Picture of Elder Burns from Armidale

Letter from Elder Burns, 11-28-2010

Dear family,


This week has been a good week Tuesday we had service with the evitts and that is when I cut my leg and BTW my leg is doing fine.

[Got this from Zach earlier this week:

i cut my leg today and had to get stitches but everything is ok the attached pictures are of my leg before

]

Yes margaret got baptized about 6 months ago. She is still active in the church so that is Great!!! 120 WPM is insane I could never type that fast I wish That I could. It Didnt really turn out that well because Brother Maher was sick so they cancelled on us which sucked really really bad so I didnt really Have a Thanksgiving. I havent really asked president why he sent me back here but I just accepted it and am doing my best to work hard. You pronounce his name TOOO'OOO'OOO. I have Been able to follow up with a few people that I taught before one of their names is berry He is really old and funny Another one is teleah and another guy named rob they are all really cool berry came to church last week and so did rob so that was awesome. As for the truck I think you should go with the Toyota Because you have had such great luck with them toyotas are worth the price. If possible it would be smart to get a Diesel truck because they are much better for pulling trailers. The GMC trucks are way nice but they are a little too big and kinda boxy the toyota one looks better. There was a car show in coffs harbour so that is where all of the photos came from. I love you guys so much thank you for everything that you have done for me and the support throughout my life love ya Heaps.

Well Im out of time for now but I will talk more next week hope you like the talk.

ELDER BURNS

This is my 20 minute talk for sacrament meeting!!

Good morning brothers and sisters... I need to repent the greatest sin I need to repent of is that I eat too much!!! When President Evitt gave me this talk he told me to speak on whatever the spirit directs,

And I felt like I should speak on repentance. First off repentance is only made possible because of Jesus Christ. Although Jesus did suffer for us that does not eliminate Our personal responsibility to act.

The prophet Nephi tells us what we must do, this scripture is found in 2Nephi 25:23 it states

For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.

Therefore we must act in order to be acted upon through forgiveness. First I might ask what is repentance?

Repentance is one of the first principles of the gospel and is essential to our temporal and eternal happiness. It is much more than just acknowledging wrongdoings. It is a change of mind and heart that gives us a fresh view about God, about ourselves, and about the world. It includes turning away from sin and turning to God for forgiveness. It is motivated by love for God and the sincere desire to obey His commandments.

Now I might ask why?

The Lord has declared that "no unclean thing can inherit the kingdom of heaven" (Alma 11:37). Our sins make us unclean—unworthy to return and dwell in the presence of our Heavenly Father. They also bring anguish to our soul in this life.

Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, our Father in Heaven has provided the only way for us to be forgiven of our sins . Jesus Christ suffered the penalty for our sins so we can be forgiven if we sincerely repent. As we repent and rely on His saving grace, we will be cleansed from sin.

In a 1995 Ensign article Richard G Scott gives an example of this life this is what he said.

“Recently, while traveling on an unfamiliar road, I encountered a large temporary sign declaring Rough Road Ahead, and indeed it was. Had I not been warned, that experience would have been disastrous. Life is like that. It’s full of rough spots. Some are tests to make us stronger. Others result from our own disobedience. Helpful warnings in our personal life can also save us from disaster. A damaged road presents the same obstacles to every traveler until others repair it. The highway of life is different. Each one of us encounters unique challenges meant for growth. Also, our own bad choices can put more barriers in the path. Yet we have the capacity to smooth out the way, to fill in the depressions, and to beautify our course. The process is called repentance; the destination is forgiveness. If you have ignored warnings and your life has been damaged or disabled by a rough road, there is help available. Through that help you can renew and rebuild your damaged life. You can start over again and change your course from a downward, twisting, disappointing path to a superhighway to peace and happiness. I want to help you find that relief. To do that it is necessary to give you some background information that will make the remedy more logical and the steps to healing more meaningful.

Every incorrect choice we make, every sin we commit is a violation of eternal law. That violation brings negative results we generally soon recognize. There are also other consequences of our acts of which we may not be conscious. They are nonetheless real. They can have a tremendous effect on the quality of our life here and most certainly will powerfully affect it hereafter. We can do nothing of ourselves to satisfy the demands of justice for a broken eternal law. Yet, unless the demands of justice are paid, each of us will suffer endless negative consequences”.

It is only through Jesus Christ that we can repent. I would now like to ask which of us is not in Need of the miracle of repentance?

Whether your life is lightly blemished or heavily disfigured from mistakes, the principles of recovery are the same. The length and severity of the treatments are conditioned to fit the circumstances. Our goal surely must be forgiveness. The only possible path to that goal is repentance, for it is written: “There is no other way nor means whereby man can be saved, only through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ. …

“The Lord … [will] not come to redeem [His people] in their sins, but to redeem them from their sins.

“And he hath power given unto him from the Father to redeem them from their sins because of repentance.” (Helaman 5:9-11)

Obedience and faith in the Savior give you power to resist temptation. Helaman taught: “It is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, … when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to … endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, … whereon if men build they cannot fall.”(Helaman 5:12)

Nephi tells us how the lord will bless us in (1 Nephi 7:12).

Yea, and how is it that ye have forgotten that the Lord is able to do all things according to his will, for the children of men, if it so be that they exercise faith in him? Wherefore, let us be faithful to him.

Brothers and sisters let us be faithful to him because that is what he asks of us.

Forgiveness comes through repentance. What is repentance? How is it accomplished? What are its consequences? These may seem to be simple questions, but it is clear that many of us do not know how to repent.

In The Miracle of Forgiveness, Spencer W. Kimball gives a superb guide to forgiveness through repentance. It has helped many find their way back. He identifies five essential elements of repentance.

1.Sorrow for sin. Study and ponder to determine how serious the Lord defines your transgression to be. That will bring healing sorrow and remorse. It will also bring a sincere desire for change and a willingness to submit to every requirement for forgiveness. Alma taught, “Justice exerciseth all his demands, and also mercy claimeth all which is her own; and thus, none but the truly penitent are saved.”

My favourite experience of someone striving to receive forgiveness is found in the book of (Enos 1:2-8)

And I will tell you of the wrestle which I had before God, before I received a remission of my sins.

Behold, I went to hunt beasts in the forests; and the words which I had often heard my father speak concerning eternal life, and the joy of the saints, sunk deep into my heart.

And my soul hungered; and I kneeled down before my Maker, and I cried unto him in mighty prayer and supplication for mine own soul; and all the day long did I cry unto him; yea, and when the night came I did still raise my voice high that it reached the heavens.

And there came a voice unto me, saying: Enos, thy sins are forgiven thee, and thou shalt be blessed.

And I, Enos, knew that God could not lie; wherefore, my guilt was swept away.

And I said: Lord, how is it done?

And he said unto me: Because of thy faith in Christ, whom thou hast never before heard nor seen. And many years pass away before he shall manifest himself in the flesh; wherefore, go to, thy faith hath made thee whole.

