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RETURNED WITH HONOR

ALMOST TO THE END OF THE MISSION -- RETURNING WITH HONOR

Mom.

I never have said this but I truly thank you for joining the church. I dont think I could have done it on my own. Although my reasons for coming out werent probably the best. I definately stayed for the right ones. My mission has changed me and brought me a knowledge of true happiness. Im now deticated to returning with honor to our Heavenly Father and with an eternal companion. thank you for being a influential part of getting me out here.

This Mission has changed my life.
Thank you to all who even had the smallest influence in getting me out here.
You each have had a priceless effect on my life.

I litterally have never worked so hard at something, ever.

I think I now understand why Elder Holland was so passionate about the "Miracle of a Mission"

Because I pushed through insane trials I saw undescribable miracles. Even when I thought there was no possible way.

We have about 25 plus investigators that we are currently teaching, and all I wanted to do was to see one of them experiance the blessing of being baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ before I left.

Elder Smith and I did ALL we could with every single one of them. Noone was willing to be baptized despite the fact that some ACTUALLY know the church is true.
On wednesday the phone at the church rang while I was teaching district meeting. I jokingly said "Is anyone gonna get that?"
Bless Elder Passey's heart, he jumped up and answered it. I again jokingly said "well maybe it will be a referal for one of you."
Elder Passey came back and said it was a referal for US! It turned out that it was a Less Active woman who wanted to come back to church and her un-baptized son ;who had been to church many times. We set up a lesson at the church this past Saturday and he agreed to be baptized my last full day on the mission! The lord knew how much I wanted to see one of His children be baptized. And he provided. AFTER a crazy trial of my faith.

I KNOW THIS CHURCH IS TRUE.

If you are at all curious about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and its truthfulness. I strongly encourage you to read from the Book of Mormon. After you have read from it, pray to God and ask Him if it is from Him. On behalf of Jesus Christ I promise that if you have a sincere heart and the intent to follow any answer; you will recieve a beautiful assurance from your Father in Heaven through the Holy Ghost that it is indeed. And that answer will change your life.

Im sorry about X. I HATE lazy missionaries. They got a golden refferal! what the Heck. Will you follow up with the Mission? Tell them to have the Zone leaders go teach her. Ill continue to workl on that after I get home.


When I get to Utah dec 31st, I will immediately be in search of employment. My goal by Summer is to have completed all requirements to enter into a MBA program. After I graduate Ill hopefully be able to be completely independent and able to take care of my family.


thank you for your kind words

your almost Return Missionary son,
Elder Curran

NEW INVESTIGATOR

Is this real life?

Each morning I listen to this past General Conference for a while.
Each time I get something new out of it.
Elder Cornish's talk about prayer has really strengthened my testimony of Heavenly Father's love for me and all of us.
He really does love you.
If you havent prayed in a while. Say one.
I promise you will feel an outpouring of love through the Holy Spirit of God.
:)
2 Ne 4:20,21 - The Book of Mormon

We found a new investigator.
His name is Nick.
He seems pretty solid. Hes Christian and is pretty selfless ; loves to give stuff to people.
We told him his addiction to milk and cookies wont stop him from being baptized but he insists on giving that up before-hand.
He accepted a baptisimal date of Dec 30th. Hes pretty busy this month and wanted to wait until the busy season was over.
Most importantly he knows the Book of Mormon is true.
We took a few pictures ;)

lots of love,
Elder Curran

Teaching New Families

There just isnt enough time! :(

We found 4 new Russian families to teach.
We had a lesson with this polynesian named Willie whos mother's side of his family are all members.
But his dad raised them Methodist. We felt impressed to tell him that if he came to church he would recive an answer that our message was true.
A member who grew up methodist spoke this sacrament meeting and his whole talk was his conversion story from Methodist to LDS.
What a miracle!
My new favorite game is to make stuff up to members about my companion.
This past week I convinced those we ate with that Elder Smith collects sea turtle eggs and is obsessed with birds.
Also that he made a life-size bald eagle out of toilet paper and peanut butter.
I've lost my mind. The only time I feel sane is when we are finding or teaching investigators.

love you all

Elder Curran

The Truth Isn't Always Tasty

My new companion is trying to make me fat.
Every 2 hours he wants to get something to eat.
"Lets get some chicken nuggets!"
"Lets get some Dairy queen!"
Ill never find the future Sister Curran at this rate. Lol.
Fast food can feed you but doesnt really nurish you.
There are so many types of religions out there that feed people spiritually.
But the only place where we completely be nurish by all that God offers is in his church.
And through his gospel.
Many churches offer "tasty treats" that sound good
And sometimes the truth isnt as "tasty" or visually appealling.
But over time of eating and trying the healthier foods or . . . The gospel of Jesus Christ
You will feel better.
I know this from personal experiance.
Come and be nurished by the full, restored, word of God.
Read the Book of Mormon. 2 Nephi 32:3
I know its true.

