thy tender car,
And knowing thou lovest me,
I'll do thy will with a heart sincere:
I'll be what you want me to be.

I'll go where you want me to go, dear Lord,
Over mountain or plain or sea;
I'll say what you want me to say, dear Lord;
I'll be what you want me to be.

I know I will go and do all that God asks me to, no matter how difficult.  I know God is with me.  I know that my Savior lives.  I know that this is His church led by His prophet.  I hope to spend all my life serving my Lord and God.

Merry Christmas (soon)!
Élder Sudbury

PS I got the package.  I just sent a letter to everyone, so just wait a bit for news. :)  Thanks for all your support, one and all!  I love you!

Letter from Curtis December 7, 2010

Well, an interesting week.

We've decided that every time I say something is interesting, it usually means bad news for someone...usually medically :P.  This week we went to the doctors...again.  We went yesterday to the doctor, the orthopedist, and the orthopedic insert factory to fix Élder Wayman's inserts.  They are getting squished very quickly.  Hopefully they will be fixed by this Thursday.  Today we went to the Hospital Ángeles Moncel to do some blood and urine tests for Élder Wayman to test if he's developing diabetes.  He's drinking 5-6 liters a day and so we mentioned it to the doctor.  He recommended the tests.  The results will be in tomorrow evening.  I'm seriously thinking about trying to order that Élder Doctor name tag... :)

Tomorrow we get to go to the temple!  We only get to go once a year, so I'm really excited!  I LOVE going to the temple!

We received new instructions on computer usage.  We can only be on Internet for an hour, but we can write anyone in the direct family that we want.  My emails will probably be a little shorter from here on in.  

Despite not being able to work in our area for very much time, we always see miracles.  Last week we found a fantastic family knocking the door of someone that looked like they were receiving the Jehovah's Witnesses.  Families here are getting excited about missionary work.  All is going well. :)

This week's letter is brought to you by I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth good will to men.

I thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along th'unbroken song
Of peace on earth good will to men.

And in despair I bowed my head:
"There is no peace on earth," I said,
"For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth good will to men."

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead, nor doth he sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail
with peace on earth good will to men."

Till, ringing, singing, on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime,
Of peace on earth good will to men.

At this time of year I happily rejoice in the knowledge that there is peace on earth due to my dear Savior Jesus Christ.  I bear testimony, with the apostles "of the reality of his matchless life and the infinite virtue of his great atoning sacrifice.  None other has had so profound an influence upon all who have lived and will yet live upon the earth."  I know that peace in the world and joy in life can only be found at the feet of the Savior.  I know He lives.  I know God lives.  I know that Jesus is the very Christ.  I know that God is our Father and loves us dearly.  This Christmas season I testify that He lives!

All my love,
Élder Sudbury

PS Thanks for the letters family.  Mom and Dad, happy anniversary.  Don't forget to update the blog... ;)  Zoë, happy birthday!  Matt and SalleeAnn, good luck in the job hunt.  Matt, thank you for the scriptures, I love the message.  Noella, write soon :P I want to hear what's up.  Chris and JuleeAnn, good luck in applying.  Ju, things will work out ;).  I love you all dearly!

-Élder Sudbury