2. Abandonment of sin. This is an unyielding, permanent resolve to not repeat the transgression. By keeping this commitment, the bitter aftertaste of that sin need not be experienced again. Remember: “But unto that soul who sinneth shall the former sins return.” Joseph Smith declared: “Repentance is a thing that cannot be trifled with every day. Daily transgression and daily repentance is not … pleasing in the sight of God.”

3. Confession of sin. You always need to confess your sins to the Lord. If they are serious transgressions, such as immorality, they need to be confessed to a bishop or stake president. Please understand that confession is not repentance. It is an essential step, but is not of itself adequate. Partial confession by mentioning lesser mistakes will not help you resolve a more serious, undisclosed transgression. Essential to forgiveness is a willingness to fully disclose to the Lord and, where necessary, His priesthood judge all that you have done. Remember, “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.”

4. Restitution for sin. You must restore as far as possible all that which is stolen, damaged, or defiled. Willing restitution is concrete evidence to the Lord that you are committed to do all you can to repent.

5. Obedience to all the commandments. Full obedience brings the complete power of the gospel into your life with strength to focus on the abandonment of specific sins. It includes things you might not initially consider part of repentance, such as attending meetings, paying tithing, giving service, and forgiving others. The Lord said: “He that repents and does the commandments of the Lord shall be forgiven.”

Richard G. Scott states that He would add a 6th step and that is

6.Recognition of the Savior. Of all the necessary steps to repentance, I testify that the most critically important is for you to have a conviction that forgiveness comes because of the Redeemer. It is essential to know that only on His terms can you be forgiven. Witness Alma’s declaration: “I was … in the most bitter pain and anguish of soul; and never, until I did cry out unto the Lord Jesus Christ for mercy, did I receive a remission of my sins. But … I did cry unto him and I did find peace to my soul.” You will be helped as you exercise faith in Jesus Christ. at means you trust Him and you trust His teachings. Satan would have you believe that serious transgression cannot be entirely overcome. The Savior gave His life so that the effects of all transgression can be put behind us, save the shedding of innocent blood and the denial of the Holy Ghost.

The fruit of true repentance is forgiveness, which opens the door to receive all of the covenants and ordinances provided on this earth and to enjoy the resulting blessings. When a repentant soul is baptized, all former sins are forgiven and need not be remembered. When repentance is full and one has been cleansed, there comes a new vision of life and its glorious possibilities. How marvelous the promise of the Lord: “Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more.” The Lord is and ever will be faithful to His words.

Do not take comfort in the fact that your transgressions are not known by others. That is like an ostrich with his head buried in the sand. He sees only darkness and feels comfortably hidden. In reality he is ridiculously conspicuous. Likewise our every act is seen by our Father in Heaven and His Beloved Son. They know everything about us.

If you have seriously transgressed, you will not find any lasting satisfaction or comfort in what you have done. Excusing transgression with a cover-up may appear to fix the problem, but it does not. The tempter is intent on making public your most embarrassing acts at the most harmful time. Lies weave a pattern that is ever more confining and becomes a trap that Satan will spring to your detriment.

Sometimes the steps of repentance are initially difficult and painful, like the cleansing of a soiled garment. Yet, they produce purity, peace of mind, self-respect, hope, and finally, a new person with a renewed life and abundance of opportunity.

This scripture will help you know what to do: “Nevertheless they did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, … because of their yielding their hearts unto God.”

Brothers and sisters I would ask are you now doing things that you know are wrong? Do you fill your mind with unclean thoughts? Does your conscience tell you that you need to repent? We need to do all of ourselves a favor and not wait. Brothers and sisters Repent Now!!!! dont wait until later the road will be much harder and longer. Make the changes in your life to bring you closer to your savior Now!!!

This Is my testimony That I know with all of my heart that the only way back to god is through our savior Jesus Christ and I know that he lives and loves all of us. I know that Joseph smith is and was a true prophet of god in the latter days and that Thomas S. Monson is gods living prophet on the earth today I cant deny It and I never will. My call to Australia Has brought me so much happiness It truly has been a call from god. Throughout my mission I have never done anything to break the trust that you as members of the church have in us as missionaries. As I have come to learn more and more about my savior Jesus Christ on my mission I have a true Desire to repent daily If we are not striving to repent daily we are not fulfilling our duties as members of the church. I love all of you so much and every moment I spend with all of you please change your lives and become more Like your savior Jesus Christ. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.

Letter from Elder Burns 9/12/2010

Dear family


This week has been amazing. I can't Believe that Jake is leaving on a mission It's something that He really needed in his life and he will surely be blessed. Last Friday, we found 2 investigators. Their names are Christland and Francis. They are African Refugees from TOGO!!! I thought that was really cool because both grandma and grandpa served there.

Well, we set a baptismal date with both of them for the 9th of October, and they came to church yesterday. It's amazing that they know everything is true and are very, very excited to bring their families with them to church next week, so we are looking forward to that.

I did get the memory card back, so thank you for sending it to me. I should be sending another one back soon with some music cd's that are no longer approved. I thought I would tell you that president Simmons allows people to have guitars, so I have gotten one and am learning how to play it. I am practicing during the extra time we have at lunch and getting really good. I took the initiative to cut my own hair today. It looks really good because Elder Radovanovic has a nice pair of WHAL clippers. So I will take some pictures so that you can see how good it looks...LOL. I think that is really funny that a chipmunk crawled up onto his hand and stole the nut. I have always wanted to go to Timpanogos caves. I thought it would be really cool. I haven't gotten a fish yet, but I will soon. Is Jared still doing well with his schooling? How is his karate doing? Does Breanna have a BF? How about Crystal?...NOT she is too young:).

well I am out of time for now, but I love you guys heaps and look forward to the ever approaching Christmas call...LOL It seems far away but it will come soon.

That's all for now,

Love your son ,

ELDER BURNS

Some Pictures

From Elder Burns, 09/05/2010

Dear Family,

This week has been an eventful one. We had a zone meeting on Friday, and then afterwards we went on a hike. it was so much fun and it lasted three hours. surprisingly, I led the group the whole way. It was up and down mountains and everything. I was soooooooooo tired but it was fun. We found 2 new investigators this week. Their names are Rose and Christland...LOL. They are both African and really want to come to church and learn. As for being out a year, it doesn't really feel like it has been that long. the time just flies by so quickly when you are doing the Lord's work and keeping busy. With the new training, they are still using preach my gospel, but they are focusing on the teaching by the spirit part. We always try to practice teaching every time we go there because they critique us and tell us ways we can improve . But the lesson outlines are still the same.

