Week Twenty Nine - Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief 3/30

Dear Friends and Family,

This week I met the Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief. We were taking a

shortcut through this field where you can literally see at least a mile

in every direction. It's so flat. I saw this man and I tried to go talk to him about

the gospel. He very sternly said to me "I took this way so I didn't

have to talk, So good day." Then stormed off. I was a little angry at

his attitude, so my companions and I were talking after, and we turned

around, and he was GONE!! 70-year-old men don't walk THAT fast!! I

literally thought it was an angel, testing us, and I had failed.

  

Later that day, a while we were walking, we got cut off so closely

I though I was dead. Then it parked right in our path... Anyways, then

what then proceeded blew my mind. The Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief then

proceeded to get out of the car and tell us that he thought we were

angels too!! Haha.

  

Anyways, I am pretty much out of time, But go check out the BECAUSE

HE LIVES video and share it with everyone!! 

http://www.mormon.org/easter

I love y'all!

ELDER SHAWN MICHAEL MURRAY

Week Twenty Eight - I LOVE this area 3/23

Dear Friends & Family,   

So! This week on Monday was Elder Bladen's Birthday! We set up the

SLACKLINE and ate and had alot of fun. It was sweet.

Then this week it sprinkled a lot. Like I can't describe it. It

wasn't raindrops, but it was such a hard mist that we were sopping

wet. It was weird. But to get out of the rain one night we got to go

eat at Golden Corral.

This week we had 160 baptisms!! That may just be because I got to

go to the Lubbock Temple this past Saturday with the Ward's Youth and

baptize 160 people. I am so sore. Do you think this is how Alma felt

all the time? It was a such great experience!

I love this area! If you are thinking about a mission, Just do it.

I love this gospel. I love the Lord. I know without a doubt in my mind

that this is the True Church of Jesus Christ.

Love - Elder Shawn Michael Murray

Week Twenty Seven - Arriving in Amarillo 3/16

Dear Friends and Family,

SO I AM IN AMARILLO! I serve in the 3rd Ward.

  

I love my companions. TODAY IS ELDER BLADEN'S BIRTHDAY!!!!!  Elder Bladen goes home after this and He was Elder Backus' Companion. He is a great guy. I love him to death. We're so similar it's weird. Then Elder Newberry is our Trainee! He is such a good kid! He is a little workhorse. I love him.  My address is  3631 Brennan Blvd  Apt #9f  Amarillo, TX 79121  My apartment is like 4.5 times bigger than my last one. And that is kind of how my area is. I am use to the Cabins that all the native americans live in. The houses here are HUGE!! Look up "The Colonies."  It's nuts!

Anyways. So I am in a car area, but all we have done is biked. And boy am I going to get into shape. I am getting not fat again!  haha.  But members feed us EVERY NIGHT. So I am kind maintaining some of it as well.

  

The people here are SO different from the Apache's I'm use to. It's pretty weird. I love it.

  

Then one day we met the funniest 90-year-old I have every met. She talked to us for literally an hour and a half. Her name was "Andis Anderson". She was so funny.

  

Also this week we had Pi Day. The date was { 3.14(15) 9:26.54 } That's a pretty uncommon thing as far as I am concerned. I was pretty impressed.

  

Then we were asked to go to a funeral for a Lady name Wanda Moreman. Yea. Say Siser Moreman out loud for me. Best name ever. It was a great funeral and graveside service. Super spiritual.

  

Oh and we got roped into the Ward choir... Hahaha.  This will be a great transfer.

I love the Lord. I am His Servant, and will do His will.

Love,

Elder Shawn Michael Murray

Week Twenty Six - Leaving the Reservation 3/9

Dear Friends and Family,

I am getting transferred to Amarillo Texas tomorrow. 

There is so much that I could say.  I'll be in a trio. 

I am so thankful to have served in Mescalero, on the Apache

Reservation. With the help of everyone around me, I have really

changed. I love the Lamanites. I have truly fallen in love with this

work. I have come to a knowledge of my Redeemer. I know He lives. I

love Him, and will serve Him till my days end. I know that He (through

the Prophet Joseph Smith) has his true church on the earth today. He

leads that church by the power and Authority of His priesthood. I love

Him. I just finished the Book of Mormon this morning, and I know

without a shadow of a doubt that it holds the fullness of the

everlasting gospel.

Love - 

Elder Shawn Michael Murray

shawn.murray@myldsmail.net

PS - I'll send my address as soon as I know the new one.  

Week Twenty Five - Fat and Happy 3/2

This was the craziest, fastest week of my life.

  

Every time is Monday, I always think of saying "It's a monday, I

gotta do it one more time" Other than that,

Monday was uneventful.