Lots of Love,

Elder Curran

Went to the Temple with a Convert

I had the privilege of going to the temple this week with Dana Nyberg.
I baptized her a little over a year ago.
This is truly a marvelous work and a wonder.
She is doing great currently serving in the Relief Society.
One of my best friends Sister Minall will be entering the MTC on Wed.
Its been a pleasure to write her during my mission and see her prepare to serve.
One thing that has really been imprinted on me is how the Lord can take someone so flawed and change them into a valiant disiple.
Today I am so much happier.
Im not perfect but my desires are incredibly and dramatically different.
Taking care of a yard is hard work.
It takes mowing and weeding and planting and digging.
No matter how many times you mow or weed. You are still going to need to do it again. And your yard will never look perfect.
But it can come close.
The gospel is the same way.
We continue to work at ourselves and weed our sins out and strive to do whats right.
And just as a "taken-care-of yard" is much more pleasent to look at,
We feel so much better when we apply the gospel in our lives.
I promise.
Its hard work but its worth it. For your yard and your soul.
Lots of Love,
Elder Curran
P.S.
My new companion :
Elder Smith
From Colorado. (Durango)
Baptized 2 years ago.
Rock solid testimony.
Funny.
Hard Worker.
Best Last Companion I could have ever asked for.

Investigators on Date for November 5

This morning my companion asked :
Why I left the orange juice in the cubboard where we put the plates?
I . . . have lost . . . my mind.
2 weeks ago I went to this apartment complex where there are alot of Russian speakers.
I met a awsome guy named Anatoli, intrested but he wouldn't give me his contact info.
I gave him ours. (nothing out of the ordinary)
4 days later I get a call from a girl named Olga.
She saw the card and called after finding out some black, mormon, missionay was "preaching" in Russian.
She agreed to learn more and I taught her, her mom, and her uncle. And she is gonna introduce us to her whole family.
:)
Irina and Yelena are both on date for November 5th!
We had more investigators to the Russian group than members on Sunday!
Its growing . . . just like my testimony.
I know this church is true.
The Lord will qualify His sevants to accomplish His will.
The Salt Lake Temple took 40 years to build along with many trials.
But it got done.

Love always,

Elder Curran

P.S. Remember the crazy drunk lady who was in love with me? Lisa. Shes been sober for 2 weeks! She getting baptized on Saturday.

More Investigators at Church

On average we have 8 people at the Russian branch.

We have 2 investigators that come regularly. They should get baptized soon.

This week was Hard but awsome.
Soooo many miracles.
Why is the gospel so awsome?
Cause it's true.
Nella, another Russian investigator, came to church.
I LOVE MISSIONARY WORK.
My companion is getting weirder and is now talking about how he thinks about eating me.
"You would taste good with pineapple" - Elder Bolejack
I wont open the other creepy doors that is my companion. But please pray for me.
I think the Lord is preparing me for a really really wierd son.
Yesterday a brave sister in our ward took us around to all her neighbors after she fed us dinner.
We invited them all to learn about the gospel.
Some were more intrested than others, but all took a copy of the Book of Mormon and promised to read it.
We found a new potential investigator from that who is a Russian speaker!
" . . . for he worketh by power according to the faith of the children of men, the same today and tomorrow, and forever."
Moroni 10:7 - The Book of Mormon
Miracles stem from great faith. Faith stems from great desire and diligent action.
Want it, then TRY. See what the Lord will do for you.

love, Elder Curran

Progress of Russian Branch

A Russian woman (Irina) came to church all the way from north seattle! - Happiest morning of my mission.
What a Pioneer.
The Russian Group is growing.
I had dream I came back in 30 years and it was an enitre Russian Ward.
Wow. :)
Ive redeticated myself to doing the "most amount of good" (Theme for the remainder of my mission). Regardless if it directly results in Baptism.
Im going to set goals to assist in reativation of Less Active members.
I also am setting up time to go to Russian-speaking Homes and teach them english for free.

We have alot of english Investigators with concerns.
Were trying to resolve those concerns by finding out that the Book of Mormon is true.
Many have taken the time to read and pray but a requirement and prerequisite to aquire divine knowlege is diligence and faith.
Alma 32: 38-43 -Book of Mormon
Ether 12:6 - Book of Mormon

" . . .ye recieve no witness until after a trial of your faith."

If you are praying to know if this is true and havent recieved your answer. Dont give up. Keep on nourishing this seed. I promise you will see that it is good.

love always,
Elder Curran

1. What game did they lose by 20 points? That wasnt clear.

Home in 10 Weeks

Mom.

Yes. I get home December 12th.
That is in 10 weeks.
I will send you some money each month to pay off the 3000.

This conversation litterally happened yesterday.

Me: "Hello could we offer you a Card with our church's website"
Girl at door: "No thank you I already have a church."
Me: "Oh really which church do you go to?"
Girl a door: (Blank look of unsurety)
Me: "You dont know the name of the church you go to?"
Girl at door: " Its that one on 132nd"
Me: "The City Church?"
Girl at door: " Yeah thats it"
Me: (Half smile of dissapointment), then "Have a good day."

There are many types of Churches
some offer fun and entertainment
some offer a good message
some try to scare you into conformity

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints offers unchangable Eternal truth taught by prophets of God throughout the existanse of Man.
It offers peace, hope, and guidance to salvation.