Fishing was heaps of fun. There were just a ton of little fish though. My hook was too big and I didn't really catch anything. I don't actually have a fishing pole. I just have a side reel for fishing off the jetty. Do you guys have the planetarium passes again? That was always heaps of fun and the dinosaur museum, that would have been awesome. Bree is still moving towards baptism. she has such a strong spirit and I enjoy spending time teaching her. I might have worded it wrong. Me and elder Radovanovic go on opposite sides of the street of the city center. There is just a tiny road, and we always stay within sight and hearing of each other. We asked for permission from president Simmons and he said it was ok. Just as long as we can still see/hear each other. I am really trying my very very best to improve myself as a missionary. My testimony has continued to grow so drastically, and I know more fully that this is the one true church again on the earth I love you guys so much. Mom you have always been there when I needed anything and I love you for that. And Dad, you have always been my friend even though I may have treated you like a Dork. I love you both so much.

Thanks for your love. Still working hard and loving it .

Your son,
(ZACHARY) ELDER BURNS

From Elder Burns, 08/29/2010

Dear mom and Dad,



This week has been really great. we got a lot done. I am so glad to hear that Jared is doing really well with his school and having fun with that. I finally got the package. there was a mix-up and it got sent to another elder. I got it on Friday. I should be getting a fish soon for the fish tank. I think that present is way awesome. I loved all of the goodies and the shirts. they were really cool and funny. I am a Stripling warrior. I should still be here for Bree's baptism. President Simmons told me that he is going to keep me up here for a while, but we will see what the Lord has in store. Friday we had a chance to go down to Newcastle for a zone conference. It was heaps of fun we learned how we shouldn't be afraid of silence when we are teaching. so we had a lot of practice and it has really changed the missionary work in the area. President Simmons sent me an email. I'll show you what he said.



"Hi Elder Burns and Elder Radovanovic, Elder Daji said that he felt the spirit very strongly while you two were practice teaching. Congratulations and thank you for trying so hard to implement these new principles. It was great to see you both!!! "



It was a really great experience and it brought me and elder Radovanovic closer together. Elder Daji is the assistant to president Simmons. We traveled down to Newcastle on Thursday night, and then we tried to go and visit Michael and Shireen, but they weren't there...Darn... :( But it was heaps of fun. We tried to visit them again when we left, but they still weren't there. Bree came to church again on Sunday but there was something extremely different about her... She wasn't in a Wheelchair!!! It was so exciting. she wants to be baptized in October because she is going to be competing in a triathlon. Well today is preparation day and I will be going fishing today so I need to buy some bait so if you could put an extra 10 dollars in my account just to be safe, that would be awesome. I love you Guys tons thank you so much for being my parents and dealing with me. I know that it hasn't been easy but that is ok.

Mom I love you so much, I couldn't have better. thanks for everything.



OUT OF TIME,

YOUR SON,

ELDER BURNS

From Elder Burns, 08/22/2010

G'Day family ,


This week has been awesome! I would like to start off by telling you a story of someone that I found to teach this week Her name is Amanda. Elder Radovanovic and I were out street-contacting, and we decided to split and go on opposite sides of the road because we could still see each other, and it would be more effective to do it that way. So, I, being the man I am, saw that there were 2 very attractive young women sitting on a bench. I decided to go and offer them a card and then I sat down next to them and asked them a really random question. I asked them why there was a tree next to us...and then they started laughing. Then I asked them , "Why am I here?", and Amber answered, "to give me a card." Then I asked them why they were here, and they didn't know, and then I told them that the tree was here because God put it here. I'm here to teach you about god and you are here to prepare yourself to meet God. Again, it shocked them and then I asked them if they would be willing to learn more about how they can prepare themselves to meet God again and they said yes. We should be teaching them this week. As for me, I have learned to like both street-contacting and tracting equally, although I am much better at street contacting. One of my favorite things to do is to ask people to repent, or to just invite them to church. I am always trying to find funny ways to do things.

A lot of the families that we visit are the Manuels, the Kings, and the Johnsons. These are the most frequent ones. Since working with the Manuels(they are less active), their son, Allister, came to church yesterday and wants to prepare to go on a mission. He is 17 and he hadn't been to church for 5 years since his baptism. He tells us that he wants to be an example to the rest of his family so that they will come back to church. We are still teaching the African family, the Georges. They are coming along. Their biggest problem is finding a ride to church. There are 6 people in the family, so they are working on getting a car. We found the Georges through a service opportunity. We are still working with Bree. Her legs are healing really well. We found Her out of randomness. We went to visit her mom, who is less active, and found her. That is really the main people that we are working with.

I wish that I could go on a "Mancation"...LOL

I guess that I kind of am on a 2 Year one...LOL

I am always praying for Jared to do well with his anger and as well That the online schooling will go well for him as well. He will Come around I know it will happen.

Me and elder Radovanovic have been able to become really good friends. So far, this transfer, He has been my longest companion and I think that I will be very sad when transfers happen. The work in Coffs Harbour is going great. We are starting to see more and more blessings from the hard work that we are putting In.

I have been studying more and more about the Atonement so than I can more fully understand what my Savior went through. I know that this is the one and only true church on the earth. I love you guys so much.

I haven't got the package yet but hopefully I will soon!

Keep the faith,

Love your son ,

ELDER BURNS

Letter from Elder Burns 8/15/2010

Dear family,

This week has been awesome.  On Monday, for preparation day, we went and played tennis, and then I went back and took a long nap...LOL and after 6 we always visit a family to do FHE with them.  Their name is the Johnsons.  Sister Johnson is single and she has 2 kids name Jen and Charles.  We always have a lesson and then we have a treat - it's way fun.  Tuesdays are usually really busy.  We went and visited Liam in the morning.  He is a recent convert.  He is the one that set up the fireside, and then after lunch we went and visited Eric.  Eric is the African fellow who is preparing to be baptized, and then we did street contacting and tracting for the rest of the day.  Wednesday was pretty good.  We visited some less active members during the day, and then we had a dinner with the Manuels.  We go to them every week.  They are a really nice family.  We had a curried chicken with rice; They are a Fijian family.  Thursday was filled with finding and then we visited Drew at The Big Bananna.  He was just recently baptized and is heaps of fun. Friday, we did a public opinion poll that we wrote up.  I will have to send you a Copy of it.  It seemed to work out really good.  We had a rehersal for the fireside and that was fun. Saturday night was the fireside it was heaps of fun.  [I sang Nearer My God on pg. 100. It went awesome everyone loved it. They want us to do the fireside again its way funny. ] We got called out of the middle of the fireside because a member from Brisbane was visiting Coffs Harbour, and she found a stray dog.  So she brought it to the chapel and we had to take it to the vet.  It was really funny - we had a pet dog for a few hours. Saturday was a special day it was the day we got ready for Sunday.  Sunday, we had church and then we visited with some members.  It was heaps of fun, and then we called in numbers at the end of the night.  Bree is still progressing towards baptism, and still loves the church. Me and Elder Radovanovic are getting along really, really well, and we are learning to be better friends. It sounds like things are going good at home and I am still having an amazing time. Just for fun on Monday, I made homeade pizza it was really good...LOL Well, it wasn't as good as mom's for sure, but it was ok. My testimony is increasing every day.

