Bitter Sweet Good-byes

Elder Pierce with Heather, Titan, Terry and Ira Lee

Elder Pierce with Titan Lee

Ira Lee with Elder Scott

Elder Bischoff, Elder Pierce and Elder Bischoff...Really?

President and Sister Killpack

Last Letter as a Missionary

Family, I don't think I ever really considered that this time would truly happen, but its my last email. I wont get another chance as a missionary to email my family.. SO!

The baptism went great. I'm so happy I got the opportunity to help Alex and Sheryl, they are amazing people. That last Saturday was one of the highlights of my mission. A final 2 baptisms on my last weekend. There were so many people there we had to move it from the relief Society room to the chapel. Just an abundance of people. The spirit was so strong there it gave me the goosebumps. Then not to mention the Delicious refreshments. There was a three course meal of Mexican food and deserts. So good. It was pretty much what every missionary could hope to see as they depart this Missionary Life. An awesome baptism then leave with a full stomach.

I have enjoyed my last 2 years as a missionary so much.I know my Heavenly Father is pleased with me and my service. Yesterday after church, we went home and I was sitting outside on our porch by myself, and I just had this overwhelming feeling that I had done good... a "well done, my good and faithful servant" feeling. It was amazing. I'm so happy I have the gospel in my life and more importantly I was able to do my part and bring it into the lives of others.

WOW, I'm going to miss this, these were some good times, you know, just take a look around and you will see the Lord blessing us in every aspect of our lives. Big and small things, The Lord is in it. I'm gonna miss this.

I love you all family, see you Tomorrow!

Elder Pierce

March 19, 2012

Well my lovely family, how is life treating you? Life is treating us very well here in Clifton/Morenci. It has been snowing for roughly 5 hours now. Its quite gross if you ask me. I was ready for it to be warm and toasty but it seems the weather has a different plan for us up here. I think you all know how I feel about snow...yuck.

And unfortunately I have injured myself quite good this time around. 2 weeks ago, I sprained my ankle playing basketball. It sucked. And now, after 2 weeks of tending to it, I thought it was healed enough for me to play more sports...wrong. We played racket ball on Saturday and messed it up AGAIN!! Quite an unfortunate series of events. But it is alright. As long as it hasn't hindered our missionary work I don't care. Besides, I will have my momma soon to nurse me back to health.

Well this past week was awesome. Alex and Sheryl are progressing right along towards baptism. They have come such a long way. I am so proud of them and their decision to follow Christ. Their Love that has grown for the gospel. It is awesome to see. They were both interviewed as well and that went just great. Alex was telling us he read/listened to the Book of Mormon for 3 hours the other night, studying and writing down questions along with favorite scriptures. They are so great. Our baptism is the 24th at 10 o' clock. I am looking forward to it so much. My very last baptism and weekend as a missionary. How sad...

Well I love you all so much. Sorry there wasn't much to email this week. Have a good one.

Elder Pierce

March 12,2012

Well family. Another great P-day today. Just getting things started and taking care of B'iness.

A short miracle I would like to share with you today is of events that happened long ago when I served in the Gila Valley. I was serving in the Gila Valley on the institute. The Singles wards. While I was there, we were teaching these two football players Kamu and D'zack. They were really cool guys that were introduced to us by their friend who was also a football player. Very cool individuals. Well, we were teaching them and things went well. D'zack lost interest after a few lessons but we continued to teach Kamu and he accepted what we taught him but had a harder time keeping commitments like coming to church. Eventually I got transferred and I didn't know what happened to Kamu after that. Well a few nights ago, we were teaching Alex and Sheryl and the Arringtons were over there. Well I knew that Sione, the football player who introduced us to Kamu, was Sis. Arringtons brother. She looked at me during the lesson and said...
"Elder Pierce, do you remember my brother Sione? Well he was telling me that he invited you over to teach two other football players one time, do you remember them? Well, he wanted me to tell you that he was talking to Kamu the other day and told me that he moved to Texas and got baptized down there. He said that he continued to read the Book Of Mormon after you left and found the missionaries in Texas and asked them if he could be baptized."