Tuesday we had a super spiritual Meeting with some other

missionaries, and we talked a lot about our life goals and priorities.

(Some of mine are a Temple Marriage; a Home, not just a house; and to

have trust between my kids and I. My parents did a good job at leading

those by example) I really reevaluated myself. It was great.

  

Other than that, Until Saturday, nothing happened! But then we had

a baptism for this Girl named Charolotte, and she is 15, (it was her

birthday) and she is AWESOME!! it was so spiritual!

She asked to Confirm her Sunday!

I ran out of time for this letter, but just know I'm Fat and Happy.

Love Elder Murray.

Week Twenty Four - I'm trying to be like Jesus 2/23

Thank you everyone for your love and support for Shawn, especially these last couple of weeks. He seems like he is doing really well.  

Love - Jennica 

Dear Friends & Family,

So this week was super interesting!

First off, we had dinner with some of the Recent Converts, Matthew

and Courtnie Naiche. We ate stuffed Fry-bread. It's so good, but so

unhealthy. It was a lot of fun! Then Elder Mangum and I brought the

Sundaes for dessert!

Then I got to go on Exchanges with Elder Backus a few days back, in

Roswell, NM! It was a lot of fun, and a really good growing

experience. We talked about how the night before he got set apart I

came over and said "See ya in 2!"... How wrong I was. I am so thankful

for him and his loving example to me. We had a whole lot of time to

reminisce about good ol' Murray, Utah and the Memories. It was a good

change. One I really needed.

The Next day I went on exchanges with Elder Slater, and we got

stuck in a mud pile. An hour and a half later, I had muddy shoes in

the backseat, My pants were rolled up over my knees, and I had taken

my tie off to push the car. I was covered head to toe in mud. Oh the

good Samaritan who pulled us out laughed so hard.

Then Saturday we helped Larry and Kelly on the Farm get their

Tractor Unstuck. So that was funny. I also got to feed a baby horse,

and hold a Lamb on my shoulders. (I'm trying to be like Jesus in all

sorts of ways).

Saturday night we had Stake Conference, and it was so good! The

spirit was super strong, and I learned so much! Afterwards President

Heap took us all to Dairy Queen and wouldn't let anyone pay! He is too

nice to us. Haha. Then he also felt bad some guys behind us had

waited, so he paid for theirs as well!

Sunday Larry and Kelly came to stake conference and cried the whole

time! it was so great!!

I hope y'all had as great of a week as I did. I love you. Y'all are in

my prayers.

Elder Shawn Michael Murray

Week Twenty Three - Staying on the Reservation 2/16

Dear Friends and Family,

Well, I am still in Mescalero, on the Indian Reservation. I've even

learned to speak some Apache. So that's sweet. I also am a master at

sawing down a tree, chopping it up, then making a fire... So that's

some good life skills.

So I am truly happy. I always thought it was so stinking cheesy

when people spoke about the gospel like it was always the answer. I

can sincerely say though, that it is. I have learned so much through

my mission. I look back to who I was, and never want to be like that

again. I know that Satan does not want us to repent. He makes us think

we're too deep in. But I know that the savior is here with you, and

for you. You can change. Start today.  

Elder Jorg Klebingat spoke about this last conference. Go watch it.

(https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/approaching-the-throne-of-god-with-confidence?lang=eng)

Then I can promise your happiness.

I love y'all.

Elder Shawn Michael Murray.

Week Twenty Two - My Testimony 2/9

Dear Friends and Family,

Well this week was pretty uneventful, so, I'll just bear my testimony,

and invite y'all to write me letters and send hard copy's of pictures!

I know that this gospel is the most important thing you will ever

hear, share, and do in your lives. I will never back down from it. I

am not ashamed of it. I love the Savior, His Father and the Holy

Ghost. I know that they love me. I hope that you can all humble

yourselves, like I did, and let this into your life. I love y'all and

your in my prayers. I stand before you all as a witness that God

lives. I know this in the Name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Love - 

Elder Shawn Murray

Week Twenty - Snow Storm and Book of Mormon Surgery 1/26

This week was crazy! One day, it was snowing SUPER hard, and so we

went to Check on the other elders, and once we got there, we got

called into a snow day. It was a crazy storm almost two feet. Haha. So

that was hilarious. We still decided to walk around and go knocking

for a little bit in Ruidoso even. There was ABSOLUTELY NO WAY we would

have made it to Mescalero.

Then Thursday we had to do surgery on my Book of Mormon, for the

Binding fell off the back. Apperently tough love doesn't always do the

job. But super glue did.

Then I also did service on a Ranch (for our investigator Larry and

Kelly Nenyez) this week, Cleaning out Stalls, Refencing, and Making

these awesome wood horse head Mailboxes. So yay for power tools! It

was so much fun.