LOVE YOU GUYS HEAPS
YOUR SON
ELDER BURNS

Letter from Elder Burns 8/9/2010

Gday from the land down under...lol

Transfers where this last week, and I can't say that my prayers were answered...JK LOL I'm still with Elder Radovanovic.  Well I guess a companionship is as good as you make it LOL.  Well Coffs Harbour is going awesome, and this week we have a fireside and I will be singing a solo in it so that should be fun.  We have 3 people progressing to baptism - their names are Charlie, Rhianne and Bryanne.  They are way cool. That sucks that you didnt catch any fish...lol.  I am glad that you guys had fun though. I've been wanting to go fishing but Elder Radovanovic doesnt like to fish.  That will be really good for jared to do the internet schooling...Oreo Cookies [cows] LOL. That is way funny!  Well I was at the store yesterday and saw that they finally came out with World of Warcraft Cataclysm. I don't think I am planning on playing it, but it looks really cool. They also Finally Came out with Starcraft 2.  Have you had a chance to play it yet dad?.  Well Thats all for now love you guys heaps.

Your son

ELDER BURNS (zach)

Letter from Elder Burns 8/1/2010

Dear mom and dad,

I cant believe that I am starting my 12th month it is so awesome and exciting. Thats way awesome that mom and Crystal went fishing up in the Uintahs. Did they catch anything?!!!?

This week in Coffs was a little slower but at the end the blessings came on Sunday.  We had 2 member referrals telling us that their granddaughters want to be baptized.  It was awesome, so we will be teaching them this week.  One of them is 11 and the other is 16, and guess what happened?  Bree got out of her wheelchair from the back of the chapel and walked up and bore her testimony in sacrament meeting.   It was awesome! She isnt even a member and she has a testimony of the gospel!!!!!  We're setting another baptismal date with her this week for the first week in september. Transfers are happening next monday, so I might not be able to Email you until Tuesday just so you know.  Well I am so thankfull for your love and concern.  I still havent gotten the package.  I hope that Quarantine didnt take it because their was a fish in there.

Well I love ya heaps,

YOUR SON
ELDER BURNS

Letter from Elder Burns 7/25/2010

Dear mom dad and jared.


This week has been awesome we had zone conference so we went down to sydney for 3 days and had heaps of fun. President Simmons told me that I will probably be Leaving coffs harbour after this transfer :( but thats ok...:) I had an awesome birthday and got lots of presents from the ward/branch. I really love the watch I was able to buy, did you guys see the pictures of it? Everything here in Coffs is going great. I cant believe how much time has passed since I have seen you last. I have not yet recieved the package from you guys but I hope I get It soon well Im sorry but I am out of time....:( sorry about that I want you guys to know how much I love you and that I have a testimony of my Savior Jesus Christ which has grown so much on my mission.  I know that this work is great and I love you guys heaps.

Dear Jared,

I loved the pictures you are so awesome!  Keep being a great kid.

LOVE ALWAYS

Your son  [and brother],

Elder Burns

Letter from Elder Burns 07/18/2010

HAPPPY BIRTHDAY MOMMY

YOU ARE SO AWESOME THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU DO FOR ME I AM SO BLESSED TO HAVE YOU AS MY MOM...

LOVE YA HEAPS,
ZACHARY
ELDER BURNS

=========================================================================

GDAY!!!


Dear mom and dad, everything here is going awesome. I couldn't be happier.  Being a missionary has really helped me to become a better person and has prepared me for everything in my life. I like being a senior companion, but elder Radovanovic is really hard.  We are too much alike so sometimes we argue, but if I'm learning anything from him, it is patience. It's amazing how beautiful Coffs Harbour really is. You guys should look it up online - its amazing. I hope you guys will be getting the memory card that I sent you.  There is some funny stuff on there. I was able to see Elder Kingi again right before he went home.  It was awesome.  He was really excited to go home but sad at the same time.  It's really wierd to say goodbye to your trainer. Man, it really has to be a relief to not have company any more. It's fun for a day, but then it just becomes a burden.  This week was kinda hard because Bree's dad told us that her legs wont be healed until september, so she wont be getting baptized on the 24th.  The branch is throwing a party for me on the 24th, so that will be fun.

I want you to know that I love you so much. I would like to share my testimony with you that I know with all my heart that this church is true and that God and Jesus Christ did indeed appear to Joseph Smith and chose him to be a prophet - to restore, not reform Jesus Christ's church again to the earth for us so that we can have the truth once more. I leave you these things in the name of Jesus Christ.  Amen.
P.S. I am going to be buying a watch with the birthday money it is a really cool one i will send you guys pictures.

LOVE YOUR SON
ELDER BURNS

Letter From Elder Burns 07-12-2010

Gday Mom and Dad and Jared,

I am so excited that everything at home has been going very well I received a letter from Breanna I was so happy. I haven’t gotten the birthday package yet but I should be receiving it soon so that would be good. I didn’t realize that it charged a dollar for me to check my account I’ll stop doing that. Jared, thank you so much for your wonderful letter that you wrote to me. I really loved it and sorry I didn’t write back.

Everyone here seems to be set in their ways and they don’t really want to change but we are still trying to find people every day. This week we taught a lot of lessons we taught 25 lessons had 2 people at church and found 5 new investigators. This week we found an African family of 5 people that invited us in and we taught the restoration it was awesome they want to come to church we will be visiting them again on Saturday. Their last name is George so if you could pray for them that would be awesome. Yes the baptism is still on for my birthday it’s so exciting.

Well I’m out of time but I love you heaps we should have another baptism soon and I am sending my memory card home today.

TONS OF LOVE

YOUR SON

ELDER BURNS

Letter from Elder Burns 07/04/2010

G'Day


Dear Family

Me and elder Radovanovic are still getting along very well.

Happy 4th of July! I can't believe they dont celebrate here. Im glad that everything is going really well at home and that you are still going to light fireworks on my birthday. Well I havent heard from Breanna in ages.  I wish she would write me. That's way funny that they went camping together...LOL.

This week has been awesome we taught 20 lessons again and we set a baptismal date for the 24th of July with Bree.  That is awesome because it is on my birthday as well.

It was way funny when the mission merge happened we didnt get our dispersements, so we were eating rice for 3 days...LOL we have our money now though. we bought a dart board this week so that we have something to do on preparation days because the closest missionaries live 2 hours away. well im still happy and healthy and lovin the mish.