We invite all men everywhere to read the Book of Mormon, ponder in their hearts the message it contains, and then to ask God the Eternal Father in the name of Christ if the book is true. Those who pursue this couse and ask in Faith will gain a witness of its truth and divinity by the power of the Holy Ghost.

Ive taken the invitation.
Its true. :)


P.S. It would really help me out if you could let me know and some ideas of how to execute these things with you not being able to come to provo in Jan.

Possible idea?

Get things situated throught the internet and over phone/ email and then come in feb or march. Or maybe we could go to confrence together and look into a franchise?

let me know

That is very exciting about M. I really want her to get baptized. I would actually love to be the one that baptizes her!

Please answer my questions.

Love your son,
Elder Curran

New Companion

New companion - Elder Bolejack (Bow-a-jack)
His favorite pasttimes are:

1) Easting dandelions and other "pretty flowers" (dead serious)
2) Organizing things
3) Recounting memories
4) Asking me questions

He is diligently trying to learn Russian.

It's cute.

Families can be together forever.
Yesterday we felt inspired to go tracting and tracted into a couple recently moved here from India, who work at Microsoft. Testified to them that their family can be together not just in this life , but always. They were intrigued and let us in. We taught them the plan of salvation and asked them to read from the Book of Mormon and ask god if what we taught them is true. They said they would! Such an awesome experience.

Families can be togher forever. It's God's plan. through the restored priesthood of Jesus Christ it is possible. Read the Book of Mormon. It will bring you great joy.

PLANS

Mother:

I have 12 weeks left on my mission. Can you belive it?

I would like to explain some of my plans and ask for some help and insight on them.

1) I would like to move to Provo or Salt Lake Area. Perferably Provo.
2) I would like to aquire a job perferably doing Marketing
3) I would like to study and pass whatever exam is nessesary for me to get an MBA
4) I would like to find a future eternal companion to take to the temple

I would like to know if you could help me with the following.

1) Help me find a place to live maybe with Connor Holbrook or james Nnah. I dont know what they are up to at this point.
2) Buy me a car
3) Help me out financially only until I get a job.
4) Help me get into a Masters Program

I also was wondering if you would like to go into business together?
forexample we could get a house and funish it and rent it out to BYU students? I have some ideas that I think would be profitable

Also to purchase a franchise - Chipotle and have it in Provo! We would be rich

Please tell me your thoughts. I will email her. I want to baptize her. When is she going to the other country?

Are you ready?
Here's my profile http://mormon.org/me/5YVH/
Tell me what you think.

james.curran@myldsmail.net

or a letter would be awsome

Elder James Curran
WA Everett Mission
P.O. Box 13390
Mill Creek, WA 98082

FYI. I think Im gonna baptize a Russian woman named Irina who lived in Uzbekistan at the same time as me. nuts or what?
Alma 12:10 - The Book of Mormon (our hearts must be open to recieve the mysteries of God)
I know God loves you.

love your son,

Elder Curran

The Importance of Goals

I made a Mormon.org Profile.
You should too. Will you?
Ill send the link to my profile next week.
I found out yesterday that Im getting a new companion in a week.
Elder Sellers is sick of driving around our mission teaching people he can't talk to.
I understand.
The best part of the gospel is the fruits of diligent repentance. 2nd Nephi 31:20 - The Book of Mormon
Would there be a point to playing Soccer if there weren't goals? What about basketball without baskets?
Without a pupose we lose excitement and true motivation.
There is a pupose to us being on earth. Its to return to live with God. The goal is never ending perfect happiness.
God loves all his children so he provided a plan, guidlines, tools, and coaches to help us reach that goal.
What happens to soccer players who dont come to practice, listen to their coach, or understand the rules of the game?
They usually don't reach their fullest potential as soccer players and foul out because they are not playing by the rules.
As a result their experiance playing the "game" isn't fun and full of hardship.
I invite you to listen to Thomas S. Monson, the prophet of god, and our coach for life.
I invite you to read the Book of Mormon and ask god if it is true. If you ask with a sincere heart and real intent having faith in Christ you can come to know by the power of the Holy Ghost that this book along with the Bible contains our rules for life.
I know these things are true. And you can too.
You just have to try.I say the same thing every time someone asks me where Im from. I grew up all over the world. Then the following conversation ALWAYS follows:

Q: Oh where overseas?
A: Russia, China, Taiwan, Uzbekistan, Canada, Mexico, and when I wasnt there I was in either Maryland or Virginia
Q: Is your father in the military?
A: My mother is a diplomat for the United States

then either :

" oh wow"
or
Q: what is a diplomat?

99% of the time the above conversation happens. I've litterally said it probably 10,000 times. My companions can answer the question for me.

love your son,
Elder Curran

Another Exciting Week

Ive had so many miracles last week is just one big Blur.
Jeff L was baptized. He asked me to baptize him.
I love to worthily use my priesthood.
The Mormon.org campaign is coming to Seattle. All overthe Internet TV Busses and billboards So pretty much you wont be able to go a day in Seattle or surrounding areas without seeing Mormon.org comercial or advertizement.
Things are about to explode.
We found 8 new investigators.
A Jewish man tried to argue with me that Jesus Christ wasnt our Savior. A muslim yelled at us for like 10 minutes about how corrupt Christians are. Each day "Christians" tell us we dont belive in Jesus Christ. And then last week a woman told me that becuase there is no Santa Clause there couldn't be a God.
I know that there is a God.
He loves me.
So he gives us prophets.
Thomas S. Monson IS his living mouthpeice.