I was in shock. It was such an uplifting piece of news that did my heart good. Kamu was such a cool guy and I'm so happy for him to hear that he finally accepted the gospel. Our influence as missionaries and members extends farther than we realize. We can touch the lives of so many through our good example and diligent efforts in teaching them and extending an invitation to learn more. I'm so thankful everyday for the chance I have to serve and help others who are searching.

Love, Elder Pierce

March 5, 2011

Hello family, Hope everything is going well.

Quick miracle I would like to share with you today is one that touched my heart. To see someones willingness to learn from the word of God. To take of the seed that was planted long ago and nourish it. Just like in Alma 32, The seed of the gospel touches all in their heart.

We met a man this last week named Robert. Robert has had encounters with the church for most of his life. His wife is a member of the church and he has been multiple times. Though some time ago, his wife was offended by a few missionaries and it has been years since they have been to church. We talked with Robert on his doorstep and he lit up when we invited him to church and to read from the Book of Mormon. His wife came out while we were talking and with a little persistence she opened up and told us what had happened in the past. She then looked to Robert who was holding the Book of Mormon and said "Oh, I have one of those, its OK, you don't need to take that one." We butt in and said that it was fine if he kept it and then he spoke up as well and said "I know you have one, but can I keep this one anyways??? I want to read it!".  All I could do was stand there and smile and literally see the desire of his heart. He wants to know its true. I can feel it every time we talk to him.

To see the Word of the Lord truly touch someones life, to see it physically change them, that's why I'm a missionary. That is why I have spent the last 2 years of my life preaching this good news. The Gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored so that we can have it in our day. Our Heavenly Father loves us and desires for us ALL to be happy. I know this is true, no question about it. I love you all and I hope you all have the opportunity to partake of the Goodness that we have been blessed with. We have been given the tools in this life to obtain that which is precious above all.

Elder Pierce

February 27, 2012

Family family family.

Its sure is good to email you, yet again. How much more times do I even get to do something like this? Not very many.

Well let me just share a simple miracle we had with you this last week.

We have been working with a family I have mentioned before, Alex and Sheryl Aguila. Amazing family. Well one evening when we were having a discussion with them, we talked about them being baptized on the 24th of march. At first they seemed a little hesitant, so we addressed the concern. Alex wanted to attend church at least once before he would commit to a certain date. And that is totally fine. So we continued on with our discussion and had a wonderful evening. Well this last Sunday, Alex and Sheryl and their whole family were able to make it to church. And church went so well. It all went very smoothly and we had no hangups. And after church, Alex walks up to me ands says "Elder Pierce, I think the 24th of March will be just fine.". I was so excited, but I think I did a good job of not showing it TOO much. It was so cool. So now they are both on track to getting baptized for the very last Saturday I'm in the mission field. How Awesome. They are so cool. The Lord was truly preparing them for this time to accept the gospel.

I love being a missionary so much. It has brought me so much happiness into my life. That is what this gospel is here for, why we have the plan of Salvation, for us to have JOY. Cool right?

Elder Pierce

Hello family! Happy Obama day!  I mean Presidents day!

So a little joke for you to start off this wonderful email. Though I will not give you an answer till the END of the email. Patience.

Why do you not write with a broken pencil???

So this last week went very well for everyone. Alex and Sheryl are doing just great. Sheryl was able to come to church this week and she spent time with the primary and she really enjoyed her self. Alex was not able to make it this week though because he had to work again. Working around the work schedule here at the mine makes things very difficult. Most people are only able to have 2 Sundays off a month so it makes things harder for us as missionaries.

We met a family this week, the Redford's. We just had dinner with them last night and I just had to ask if they had any relation to the Redford's that lived in Sahuarita. Well ironically they did! He is the Uncle of Shayla and Laney Redford, two girls I baptized in my very first area so long ago! How crazy right. It truly is such a small world, especially when the church is involved. To see the blessings of your service as a missionary is what has helped me carry on with Faith. Knowing that I have made a difference in at least 1 persons life makes me realize how important this time has been to me. What a blessing.