LOVE YA HEAPS

YOUR SON

ELDER BURNS

Letter from Elder Burns 06/27/2010

DEAR FAMILY,

I just want you all to know that everything with me and elder Radovanovic is going well. I was just wondering if Breanna had recieved his post card... LOL

I am glad to hear that everything is going well at home. By the way...Happy Birthday!!!! Well everything here is going well. This week, the mission reached its goal of 100 investigators at sacrament meeting so that was way good. Both me and Elder radovanovic are staying together for another transfer the mission merge went very smoothly. President Scruggs had his last meeting with us on Thursday. The reason I used the phrase is because I just had to realize that i could learn things from Elder Radovanovic and accept the council he gives. Everything with me is going awesome. We are still trying to find more people to teach. Continue to pray for Coffs Harbour. Thank you for the videos and the photos. I will be sending another memory card this week so you can have more photos. I took heaps of videos this time.

Well thats all for now.

LOVE YOUR SON,

ELDER BURNS

Letter from Elder Burns 06/20/2010

G'DAY Family,

This week has been awesome! Me and elder Radovanovic are getting along really well and we are becoming better friends.

Im so happy that everything at home is going great. I really want to go to the miracle pageant that would be way fun. The mission address is going to be the same so just send it to the same place. I took a real hard kick in the butt this week i had to take the time to humble myself and just grow up.... lol this week has been so awesome!  Me and elder Radovanovic smashed the goal for coffs harbour that was set by president scruggs he said that we should be getting at least 15 lessons a week well this last week we got 21 and we have 1 progressing investigator that should be baptized soon. I will have to wait until next month to send you some pictures because I only have one memory card and it takes 20 minutes on the LDS website to upload one picture and I dont have that much time. I have been studying the book of mormon more and more and increasing my understanding of it even more. Helaman 5:12 read it you guys gave this to me and it has become one of my favorite scriptures.

The Lord has blessed us in many ways, such as random as people to teach and accept the gospel. Well thats all for now.

LOVE YA HEAPS

YOUR SON

ELDER BURNS

06/13/2010

Dear family,

I thought I would answer your questions...lol. I am a senior companion and the reason I got transferred so soon is because president Scruggs needed me to be with Elder Radovanovic. President Scruggs leaves in 2 weeks. That lady doesn’t live in the Tamworth area anymore but I will keep trying to find out more info.

Love you guys,
ELDER BURNS

Dear family,

Everything here is still going extremely well. Me and elder Radovanovic are getting along really well, and I am loving Coffs Harbour.

This week was really good. We had 2 people at church on Sunday. I’m working on getting you guys some more pictures so I’ll keep trying with that. Thank you so much for your encouragement and support. It really helps. DID YOU KNOW!!! Jake Bean got his mission call to the Philippines. That is so awesome! Well that’s all for now.  Love ya heaps.

YOUR SON,
ELDER BURNS

06/06/2010

Dear Dad,

This week has been awesome! Both of the baptisms went through and the confirmations. Ethan and Walter are so awesome. I can’t believe it. They are going to help the Armidale elders teach all of their friends. Just so that you know, I got transferred to Coffs Harbour. It is so awesome! I was sad to leave Armidale, but Coffs is great. I receive my answers to prayer through my thoughts and feelings so that’s good. The best way to improve your prayers is try saying a prayer with only telling god the things you are thankful for. It will really help you see all of the things that you do have. We have had a lot of people at church these last weeks we have had about 5.

I’ll let you know more about my companion later but right now I like him a lot. Coffs harbour is supposed to be the most beautiful area in the mission. It’s on the coast...so I’m back by the beach again. Thank you so much for your love and concern. Well I love you tons.

YOUR SON,
ELDER BURNS

05/30/2010

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BREANNA!!!!!!


:):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)

Love,

YOUR BRO

ELDER BURNS

Dear family,
Everything here is going great I am still enjoying missionary work. Ethan and Walter are doing great they are still set to be baptized on this Saturday and they came to church. Bishnu and Ahmrid weren’t able to come to church yesterday but they will make it next week, they had to go into work. Thank you for praying for me and them. Everything here has gone really well. This past week, we found and have been teaching another Chinese girl. Her name is Aerial. She wants to be baptized!!!! I finished reading the Book of Mormon today. It is amazing how many times the people have to be brought back into a remembrance that God is really there. I am glad that Grambo will be able to get surgery on her knee and I will pray that everything goes well with her. I got the shoes that you sent me. They are so awesome thank you guys so much for everything. Love you guys heaps.

Your son,

ELDER BURNS

05/23/2010

Thank you so much for the money. I will be using it to buy some gym shoes because my other ones wore out. I actually got some the other day they were only 15 dollars. I will also be buying a basketball and then the other money will pay for rentals of equipment. Thank you so much.
LOVE,
ELDER BURNS

Dear Dad,

This week has been so awesome. Ethan and WALTER... We found out his name wasn't really water it’s just the Chinese people, they don’t pronounce the l in their words. They are still doing awesome. They still want to be baptized and they both have a testimony of the Book of Mormon. We had 4 people at church this week and it was awesome. Both Ethan and Walter were there, and an Indian couple named Bishnu and Ahmrid. They are way cool. The Branch and area are doing really well. That is so awesome that Barbara came down to visit. I am sure you guys will have a great time

I started to read through the Book of Mormon again today. I read through 1st Nephi, and it was awesome. It’s amazing how many times Laman and Lemuel had to be reminded that the lord was real it’s crazy. Well I am doing very very well. I am loving the mission and the people here. I love you tons!

Could you pray for Ethan and Walter and also our branch president? His name is Todd and he has a lot of things going on in his life that I don’t really want to get into, but he needs help.

YOU ARE AWESOME!
LOVE,
YOUR SON
ELDER BURNS

05/16/2010

Dear mom,
It was so great to talk to you on mother’s day! I looked forward to it all week ...lol.

I am so excited for you to have finished your CNA Class. That is so awesome! I will keep you in my prayers for the test that you have to take. I am still loving my mission. I’m happy and healthy. I wrote a lot of information about people and exactly what is going on in dad’s letter. Well I love you tons! You're the best mom ever. I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LOVE,
YOUR SON
ELDER BURNS

Dear Grambo,

Thank you so much for your love and concern. It is so awesome that you found your keys. I can’t believe it !!! Did you have fun going out to dinner for mother’s day?

That would have been cool. I am so excited that you are happy. Everything here is going awesome I’m still happy and healthy. I love you tons. I’ll talk to you later

Love,

YOUR GRANDSON

ELDER BURNS

Dear Crystal,

I am doing awesome I am still loving the mission I really miss home...lol well I love you. You are so awesome.