I see and agree about the discussions.

no to the card.

Working hard.

Love your son, Elder Curran

SERVICE

On Saturday, we did some service for a Ukrainian investigator, who coordinates donations/refugee efforts back in Ukraine. (Editorial comment: Refugee efforts in Ukraine? Unlikely. End comment.) It was the hardest form of service that I've done on my mission. Imagine loading 1000 plus 50 pound boxes into a shipping container. Plus there couldn't be any space between boxes, so we had to stack them in every whicch way, 3D tetris-style. It was crazy to say the least. But afterward, the whole group was incredibly appreciative and dumbfounded of why we would come help for no reason. During lunch, we taught 10 new Ukrainians about the restoration of the gospel and the purpose of the Book of Mormon. One was extremely interested! And wanted me to come teach his family in two weeks!

I have beenintrigued lately about the effects of service on someone's heart and how it can truly prepare them to receive the gospel. Mosieah 2:17-18 - The Book of Mormon. This week for about 1 minute, I remembered my life before my mission and how empty it felt. I broke down into tears. I don't want to go home.

A Samoan who was a less active returned missionary stole $4000 from me. I learned my lesson. I actually have a best freind who is Samoan, but he's not the most trustworthy.

As for after my mission, I actually have a proposal for you, I'll actually be e-mailing you that in three weeks for you to give me advice, as my patriarchal blessing states to consult with my parents. It definately involves finding a wife.

Didn't get a birthday card, but thanks for sending one.

Love,

your son,

Elder Curran

Crazy Investigator

Im 25.

25 is a very reflective age to turn.

This is my third birthday in a row as a full time missionary. Crazy.

Alora Campell was baptized on Sat!

Our investigator Jeff accepted a baptisimal date for September 3rd.

Were teaching an alcoholic woman named Lisa who has developed feelings for me. She writes me love letters everytime I see her. I would be concerned about it but shes 45 and is the woman in the attached picture. I asked her who Joseph Smith was and she told me "he was a prospector?"

I asked where the Book of Mormon came from and she said, " I dont think we'll ever know"

My response was to burry my face in my hands in frustration because 2 months of work has gone nowhere.

Were turning her over to the ward until she can get sober. Also, my new companion hates her.

After 2 months of pounding the pavement and knocking doors in the richest area in the mission we are turning our efforts towards the ward and doing all we can to pound out member refferals and are seeing success.

We had a Russian investigator come to church! And even though hes leaving to go to Cali on Fri for a year, I now have the faith that I can baptize Russians.

Joseph Smith was a prophet, not a "prospector" and Jesus Christ, though him, restored the fullness of the Gospel. And its delicious.

Try it.

Samoa sounds intresting.

i dont think I would really want to go there. ive had some bad experiances with polynesians.

Dicussions were a terrible idea in my opinion. How can you teat a person to their needs when you have a rote presentation. Impossible to actually help the person from where they are at.

Kirkland is killing me trating so were going back to member work. I gave it 2 months and saw no fruit so were switching things up. Sorry about aunt Daisy. Although the truthfulness of the plan of salvation brings me peace and I understand the real plan. My mission is dwindling away. So sad.

love your son Elder curran

PS Sister Dryayba is the one who's sister is overseas.

Lots of Refferrals

New companion - Elder Sellers

1st Companion not from Utah. Hes from Minnesota.

Hes a poet. He writes a new poem every night. Hes extremely Cynical and Sarcastic. I love it.

My purpose as a Missionary is to invite others to come unto Christ by helping them recieve the Restored Gospel through Faith in Jesus Christ, Repentance, BAPTISM, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end.

I love being a Missionary.

Where has the time gone?

Our refferals continue to flood in. I have Russian refferals for practically every Stake in the mission. In about a month Ill probably just be spending all day driving around the Mission visiting refferals.

Apparently there is a super solid family of Russians in Mt Vernon I get to go teach.

Thank you for your prayers. Please continue.

Abinadi had great Faith (Mosiah 13:3-4) He KNEW the Lord would help in accomplish the task requested of him.

That helps me have the Faith that the Lord will provide the Russians to build the branch. :)

The Book of Mormon can bless your life.

If you have not been baptized into the restored Church of Jesus Christ. Meet with the Missionaries. Pray to find out if the message is true. Then follow the example of Jesus Christ and be baptized by someone holding the restored priesthood of God.