I love you all so much. Its weird to think that I will probably only be sending 5 more emails as a missionary. StrangeI

Elder Pierce

 

p.s. Answer to joke...Its Pointless!!!

HERE IT IS...FLIGHT HOME SCHEDULE

March 28th, 2012  OH YEAH!!

Only 6 more Weeks...That is very strange!

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!!!! (heart shape things)

And HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO HAYBUG AND K-DOG!

And...Hello.

What a great yet average week we had this last week.

Transfers happened and I lost Elder Bischoff. He got transfered to North Tucson. But I got Elder Scott as a replacement. I enjoy Elder Scotts company.

It Snowed today. Snow is useless and doesnt really benefit anyone.

Thats all I have for this email.

Elder Scott and Elder Pierce

This is my last transfer. Only 6 more weeks. That is very strange.

Love, Elder Pierce

Spending Time with the Wonderful Lee Family...

Elder Bischoff, Heather, Ira and Elder Pierce

Elder Bischoff, Terry and Elder Pierce

Elder Bischoff, Titan, Ira and Elder Pierce

February...Whoa!

February. Whoa, how strange is that? Everyone, it doesn't feel like it should be this far into the month already. Or feel that I am going home so soon. Its warming up here a little bit I guess. This morning was really chilly though. We woke up really early and did our workouts then we went and did a memorial hike near a mountain where we live. Its not a very long hike at all but its was really cool. We timed it just right so when we got to the very top, the sun rose. It was such a beautiful sunrise and it helped to understand the gospel and perspective of life. I know that's a little much, but the hike travels right over the town of Clifton and everything just looked so small. Like a little model someone made or something. Just a wonderful morning we have had here already. This world and life is just so amazing and simple when we break it all down. When we get past the busyness of the world and the craziness we have to deal with on a daily basis, This life is easy, the choices we have to make are basic, the Gospel is evident in so many ways.

An awesome miracle we had this week was being able to meet our 2 new investigators. Alex and Cheryl, are great people. We met with them and had a great discussion in another members home. Alex had a ton of questions, a more outspoken kind of guy, and then Cheryl, was sweet and humble. Taking the answers we had given them, and then right there, applying them into her life. They have 3 small children and most of the members here in Morenci know who they are. She works at the daycare center where everyone drops their kids off so they can work out. Not the kids, the parents. So we are so excited to be teaching them and just get to know them. It was a true miracle to get them as investigators. I am very thankful, and Cheryl came to church this last Sunday. Alex was unable to because of the crazy work schedule. But that is something we will have to work around.

Not to much else to report on this week. Things are going very well for us over here though. The work will push forward, it always will, no matter what the circumstances.

Kinda sad I didn't get to meet Mitt Romney like some others back in my home ward. But its OK, I heard he is coming up here to Clifton next.

I love you all so much.

Elder Pierce

The Lee's saved the Day!

Oh boy...its the last day of January, That is weird.
Things have been going very well over here in our neck of the woods. The work is going smoothly and everyone here is just awesome. Which is something I'm going to address here in a moment. We had stake conference here in the Duncan stake. This is now my second in the Duncan stake. I realized on Sunday that i have experienced a stake conference in every area i have served in. Which is something that has been a real treat for me. Being able to see and feel of the spirit each stake and individual ward has to offer. What a blessing.

A small miracle we saw this last week was the desire that changed in our current investigators attitudes. When we would go over there to their house, it was almost like going through the motions and they just answered questions the way they thought we wanted. But this last week I have seen a dramatic change in their hearts. The change that happens when the gospel is introduced into ones life. It is not just a "lets go to church" but truly is a conversion to the gospel. A physical and spiritual change in someones life. I feel it as a true miracle just to even witness this change in someones life. Wow, its just cool.

Thank you to The Lee Family for Taking
Such Great Care of Elder Pierce.  