GO ASIANS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love,
ELDER BURNS

Dear dad and Jared,

That is so awesome that you heard Heavenly Father’ss voice telling you to listen to your parents. On my mission, I have to rely on the Holy Ghost and its promptings. That is so awesome!!! Everything is going awesome here in Armidale. We had a family at church on Sunday. It was a mom and 4 kids. It was so awesome! One of them is 9, and 2 are 8, and one is 7, and they all love coming to church. The branch went crazy when they saw them. We also had our 2 Chinese investigators come to church Ethan and Water...lol. We set a baptismal date with both of them for the 5th of June/ They are awesome and they both have testimonies of Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. And then Moses was there as well. So it was a really, really great week at church for Armidale. The branch is going great. Yes the baptism went down that is so cool and Margaret is going great. So far as getting into the community, I probably need some more money in my account to pay for renting sports equipment and stuff. Probably 50 dollars if you could do that it would help a lot. That is to cover for this month and next for equipment rental. Well I love you guys tons and...I haven’t seen the puppy yet but yes, Jared is cuter.

Love your son,
ELDER BURNS

05/02/2010

Ya, the sports clubs are so that we can get to know the people up here and have people see that we get involved in the community.


This week has been awesome. I love my new area. Armidale is great. We have a baptism coming up; His name is Andrew... Email here is expensive. Its 1 dollar for every 10 minutes. How is everything with the family? I’m excited to hear from you guys. I will be calling you guys this week, probably Wednesday, to set up what time we want to do the mother’s day phone call. So just make sure that you guys are home on Tuesday there it will be night time there when I call so you should be there. Everything here is going great I am still happy and healthy.

Love ya tons.
Your son,
ELDER BURNS

04/27/2010

Dear mom,


I can’t believe that I got transferred-it’s so crazy. I want you to know that my companion is awesome and you don’t need to worry about me. One of the reasons that I got sent up here was because president Scruggs wanted me to head the work on the university in Armidale. I also find it awesome that grandpa came to this zone on his mission. Well I just want you to know how much I love you.

You are so awesome!

LOVE,

YOUR SON
ELDER BURNS

P.S. - It snows in Armidale-it will be just like home...LOL

Dear dad,

Right now I am actually in Tamworth emailing you. It is such a beautiful town. We are still on our way to Armidale. You know, Armidale is about 8 hours north of Richmond and it’s the furthest northern area in the mission. President Scruggs has great faith in me he wants me to start setting up proselyting work at the university. My new companions name is Elder Summers. He is about 6 foot 5 and weighs about 280 pounds. He played football for Snow College. He is awesome and he is really funny. The awesome thing about being in a branch is that I get to join sports clubs and stuff. It’s really awesome. I think that grandpa might want to know that Tamworth is a ward now with about 150 people that attend church each week. Armidale is still pretty tiny. They are going to be combining the missions both the north and the south if that’s the change that you are talking about but please let me know if there is anything you don’t think that I will know. Are grandma and grandpa Burns coming here? Did they get another mission call? Well I love you tons and I’ll let you know how I like it next week.

LOVE YOUR SON,
ELDER BURNS

04/25/2010

Hey I just wanted to let you know that I got transferred to Armidale in northern Australia. It is a really small town out in the middle of nowhere. There is a branch there, not a ward, with only seven people in it. I will email you more on Wednesday


This should be way awesome!

love your son,

ELDER BURNS

04/18/2010

Dear Dad+Jared,


Everything here is going really well. We will be baptizing Margaret on the 8th of May and I will be performing it. I’m so excited!!!

That is awesome that he got a baby hermit crab...lol. That is very sad to hear about Sarah, but I will always see her as my sister. Now I have to start telling people I’m the oldest of 4 instead of the oldest of 5 but that’s ok :). How is everything going with Jared and his anger? And how is Grambo? I always worry.

Well I’m still loving my mission and the work is going forward. Transfers are next week so we will see what happens. If me and elder Bryner split up, I will be training someone as well as being a district leader. So we will see... I love you tons and wish I could write more.

LOVE YOUR SON/BROTHER,
ELDER BURNS

Dear MOM,

Everything here is going really well me and Elder Bryner are still great friends we haven’t gotten in a fight yet...lol the only thing that is worrying me is the upcoming transfers that we have I don’t know if I’ll be staying and Margaret wanted me to baptize her. But wherever I go it’s the Lord’s will, so I will be happy.

Thank you so much for ordering the shoes. They lasted me a good 8 months, so that was awesome.

I really don’t need anything but I think it would be a good idea to ship the shoes separately. Guess what, we got a massage chair for free this week. It works awesome... We found it on the side of the road. I also got an email from josh stock, and was really excited to hear that my old boss Joe got baptized on Saturday and Josh got to perform the baptism. Joe started investigating the church when he found out that we both where going to be leaving on a mission. Isn't that awesome!!!! Well I love you tons

LOVE YOUR SON,

ELDER BURNS

Letter from Elder Burns, 04/11/10

Dear DAD+MOM



Havent I been away from home for 7 months now I went into the mtc on september 9 and now it is april 12 i think thats 7 months lol but thats ok...

That is so awesome that you guys had fun at grandma and grandpas place a mint milkshake sounds really nice. conference was awesome I really liked the talk that was given by Elder holland he is always so bold i also liked the talk on patience by elder uchdor... it was really awesome. we had 3 of our investigators come to conference and they enjoyed it tons. we had a chance to teach metui this last week and he is starting to progress once more we have an awesome week set up this week we set up a meal appointment every night this week with part member families that want to hear about the gospel its gonna be awesome. me and elder bryner are still together and still the best of friends. we have transfers coming up on the 27th of april so its not really to far away we think that we will still be together for another transfer. I sent the pictures on last tuesday I think they should be their soon. everything here is going great and margaret still has her baptismal date.

I love you guys tons

YOUR SON

ELDER BURNS

Letter from Elder Burns, 04/06/2010

DEAR DAD


yesterday was a public holiday so email was closed so i am emailing on Tuesday.

this week has been really really good we had an easter fireside that me and elder bryner set up and there where heaps of people there that were nonmembers the work in richmond is really starting to go forth very very well. margaret is still doing well and will be baptized in the coming weeks .
Today I had the opportunity to go to zone conference and learn more about the atonement. I had a wonderful spiritual experience in one of the workshops we went around and shared a spiritual experience that we had. I shared the one about margaret and as I shared that I was crying pretty bad and me and Elder sunnex the assistant to president were both bawling our eyes out the spirit was so strong and I am so thankful for the gospel in my life. BTW my trainer ELDER KINGI IS NOW ONE OF THE ASSISTANTS TO PRESIDENT SCRUGGS SO ME AND HIM CAN GO ON EXCHANGES WHENEVER ITS AWESOME.

that is so awesome that you are finishing your book about Azrandrek make sure you get it published so that you can make some money... that would be awesome. ILL QUIT USING MY CARD...LOL

you guys are so awesome and I love your messages every week thank you so much

LOVE

YOUR SON

ELDER BURNS

Letter from Elder Burns, 03/28/2010

Dear Dad,


I have found that as well that bearing your testimony is the way to end a bash I havent had that measure of success yet but i hope that i will eventually. this week we set a baptismal date with margaret for the 24th of april. it will be so exciting for her to enter into the waters of baptism we also met with metui's girlfriend this week it was really good. richmond area is really on fire things are going so great here I have been on a diet these last 2 weeks and have been losing heaps of weight i now weigh 227 pounds we have been running a mile every day and lifting weights and I have lost heaps of fat and gained tons of muscle... its awesome.