Im getting refferals from around the mission. We have two families in the group. They dont know english cause they either just got here or havent bothered to learn it. the kids speak it though. I still remember how to teach a little in Russian. its coming back. And we dont have sicussion. We teach people not lessons. tell Elder velazques Congrats. Thank you for the Birthday Wishes.

love your son,

Elder Curran

Companions went home/Teaching in Russian

What the Heck is going on?
Half my companions went home today.
PRAY FOR ME ! Alma 6:6 - The Book of Mormon
I think Ive completely lost my mind
I may or may not be training a new missionary. Ill let you know next week.
I actually taught 2 new Russians this week, and receieved 2 other seemling prepared Refferals. That was crazy.
I think God is trying to teach me 400 things at once.
There's way too many attractive girls in Kirkland, WA.
Regardless our eyes are single to the Glory of God and we go forward with Faith that the Lord has prepared people for us to FInd, Teach, and Baptize!
I bore my testimony in church in Russian to the two russian families who dont speak English.
The Restored Gospel has changed my life.

The tend skin did arrive. I was suprised at how heavy it was because i only needed 1 bottle of tend skin after shave. I realized after I opened it that I should have been more specific because cause it was 6 giant bottles of tendskin shaving cream. I apologize, I assumed that tendskin only made that one product. And now I feel stupid. So . . . how do a send them back so that you can have your money back? And if possible I really need the after shave that takes care of ingrown hairs and razor bumps.

Thats intresting about the cadillac.

Dont worry about the short sleeve shirts. One of my old companions who went home today is leaving some for me.

not all short sleeve shirts I like. Some I really dislike because of the collar. I do like however staffords and since I dont have the option to get online and look i knew we couldnt go wrong with that. Its all good.

I just got a tranfer call and looks like my companion is leaving. I wonder how many Ill have before I go home. only 18 more weeks left to be a full-time missionary.

Are you praying sincerely every prayer that prepared people are put in my path?

love your son
Elder Curran

Faith is Growing

It's August. Wow. Is this real life? Omni 1:26 -- The Book of Mormon. Had the awesome opportunity to teach a ma from India named Jazz, who grew up a Sikh, but has since drifted away. One day, we were talking aout his views and the Book of Mormon by his silver Honda. Two days later, he said a prayer to his Heavenly Father in the name of Jeus Christ. Taught a new investigator named Lisa, who is a Born Again Christian. (Super Anti) She asked me if we are Christians then why do we preach to Lutherans and Protestants and other Christians. My response was that we believe that Christ has more to offer, and we here to invite people to try and see if what we are offereing is really from Jesus Christ. She agreed to try and I was baffled. So I'm optimistic there. I know the Book of Mormon is true. It will bring the Spriit of God into your life. If.. you let it. Summer starts later here and will basically be aAugust and September. Hope all is well.

Love,

Your son,

Elder Curran

GOING BACK TO VISIT CONVERTS

Saturday was one of the coolest experiences of my life.
I went back to Marysville to see Devon Caswell, who's family I taught and was baptized, be baptized and join his family in membership in the church,
then I went to Everett for a Baptism of a girl that I taught and like all the people I taught while I was in Lynwood came to the baptism to come see me. It was amazing. Then I invited Krystal, someone I was teaching who is working to get baptized to be baptized on the 6th so I could come back and see it and she said she would!
The Book of Mormon is awesome. If you haven't read it, read it! Ask god if what is in there is true.
Ive been reading Jacob 5 over and over. It shows me how hard the Lord truly is working to help all his children to Return to live with him. I'm really trying to bring forth good fruit!
Last week was a hard one. We didn't find many people :( I think the prayers are slowing down. Please don't stop. Pray for prepared people to be sent to me.
I try to think of life before my mission, and I laugh because it doesn't seem real. I actually have gotten much busier on Pdays some how. My companion is now Elder A from . . . . UTAH! My last companion got sent to his area to be a senior companion and he came to me to be a jr. companion. Apprently he wasnt ready to be senior companion and wasnt getting along with his companion. He's from Alpine, Utah. So the family in Kryjistan do you think youll be able to help them come to the states and be baptized? thank you for buying the tend skin. Were you able to get some short sleeve shirts? If not or if you arent planning on getting them please let me know so I can figure out another way to get them. There is a specific kind im looking for. Stafford fitted size 17 the (non button wide collar). Any way were working hard out in Kirkland. Things are either harder out here than lynwood or people have stopped praying for me. hope all is well.

love your son
Elder Curran

Rose Hill Ward

Im in Kirkland - Richest Stake in the Mission Everyone has either a Mercedes or a Beamer
Not to worry the Spirit has guided us to people who are ready for the gospel. We found Lisa street contacting people. Her husbnad is a believing Less Active Member. She is a catholic. But doesn't know what she belives. Very willing to ask God if the book of Mormon is true and if God answers her prayers she will be baptized.
Jill, a Media Referral, came my second day here and she is fed up with Christians who dont act Christian. She wants to know if the Book of Mormon is from God.
We are working hard. The Russian Branch boundries are being assembled. 23 more weeks. 16 more baptisms. Lydia was baptized on Sat. Kathrine and Damian will be baptized on Saturday.
Showed up with a member to pick a woman up for a church tour and she was drunk. So much crazyness. So many miracles. Too much to do not enough time. Pray for me.