I wanted to take some time now to give a shout out to Terry and Heather Lee, and Titan and Ira. The other day, I was walking down the road and all of a sudden a bear jumped out behind the rock. I was like "ahhh, someone help!". Then out of no where Terry jumped out of a tree and punched this bear in the kneecap (it was a large bear). Then snapped off a roundhouse kick into its jaw, and then beat it at Phase 10. While the bear was confused and disappointed Heather whipped up some jalapeno poppers and threw them in the bears eyes and then I was happy because they landed in my mouth. Yumm. Then she fed the bear home-made bread and the bear was happy again. But as it was content with life and started walking away, Titan shot him with his guns, but it didn't do much, because they are toy guns. And Ira, just kinda stood there and watched, because he is a baby still. Then I was happy because i didn't get eaten by a bear and The Lee's saved me. And then I played with Jack. He is the dog that I love. He is great.

I'm very thankful for everyone in the Clifton ward, especially those who save me from bears. I love being a missionary in this great work. What a blessing it is to be serving the Lord in this wonderful time of my life. Truly the best two years FOR my life. I love the Lord so much, I love my Savior, the sacrifice he gave so that we can all find joy, so that i could find joy. The joy i find is found within this Gospel. How true and amazing it is. I love you all so much.

Elder Pierce

Wonderful letter received from Heather Lee

Cindy,

I know you don't know me, but your son Elder Pierce serves in Morenci again! You have raised an amazing young man and he has been a great blessing to have in our ward as well as my home. We just had Elder B and Elder Pierce over for dinner, haircuts and games. I'm sure your getting so excited to have your son back so soon but we will all miss him so much and hopefully you all can come down and visit us soon.

Anyway I couldn't miss out on telling you how great your son is and how many peoples lives he has made better. My friend Adriana Gates was introduced to the church because of him and Elder Howard and just recently went through the temple to be sealed to her family forever because of two young men who choose to give 2 years of their lives to serving the lord. Thanks for the example you set for your son. He is sure loved and we are so excited to have him back.

With love, Heather Lee

January 17, 2011

Hey family, how is everything where you are at currently?

Well I'm doing good. Just doing the missionary thing...taking care of B'iness.

One short miracle i would like to share with you this week. We were driving down a place called the pit. Somewhere i had worked tirelessly the last time i served in this area. As we were driving down the long road called Copper. We passed a road and Elder Bischoff said "you know, i have never been down that road." So i immediately pulled the car over and parked. Got out of my car with a Book of Mormon in hand and started walking. Elder Bischoff caught up to me and said "where are we going???". "i don't know" i responded "you have never been down this road so i figured we would see where it took us." As we were walking i said a silent prayer knowing the Lord would provide someone to talk to. Sure enough he did. We met a young man named Joseph. He is attending EAC and has met with missionaries before, big into religion. We had a great conversation and then we went our separate ways. As i walked back to the car, with my testimony strengthened and a thankful heart, i asked Elder Bischoff, "what other streets have you not been down yet?"

The Lord truly loves all of us so much. He is aware and mindful of each of our circumstances. I love you all so much. Sorry there was not much time to write a long email for you. But i hope this boosts your day!
Elder Pierce

Back to Clifton, AZ.....And loving it...

So the year is already quickly ticking away. Time just does not seem like it wants to slow down. Now especially that I'm in an area i already know and am familiar with, things are just speeding along. I'M not sure that i like time to go this fast.
Well to let all of you know if you don't know, I have been transferred again to one of my favorite areas. Clifton Arizona. Up in the middle of nowhere. Gotta love it. I have really missed this place and I'm very thankful that I get to finish my mission strong around people I already know and love.

So this week has been both eventful and fun. It is overall just a great time to be a missionary. One amazing miracle we have had was we were about to go see a member of the ward but we decided we needed to see at least one less active or potential investigators. Well I remembered one family we were working with when i was here long ago and Elder Bischoff said they lived in the pit. (a slang word used widely for a location in Morenci). But I was pretty sure they lived somewhere else. So i went with my gut and went to the house i remembered them living at. Well we walked up there and knocked on the door. A younger gentleman answered the door and it definitely wasn't who i thought it was going to be. Turns out they moved to the pit. BUT, i contacted him like i have been trained to do for the past 22 months and he is a really cool guy. He is a Steelers fan unfortunately but a great guy. He wanted us to come back on Wednesday so we can teach him more about how he can improve his life. I believe the Lord truly led us to this individual through my gut feeling that was wrong, but it was meant to be wrong. He has only been living there for a week. What a great example of how the Lord works through all of us individually.