I continue to love australia and the people here are great thank you so much for all that you do for me.



LOVE your son



ELDER BURNS

Letter from Elder Burns, 03/21/2010

This week has been awesome thank you so much for putting my name in the temple we have been greatly blessed with miracles. This week we had 4 people at church who are all progressing towards baptism richmond area is really starting to take off with me and elder bryners companionship. we are finding really good people we had a family that we are teaching at church just yesterday... Because its monday here. Its amazing what bringing a family to church does for the ward. Everyone is so excited and the ward is just taking off were getting heaps of referrals because we have been working tons with members. BUT NOW I HAVE TO TELL YOU ABOUT A STORY THAT IS GOING TO GET ME INTO THE ENSIGN...LOL MAYBE... SO LAST MONDAY NIGHT ME AND ELDER BRYNER WERE PLANNING FOR TUESDAY AND WE FELT THE NEED TO DO STREET CONTACTING FOR 3 HOURS IN THE MORNING SO WE STARTED THE MORNING WALKING AROUND TALKING TO PEOPLE AND EVERYONE WAS TRYING TO BASH WITH US AND TAKE OUR BELIEF AWAY. SO IN ALL THESE STRUGGLES ELDER BRYNER TURNED TO ME AND SAID "YOU KNOW ELDER BURNS WHEN SO MUCH BAD IS HAPPENING SOMETHING GOOD IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN" SO WE KEPT WALKING AND WE WALKED BY SOME SHOPS AND WE SAW THAT COKE WAS ON SALE FOR 1$ A CAN WICH IS REALLY CHEAP HERE IT WAS A MIRACLE!!!!


SO WE TOOK A SHORT COKE BREAK IT WAS GREAT THIS 90 YEAR OLD MAN TRIED TO BASH WITH US IT WAS AWESOME.

THEN WE REALIZED THAT WE HAD TO GET TO OUR INVESTIGATORS HOUSE SO WE TOOK A ROUTE THAT WE THOUGHT WOULD GET US THERE AND WE GOT LOST. AND WE WERE WALKING DOWN THE STREET AND WE SAW THIS LADY WHO WAS MOWING HER LAWN AND THE DUST WAS FLYING EVERYWHERE AND GRASS WAS FLYING EVERYWHERE . SHE LOOKED REALLY BUSY SO WE WALKED BY AND WAVED AND THEN I HAD THE IMPRESSION TO TURN AROUND AND I DID I TURNED BACK AND SMILED AT HER AND SHE THEN SHUT OFF THE LAWN MOWER AND ASKED

"WHO ARE YOU GUYS" AND I WAS LIKE "WERE THE MISSIONARIES" SHE THEN CLAPPED HER HANDS TOGETHER AND SAID "GREAT IVE BEEN PRAYING FOR 3 WEEKS THAT GOD WOULD SEND MISSIONARIES TO MY DOOR IVE READ THE BOOK OF MORMON I KNOW THAT ITS TRUE I KNOW THAT JOSEPH SMITH IS A PROPHET AND I WANT YOU TWO TO HELP ME ON THE STEPS TO BAPTISM INTO YOUR CHURCH.

SINCE THEN WE WENT BACK THAT NIGHT AND TAUGHT LESSON 1 AND WE HAVE TAUGHT LESSON 2 AND SHE HAS COMMITTED TO LIVE THE WORD OF WISDOM

SHE DOESNT HAVE ANY CONCERNS. ITS AMAZING HOW MUCH THE LORD IS PRESENT IN MISSIONARY WORK .

AQUA GOLF IS A DRIVING RANGE THAT YOU HIT GOLF BALLS INTO A LAKE AND THERE ARE BASKETS IN THE LAKE IF YOU MAKE IT INTO ANY OF THEM YOU WIN MONEY.

THIS IS MY LETTER TO THE WHOLE FAMILY I WAS TEACHING A LADY WHILE I WAS EMAILING YOU SO IT TOOK ME THE WHOLE HOUR TO WRITE THIS.



ILOVE YOU GUYS SO MUCH YOU ARE SO AWESOME



LOVE YOUR SON



ELDER BURNS.

Letter from Elder Burns 03/14/2010

DEAR MOM, And Dad



This last week has been awesome we were able to participate in a mission tour and we had ELDER HAMULA come from the quorum of the seventy.  It was so awesome! He is one of the most inspired men I have ever met.  He should be speaking at general conference this coming one in April. I am continuing to love my mission. It's amazing that I have been out for 7 months! It has just flown by. Transfers were this week.  We had some big changes to the district, but Elder Bryner and I are still together, WHICH IS AWESOME! We get along so well together and its like being with a best friend.  We still havent had any baptisms in richmond, but were working on it.  It seems like the ward is just not too great at fellowshipping people, but we are working alot with the members.

I am working really hard to become a better teacher so that I can be prepared for the new missionaries coming in.

Elder Kingi, my trainer, is now an assistant to President Scruggs so that's really cool.  He and I can go on exchanges now. We have been able to get alot more people to church lately as we have focused our teaching on personal experiences it has helped tons.

I am still loving everything and striving always to do my best.  Thank you so much for the words of encouragement.  It helps so much to know that I have a loving mom and dad to always be there for me.

We have a zone activity today.  We are going to play Aqua golf and it should be awesome.

Thank you for all that you do.

Love your son ,

Elder Burns

Letters from Elder Burns Feb 7, 14, and 21st.

From Elder Burns on 2/7/2010


I'm doing ok and I am happy that I am able to email you today. The trials that we receive in this life will make us stronger(1:peter 1:7) . Your grandma and others - mom/great grandma and great great grandma, what a great team that her and grandpa will make in the spirit world teaching through their life experience and not to mention Roger. Read (D&C section 4) " A marvelous work is coming forth among the children of men", and they are helping it come to pass. They are teaching the lost and finding the weak. What greater work is there than that?

(ALMA 7:11-13),(john 3:17),The savior suffered all pains and afflictions we will be required to suffer in this life. Some say it isn't fair, but all things are done in the knowledge of him that knows all things(can't remember that reference). Only God knows why things happen, but this family is indeed being tried and with much suffering will come many blessings.

The baptisms that we had set have fell through because I struggle to commit people to come to church. I could really use some help on that. Metui's baptism fell through because his girlfriend got in the way. She is against the church but that will change and Metui will still be baptized soon.

I have had great success in my teaching skills through studying every day and prayer. The Lord blesses us after all we can do, and I'm doing all that I can.

I love gq-ing which is street contacting, and I like tracting so that's one really good thing. One thing that I have noticed on my mission is that I am always able to stay happy which has helped me a ton. We are now finding a lot of people to teach.