I think the branch is going to cover part of this mission and part of the Seattle Mission. I have the Russian dictionary. Im still an english Missionary. Working in the rose hill ward. Finding people here. But we will be able to teach any Russians that others find that are intrested in investigating. We just talk to tons of people everyday and invite them to read the book of mormon or relate the book of mormon to them. Time is ticking away. I have 23 more week and 16 more people to baptize. and then 960 after that. Ive already made a goal to deticate an hour of each week for the rest of my life to finding people w/ or w/o the missionaries. and an hour to be available to help teach someone. Hope all is well.
love your son,
Elder Curran

Brandt and Companion

Teaching in Russian

I was buring a shirt on my year mark. I didn't burn pants at 18 months. I was too tired. You're welcome for the pictures. I did get the picture. Have fun in Korea.

I have 24 more weeks as a full-time missionary. I'm being transferred to Kirkland, Washington - Rose Hill Ward. I'm released from bing a zoneLeader after being one for 7 months. (So happy.) They are starting a Russian branch that covers the Everett, Tacoma, and maybe Seattle missions. And I'm the only one that speaks Russian and they are making me cover that. I kind of don't want to proselyte in Russian, but I will because the Lord needs me to do so. The Church is true and everyone needs the Gospel. A recent study shows that only 7% of members are actively working on missionary work, which makes me sick. "Every member a missionary." David O. McKay -- Prophet of God. The Church is true. There are blessings for those who will step and help build the Kingdom of God.

Love,

Elder Curran

Pictures!

So far we have a baptism lined up every weekend till the middle of July. Yesterday I officially have 6 months left to do this full time. Im really trying to make the most of it. We are seeing more and more miracles. Its truly crazy. The biggest growth I have seen in myself to this point is that I now seek to do the will of the Lord instead of my own. I think at that point you can get the most out of your mission because you and the Lord have become a team. I know the Lord wants there to be baptisms every week and Im going to try and do all I can to help him. If I succeed its because he blessed us and if we fail its our fault. Lets build the Kingdom of god!
W e are allowed to go to the temple with recent converts who go. I have no idea if she will be going.

Love, Elder Curran

Not Feeling Well

I thank everyone for their prayers. Thats what I need more than anything. I was watching some "Mormon Mesages" the other day and I ran across one by Jefferey R. Holland entitled "Good Things to Come". It talked abou some stuggles that the apostle had had as he was younger and raising his family. But he said to "Never give up, Dont you dare give up. There are good things to come he promised. Some blessings come soon, some come later, and some don't come until heaven but they come." Ive never been so tired in my whole life and I know that if I don't give up, (And belive me sometimes I think about it) then other people can have the happiness that I do. Please dont stop praying for me each day. Pray for people searching for the gospel to be put in my path. Pray for me to have the strength to give it 100% each day. Thank you, I need it. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lords Kingdom once again established on the Earth. I know it by the power of the Holy Ghost.
Up until recently I had been eating lots of sweets because the members always give it to us. Im trying to get back into shape. Also Ive been sitting in a car all day everyday for the past 9 months. We had a baptism on Sat. She didnt get confirmed because satan influenced someone else to drink and then she had to go to the hospital all night and couldnt make it to church. But next week. Cici is black too. Jesus is getting baptized on sat. and then the next sat we have Jenni.

working hard and extremely tired,
love your son elder curran

Alive and Working Hard

Yesterday was memorial day so we only had a little time today to write. Ill write more next week. Thank you fo rthe pictures.

the church is true.


I'm alive and working hard.

Love your son
Elder curran

Miracles

This past week we went to visit a potential that was contacted earlier in the transfer. She greeted us at the door and told us she was open to learning and was pagan. In the past I havent had any luck with pagans, but we came back and taught her the message of the restoration and invited her to ask God if it was true. She and her 13yr old son both prayed and came to church and she feels that it is true. They are on date for baptism the 11th of June. A recent convert in the singles ward met an individual name Mike at the hot tub of their apartment and she shared how the Book of Mormon and the Church of Jesus Christ had changed her life. She INVITED him to church and he accepted. At church we greeted him, then taught him after sacrament, found out he wants to change his life and invited him to be baptized on June 18th. He agreed! There are prepared people just like Mike walking around members of Christ's Church everyday. You might be next to one right now as you're reading this. The only way the Lord is going to help you find them is if you WANT to find them and you are willing to Pray, Seek, and Invite! I invite you all to qualify yourselfs to assist the Lord in the Marvelous Work! No unhollowed hand cant stop it! We have 8 on date for baptism. The record for the most baptisms in one transfer in this mission is 14. There is gonna be 15 next transfer in the area. Watch. Please continue to plray for me that prepared people will be put in my path. The church of Jesus Christ has been restored to the Earth. Please ask God to know that that is true. :)
I definately plan on marrying in the temple. And the scripture in Mosiah 8:18 is correct. Faith is how these miracles are happening. Action. Doing something with the Hope that the Lord has people prepared to receive the message.
I guess I don't hate dogs but I dont plan on having pets. Im fine with other peoples dogs unless they smell or get hair on me. But they are too much for me to want to deal with.
Hope all is well. I hope you baptize A's friend who came to church. How many times does someone need to come to church before they are baptized? Has she been invited to be baptized when she comes to know these things are true? If not then it will be hard for her to have real intent as she investigates. Anyway. Hope all is well.