A funny event that happened this week was the 1 investigator we had showed up to church...fell asleep for the whole thing. It was pretty humorous. I laughed anyways. That's Clifton for you, there is no other place quite like it and I love it.

I love you all so much.

Elder Pierce

Transferred to ??? You will never guess

Hello Family

Well I’m already in my new area. Part of which  is why I didn’t get to email you until today. You will never believe where I got transfered...I will give you a second to think about it......CLIFTON!!!!!!!!!!!!!! it’s crazy!  like everyone here still remembers me. Even gas station attendants remember me. It’s so cool.

Elder Howard being super Jealous of me..

Ironically enough, I’m with Elder Bischoff, but not the one I trained so long ago. I’m with a DIFFERENT Elder Bischoff.  Apparently its a fairly common name.   It’s super funny and ironic. Elder Howard is super jealous of me.

Will email more next week! 

Love Elder Pierce

Well family. 

Looks like its the last week of 2011. Last week for me to email you for the rest of the YEAR!!! WHOA!!! That it pretty crazy. But its part of life. And don't forget to make some good New Years Resolutions!

Elder Pierce, Abraham and Elder Blake

I don't have to much to report on for this last week. I know it was Christmas and everything. But things just went so good its almost to difficult to put it all into words. I will give you a rough summary of how my Christmas went. Saturday was Abraham's baptism. It was just an amazing experience. HE was so ready to accept the gospel and have it be a part of his life. And President Killpack and his family was there. Then on Saturday evening, we spent the night with our Bishop and his family. We were there for Dinner, which was steak and fondue (spelling?) it was delicious. Then we decorated cookies and then delivered them to families in the ward as we were caroling to them. It was such a great experience.

The next morning was Christmas breakfast time. We ended up waking up at 515 or so to open up presents, then sped on over to The Kriser house for breakfast and opening presents at 630. It was a lot of fun and we actually even ended up taking a nap over there which was unintentional but much needed. From there we went home and i got to call my wonderful family and so did Elder Blake. That was just great. Then 330 rolled around and it was time for church. In which Elder Blake and I were a part of the Christmas program.

After church we hitch-hiked for a ride into Sahaurita for dinner at the Ross house. Tons of fun as well. We had a sweet turkey dinner with mashed potatoes and got to spend the Christmas evening with them. Very nice people. They have a young son that has red hair just like mine was and i told him that he better get ready for the compliments the rest of his life ha ha. Because it happens. Trust me. Then Monday, we had a mission wide conference. Where every missionary got together for a Christmas brunch and socializing  with a spiritual meeting afterwards. There was also a tie exchange (the tie I got was super ugly).

IT was a very good way to spend my 2nd Christmas on my mission and the last till I come home. I'm super excited to see you all very soon. But hopefully not to soon.

Brother & Sister Kriser with Elder Pierce..
A special Thank you to this family for being so Wonderful

My new years resolution is to Finish my mission strong, All I have is 3 months, I better make them count. Whats your New Years Resolution???

Thug Love,

Elder Pierce

Merry Christmas From Elder Pierce

Boy, don't you just love Christmas!

Hello family,
Hope everything is going well for you because it sure is for me. This will be the last email you get from me before the glorious day occurs...CHRISTMAS!!!!

Boy, don't you just love Christmas?!?! i think i love everything about it. The lights, the decorations, the goodies, the Christmas spirit, Christ, the goodies. Oh how wonderful.

Christmas is looking good for us. We have had several invites over to members houses and plus i get to call my wonderful family. How cool!