Without prayer I couldn't make It the power of prayer will help us through everything.

Read Ether 12:27. It will help - it helps me every time.

I loved the package that you sent I love the goodies

Happy VALENTINES DAY

I LOVE YOU

YOUR SON

ELDER BURNS



From Elder Burns on 2/14/2010

Well if you do get this Email I want you to know how much I love all of you and how thankful I am to have you as part of my family. This week went great. I have a new companion, Elder Bennett got emergency transferred to Ryde to work in the Chinese program that should be good for him. My new companion's name is Elder Bryner.

He is really nice. There must be some reason he got emergency transferred, but that's ok. My mission is still going awesome and I love Australia. We are still working with Metui to get him baptized.

I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH AND I HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU NEXT WEEK

LOVE YOUR SON

ELDER BURNS



From Elder Burns on 2/21/2010

I wrote a really long email to you and the computer died and deleted it all so I will just condense it a little.

Elder Bryner is the best companion ever! He is so awesome it's like hanging out with a best friend and we both love missionary work and we get along really well.

I am so happy that things are going really well at home that Jared is doing better and that Crystal is continuing in the piano.

That sucks that no-one would pay more [$150] for the car, but that's ok. Sometimes things like that happen.

Richmond area is going well. We have some people progressing, and I am learning HEAPS from Elder Bryner.

I love you tons,

I'LL TALK TO YOU LATER

YOUR SON

ELDER BURNS

Letters from Elder Burns 01/24/2010

CLICK HERE FOR FULL ARTICLE

Dear dad

114 [missionaries from our stake]? Wow, that’s way crazy!

That inspiration that you have received is what i have needed most. Sometimes we struggle to do those things and it throws our entire day off.

Walking and riding bikes is not missionary work. It’s teaching and studying and sharing the gospel with your companion and a lot of times, it is hard but we have been working so hard with that and are getting more consistent.

Just yesterday, our week of hard work really payed off. We went tracting in an area out in the middle of nowhere because when we were planning in the morning the spirit directed us to tract there and no one has ever tracted there before. So we followed the spirit and we weren’t finding much success until we ran into this family. They are a white family from South Africa and when we approached there door they invited us in and we taught them the plan of salvation and committed them to come to church next week. The mom’s name is kinda funny. It’s Birgit and the dad’s name is normal – it’s been and i can’t remember the kid’s names, but they were awesome. The lord will greatly bless us if we are doing our best. I have seen that on my mission.

Just the other day i made sushi and it was awesome... Man, wasabi is hot!

That is such an amazing story of sacrifice [the violin – story told by Thomas s. Monson about Benjamin Landart, a pioneer] and love for the lord and it greatly strengthened my testimony.

Thank you so much for your love

You’re the best dad ever
Love
Your son
Elder burns

Dear mom

It sounds like you had an awesome sacrament meeting. Strength and courage are the things a missionary needs most and praying always that we can be comforted, and honor our heavenly father because even though he knows all of our thoughts, he still needs to hear from us. He requires us to act.

I had the opportunity to go to the temple on the 19th and it was such an amazing experience. You learn more and more each time you go and it’s awesome.

I am doing amazing. Just yesterday, our week of hard work really payed off. We went tracting in an area out in the middle of nowhere because when we were planning in the morning the spirit directed us to tract there and no one has ever tracted there before so we followed the spirit and we weren’t finding much success until we ran into this family. They are a white family from South Africa and when we approached there door they invited us in and we taught them the plan of salvation and committed them to come to church next week. The mom’s name is kinda funny. It’s Birgit and the dad’s name is normal – it’s been and I can’t remember the kid’s names, but they were awesome. The lord will greatly bless us if we are doing our best. I have seen that on my mission.

President Scruggs told me in interviews that i would most likely be staying with elder Bennett one more transfer, so that will be awesome.

You are the best mom ever and I love you, and you are always in my prayers. You don’t know how much you have helped me in my life, but I want you to know you’re awesome

Love

Your son

Elder burns

Letters from Elder Burns 01/17/2010

CLICK HERE FOR FULL ARTICLE

Dear dad

I love you so much and thank you for the last minute message. I had the opportunity to go to the temple today. It is always such an amazing experience to go into the house of the Lord. I actually put Jared’s name on the prayer roll and I also put Grandma Brown’s name on as well.

We have 2 [baptisms] that are going to happen this month - Matui and also Amol. Alf and Joan have been pushed to next month so that they can come to church more.

Thank you so much for the letter
I love you tons
Your son,
ELDER BURNS

Dear MOM

I have baptized 1 so far and have a few incoming. The work is going awesome. The word on the street is that I might be training a new missionary next transfer, so that will be fun. I hope that I am up to it.

I have got all of the packages you sent and I love them so much you are such an amazing mother and thank you for everything that you do for me I love the jammies. Let Barbara know that I am thinking about her and I love her.

I LOVE YOU SO MUCH
YOUR SON
ELDER BURNS

Dear Grambo

Thank you so much for the pajamas and the pillow cases you made for me. I love them. I want you to know how much I love you. You are so awesome and your letters are awesome. I’m so grateful to have you as my grandma and I love you for that.

The mission is going awesome and I love the work. The best thing is that I am doing the best that I can for once in my life.

I love you so much!
LOVE
YOUR FRIEND
ELDER BURNS

Dear crystal

I love you so much

I am doing wonderful and my teaching is going awesome. Ya, kangaroos are funny looking lol. I love pork roast, it’s the best!!!!

Thank you so much for your letter

I love you tons
Your bro
Elder burns

Letters on 01/10/2009

Dear Mom,


I have had an awesome week. I haven’t gotten any other packages other than the Christmas one. I don’t know if you had anything else that you sent. I carved the little knife myself...:)

I love you tons! I’ll talk to you later.

Dear dad

Man was that clip funny! The monster truck usually doesn’t tip over, so that was kind of wierd...but awesome at the same time.

Ya, it’s awesome we have an appointment with Alf and Joan today. We are sacrificing half of our preparation day to find new people. I know that we will be blessed in doing that. It was no problem getting those Christmas presents.

I sent Jared a birthday gift...DONT TELL HIM!!! It’s been hard to lose weight because we have a car, but I am still trying really hard to lose weight.

It's pretty hard to have a favorite scripture but I have chosen that one [Ether 12:27] as my favorite. I try harder and harder every day to center my life around the Lord and be the best I can be. I am always striving to do my best.

It’s crazy to think that I have already been out on my mission for 5 months, but I’m seeing the lords hand in all that I do and I am becoming better and better at sharing the gospel. I love the Lord; I love this gospel, and I love you. Thank you for all that you have done for me.


Dear jared,

I loved getting that stuff for you and it was fun to make the little knife.

Ya, I love monster trucks.. You got a new suit for church? That’s awesome:) Ya, Christmas was awesome. I miss you too. Love you tons!

Love

Elder Burns