love your son,
Elder Curran

Even More Food for Thought

The Work has been moving forward. We are getting referrals like crazy. We have so many people to work with there just isn't enough time right now to visit them all. My hope is that we are following the Spirit and spending our time with those that will truly progress. We hope to have 6 on date for baptism by the end of the Week. It seems that we are at the point now where we are finding people each week that want to be baptized. The Lord is truly blessing our area. I've been thinking about or message of the restoration and just how wonderful it is. God continues to speak with Man. God continues to give us scripture. Truth that was lost has been restored. Whats even better is that we dont expect you to just believe that. We Invite all men everywhere to find out if that is true for themselves. Ask God with a sincere and open heart willing to act on the answer and He will tell you himself! Often I ask people if the Book of Mormon was actually from Jesus Christ would they want to read it. In my opinion any true christian and follower of Jesus Christ would want all Christ has to offer. Also I feel that they would take the time to find out for themselves if the Book of Mormon was true. The Book of Mormon is true. The way I know is because God has answered my prayers and has told me through the power of the Holy Ghost.

I hate dogs. I haven't gotten bitten by any but my companion in Granite Falls did. Also they smell and get hair everywhere. Not a fan. It was fun to talk to you as well. Hope all is well with you.

Elder Curran

The Mother's Day Call

The Mother's Day call was great. Brandt talked about his area and about his success. They are working in two wards, but believes there is enough work for two other pairs of elders. He is very confident in approaching people, which helps a lot. Right now they are working primarily in one apartment building. They have several people on date for baptism, and expect to have many more.

Brandt is enjoying his mission. He shared his philosophy that missionaries can baptize everywhere. If he missionary is prepared, the Lord will lead him to people who are ready, and there are people who are ready everywhere.

It was super to talk to him.

More Food for Thought

So.

This week has been the craziest week of my whole mission. I have never seen so many miracles . . . ever. Your going to think Im exaggerating but we met over 80 people who accepted our invitation to meet with us. We cover 2 wards a family ward and a singles ward. So I was thinking how can we find more Young Single Adults. . . . . Answer. Colleges. So we went to the Comunity College which is like a mile from where the YSA Ward is and asked if we could contact people on campus. Guess what. We can. So we went there armed with like 30 copies of the book of mormon. 100s of pamphets and and cards for days. We gave them all away. Those who accepted wrote down their information and from 2.5 hours of proselyting we found 35 people. Crazy. Then we have this apartment complex named Covington Farms. We spent the last 3 days in there, and I promise you every other person accepted our invitation to investigate the Church. It was sooooo crazy I was like this is what it must be like in South America or Brazil. WE found someone Thursday named Jenny and Gave her the Book of Mormon. Friday we taught her. Saturday she read 6 chapters. Sunday she came to a cottage meeting. This morming she said she prayed and asked God is it was true and if Joseph Smith is a prophet and then she texted us to tell us of the Overwhelming feeling she felt of happiness and she couldnt stop crying. We went there this morning and invited her and her 8 yr old son to be baptized on May 28th. (Please pray for her to keep staying strong) We met her on Friday! Saturday we had 3 more baptisms, a family! and Sunday some one who hadnt been confirmed yet got confirmed. And we have 4 on date to be baptized in May! Things are crazy.

Food for Thought - God hears and answers our prayers. Thank you for yours. Please keep asking for the Lord to put prepared people in your path and in mine!

The Church is true and if you dont believe me ask God.

On sat we had 4 more baptisms.

18 total.

I have a goal of 24. I think Ill reach that. And a secret goal of 40. Which I'm hoping the Lord will bless me with!

Love,

Elder Curran

Food for Thought

This week was nuts.

I lost my mind a little more i think. About 3 weeks ago I randomly found myself washing dishes in the bathroom sink. the other day I spent a good 3 min trying to open a door, and the realized the keey needs to turn before you unlock it. I have a hard time talking to people when it doesnt revolve around the gospel. I pretty much know how to do 3 things. Find. Teach. and Baptize.

Couple miracles. President has been talking about how to excersise faith. it is when you go outside of what we know and are comfortable with. Faith brings miracles.So Ive been trying to go eveen more outside my comfort zone and go above and beyond and show the Lord just how bad I want to baptize people. Lots and Lots of people! elder Tippets and i were outside at 9:15 pm waiting for a districtleader to come home and give him some paper work. As we were waiting outside there were 3 individuals laughing and smoking outside around the corner. First glance we were like. They are definately not intrested, plus its past 9. But we realized that we need to "talk to everyone" and went and invited them to read from the book of mormon and find out if its true. yeah they accepted. jack and maggie were super prepared by the Lord to recieve the message of the Restoration. Also we really wanted to have an investigator with a baptisimal date this week and looking at who we were teaching it was looking like noone was at that point to accept a date. As we litterally did all we could the Lord led us to a 11 yr old unbaptized child whos mom wants him to be baptized and she wants to come back to church with her family. she just didnt know where the church was. as you do all you can and excersise faith the Lord will ALWAYS bless you with righteous desires. After a trial of your faith.

The church is true and if you dont belive me ask God.
Sister Everett is in our zone. Were taking them to Edmonds community college with us on wed to help them learn how to street contact people more effectively.