But on Christmas eve is where the Real Christmas spirit shines through. Abraham is getting baptized! At 10 in the morning we will be holding his baptismal service. He truly has changed so much. It has just been an honor to get to know him. It truly has helped me to see the miracle of the Atonement change someones life. The other day, we were talking to him and he got a little emotional as he expressed he feelings towards us, letting us know that we are his best friends and telling us how the knowledge of the restored gospel has changed his life. He is an amazing individual that I have grown to care deeply about. And because of his willingness to learn and understand, there has also been an added degree of wanting to share the gospel. We are now teaching his aunt and mom more about the gospel. Its a little more difficult to teach his mom because she doesn't speak much English, but we are getting by haha.

We also had our Christmas party this last Friday, that was so much fun. We ended up having 4 investigators show up. So that was really cool. They all loved it. It was kind of an odd party though when it comes down to the actually party part, but it turned out good. It was just different, that's all. I'm just glad Santa had time to show up, especially in this busy kind of season.

But honestly, that is all i really have to report on for this last week. It was a very good overall week though. Things went great.

I look forward to calling home in like 6 days! whoo hoo!!

Enjoy this Christmas season before its to late and passed, if you don't then you will have to wait a whole year to try again!

Love, Elder Pierce

Elder Howard Takes the Cake

Hello family, Its very good to have a chance to email you today. Though today is a very gloomy day where we will not get the chance to play any sports (sad face). It is raining very hard today and we were going to 1. have a horse-shoe tournament today and 2. play football. and to make things worse 3. the gym is occupied today. SO we don't get to do anything. Which is very unfortunate.

Well this week was just an amazing week. I would have to say that Saturday was among my top 3 favorite days of my mission. It was just incredible. President Killpack gave Elder Howard and I permission to drive to the Gila Valley and see Tommy and Adrianna Gates go through the temple and be Sealed for Time and all Eternity. What an amazing experience this was. I woke up on Sunday just feeling spiritually exhausted because of how great the day was. My jaw and cheek bones hurt from smiling and laughing to much. And i got to go with my favorite companion as well. (sorry other companions, elder Howard takes the cake). It was just such a blast. And being able to hug Adrianna in the temple was just overwhelming. Her and Tommy were both so appreciative to Elder Howard and I. Adrianna whispered in my ear and told me how thankful she was to "her boys" for helping her and Tommy start this great journey. It was hard trying to not get all emotional. But i am just so thankful to my Heavenly Father for giving me the chance to even meet them let alone see them in the Temple. Adrianna i know you read these and i just want to say how much i love you and your family. Thank you for being so awesome.

Elder Howard and i reminisced as we were driving home and to remember the story of how we met Adrianna and Tommy. How she didn't want anything to do with us. But Oh how the Lord knows his children. Because she did want this, but she just didn't know it at the time. And look where she is now, Following Christ with full purpose of Heart, nothing wavering. He is who is faithful to the commandments of God shall be blessed and prosper in the land.

Besides that just incredible experience, this week was very cool in general. We were able to meet with Cindy again, and have a very nice lesson with her. She is a great lady who is just going through so much in her life right now. And maybe that is the reason for her seeking out the gospel of Jesus Christ. I am not sure. But what i do know is that it will help. And Cindy knows it to. As we were meeting with her, she looked at us as we were talking and she paused. Understanding what we were saying but we clearly could tell that she had something to say. She looked at us and exclaimed again how grateful she was for the church and for us, but that she was going through a lot and proceeded to say "man, i picked a rough couple of weeks to be a Mormon!" Which sometimes can be such a real problem. Everyone faces hard times in their life but especially when learning more about the gospel. The gospel is here to help people with life and the crazy commotion in which we all face. Jesus Christ is very real and with his help all things are possible.

Especially in the craziness of the season we are currently in, we can get caught up in "what should i get this person?" or "what should i wear to this party?" (all valid questions), but the purpose of this season is to remember our Savior and what he sacrificed so we even had the ability to wonder what we should wear to so and so's party. He is the reason for the season. I love you all and i hope your joy is full as we embrace some Happy Holidays.

Elder Pierce