Sunday is a day filled with meetings and stress about getting investigators to church. Im pretty sure i remember meeting Sister Wilcox she was nice.
love Elder Curran

Lynnwood

Right now we are working hard to help out the zone to find people everyday. On Sat We went on an exchange with one of the district leaders in the north Seattle Zone we found a woman named Megan who agreed to read the Book of Mormon and pray and ask if it was true. She said if she recieved an answer b4 the middle of next month she would be baptized May 14th. we talked to and invited ever single person we could to read the Book of Mormon and asked them for a referral. Then someone gave us a referral for Megan. I was reading in Ether today about the Brother of Jared and how he figured out how to get light in the ship. The Brother of Jared needed light. And was like. Lord how are we gonna get light into this boat. The Lord turned it back on him and was like thats a good question. How are we gonna get light into this boat? So he goes to work and gets the rocks and presents the Lord with them and says I did all I could and retrieved these rocks. Will you light them up? The Lord expects us to do all we can and present him with solutions to our own problems. And then after we have done all we can we have developed enough faith to recive a miracle. When missionaries are upset they aren't baptizing, I just ask them, are you doing all you can? Same with the desires of life. Are we doing all we can first?

Food for thought.

More diversity means that there are more than just white people and every kind of race is out and about. There are about 33 missionaries in the zone. We have a 3 pack of sisters. The singles ward has the most opportunity for teaching but the singles aren't very missionary minded. The singles ward boundaries are the zone's boundries. We go to the singles ward for the first 2hrs and the family ward for the last two. It has to be organized but it works out. We spend a lot of Sunday in meetings.

love
Elder Curran

The Scoop

Just got transfered to the Southern Everett, Lynwood Area. Into the Bev Park Ward. My companion is Elder Tippets from St. George Ut. Every companion so far in Everett has been from UT. When I came here we had a girl on date for the 30th, but I invited her to be baptized on Sat and she was. :) We cover the Bev Park Ward and a singles Ward. We're striving to have 2 more baptisms this month. I'm alot closer to Seattle now so theres alot more diversity. Please pray for me to have prepared people put in my path in every prayer and for me to have lots and lots of baptisms! Other than that, there is nothing very intresting going on. I talk to everyone and invite them to be baptized. That happens every day. Elder Nieto is spanish speaking but has been an english Zone leader for the last 3 months. love elder curran

Getting Transferred

I got transfered. My companion was hardworking. Its just after 3 transfers. 4.5 months it starts to wear on you being together 24/7 every single minute. If it was another Transfer it would be 6 months. Way too long. I dont know where Im being transfered to. Well find out tomorrow but Im still a zoneleader so there ar only 5 other places I could go. Im hoping to go to bellingham and serve with my buddy Elder neito. I promised the assistants 10 baptisms if they did. I also could be called as the next assistant but I doubt that will happen. I left this area with 5 people on date to be baptized. and my last area has 4 people I found who are going to be baptized. love your son Elder Curran ps I forgot the camera but intended to send pictures Ill try to send them.

Ready for a Transfer

My companion asked me if I would skip P day with him and work. So after we clean the apartment were gonna go save some souls. We found 10 new investigators last week and a family of 5 came to church that is golden. Were probably gonna baptize them in april. I think Im gonna get transferred next tues. I would like some new scenery Ive been in the same zone for like 11 months. It seems like I got sent to the Marysville Mission. I'm trying to get lost in the work. Are you praying for prepared people to be put in my path in every prayer?

A Little Down

I dont live with a host family I dont know what your talking about or asking about that.
Im getting sick of my companion. Ive been with him for 4 months. I miss my old ward ,but I say thankyou to them when they feed us. Mission president is awesome I try to listen to him and follow his direction so I can baptize more people!
I am trying to give God's word to everyone. THE BOOK OF MORMON! and help them see the need for a restoration.
Ward activities? I hate ( ). I decided to just go find prepared people and baptize them.

And More Answers

1. describe your surroundings (is it a suburb, town, or countryside?)
2. tell me about support from ward members
3. how is your health?
4. do they do church tours on your mission, (how was the most recentchurch tour & what did you do & say on the church tour)
5. what service has someone done for you recently & how did you acknowledge it?
6. what service have you done for nonmembers?
7. what wildlife have you seen?
8. Are you involved with reactivation efforts?, what works well?

1. Its the city of Marysville for about 20 percent. The rest is an Indian reservation.
2. I hate this ward and miss Granite Falls. Vocally Supportive but not really doing anything. But still there are people the Lord has for us to find so we do.
3. We do do church tours. Not as often as we should. We talk about the restoration mostly.
4. I'm pretty healthy
5. My companion always take my plate at dinner. I say thank you.
6. I offer service everyday. Noone has yet to accept it for a while. Actually on a 4 pack xchange we picked up some guy's garbage that fell. he wasn't intrested though.
7. Wildlife? Tons of trees.
8. Reactivation? we invite all others to come unto Christ. Members Nonmembers Less active. Then it is up to them to act. I tend to ask less actives why they decided to be baptized and then invite them to read saily from the Book of Mormon.

Who is this person?

love your son Elder Curran