Last but not least I am staying in Mescalero with Elder Mangum for the

next Six Weeks!!

Week Nineteen - Elder Bednar 1/19

Hello Friends and Family,

This week I am going to start off backwards. So Yesterday we had a

special stake conference with Elder Villarreal and Elder Lawrence of the

70 in Roswell, and they spoke all on our personal potential. It was a

lot about Patriarchal Blessings. I would challenge y'all to start

preparing to receive your Patriarchal Blessing if you have not yet. It

will be one of the greatest guiding blessings you will ever have in

your life.

Then Friday was a big day. All 260 missionaries got together for a

Mission Conference with Elder Villarreal and Elder Lawrence, Presiding

Bishop Dean M. Davies, and Elder David A. Bednar.  It was sick.  We had the most

overwhelming spiritual environment that I have ever experienced. We

literally had a conversation with them. At one point Elder Bednar

pointed to me and called on me and said "Elder, What today have you learned from

the Spirit, that has not been said?" and I Replied " I have looked up

to you my whole life. I have wanted to be exactly like you, and I have

deeply admired your Testimony and Conversion. But tonight I've

realized that your Conversion and Testimony couldn't save me. They

could, and have helped my Testimony, but the could not help my

Personal Conversion. Until I wanted to be Converted to the Lord, I was

not going to spiritually survive in this world. I had to become

Converted through my Personal Efforts." He just looked at me, and said

"That was very well put.  I now know why I came here.  That's what I

needed to hear today."  Chills ran through me. I helped an Apostle of God, and a Special

Witness of the Lord Jesus Christ. And there were so many things which

I can't even explain or say that happened as well.

I can't even describe how deeply that humbled me and my testimony. I

love the Lord and His restored gospel.

And I love y'all and you're in my prayers.

Love Elder Shawn Michael Murray.

Week Eighteen - Study Study Study 1/12

This week was nothing special...

I like these scriptures though...

Mosiah 2:41

D&C 130:2

Isaiah 55:8-9

So I studied A LOT this last week. I had some great studies. I have

especially been studying Christs Last week on this earth and the

ATONEMENT.

I really like to read. Its weird. I feel more excited about reading

than when I started the Harry Potter Trilogy... Just kidding. The

gospel is 100,000 times better. I really have enjoyed it. I would Like

to challenge y'all to read from The Bible and The Book of Mormon each

day. I know that together they will bring you to the "knowledge of

[your] Redeemer" (Mosiah 18:30) I love this Gospel. It has literally

and figuratively saved my life. I love being on a mission. If you have

the Prompting to go... Just do it. No questions asked.

I love y'all and you're in my prayers.

Love,

Elder Shawn Michael Murray

P.S. Please share with me something YOU like about the scriptures THIS WEEK.

Week Seventeen - Crazy New Years 1/5

Hey!! I found another Scripture that has become my other favorite!!

It's Isaiah 55:8-9. It's so sweet!

This week was Sweet. So last Monday after Emailing, we went to see

this awesome Couple named Larry and Kelly, whose livelyhood is their

MASSIVE ranch that they run. It's SO sweet!

Tuesday was crazy. We had a meeting with our District and then we went

out to lunch, and this guy that was just leaving went up to the front

counter, and payed for us, while we were still at the back of the

line. Then that stinkin dude tried to drive off before we found out

and could say thankyou!... But we caught him. Haha. Then because we

were on exchanges I got to drive!! I was with Elder Peterson, and we

laughed all night till I couldn't breath!!

Then New Years Eve we ate at the Buffet at the INN of the Mountain

God's and I don't think I have ever ate that much.I thought I was

going to die. Then we went to this Pow Wow. It was sweet. Traditional

Indian Dancing, Singing, and LOTS of loud drums. Then I was so tired

that we went back into the Apartment at like 9:30 to rest until Right

before midnight... and then we just kept sleeping...

So New Years Day!! It was a snowstorm. They closed down the highways

and we were stuck on the Reservation all day...and a miracle we got

home. We kept sliding off the road, dodging crashes, and somehow

getting out of the gutters. The Lord really is with us.

The rest of the week was pretty much boring. Haha Except for the fact

that we had to call the Police on a Domestic disturbance on our

neighbors! It was crazy. It ended up that 5 cops came.... Crazy

Texan's.

And I almost forgot! I found a Woody Doll that even had ANDY written

on his foot!!!

I know that y'all are making new years resolutions. Make a Spiritual

one for me, then tell me about it.

I love y'all.

Elder Shawn Michael Murray

Week Sixteen - Talking to Family 12/29

This week felt like an Eternity, but went by like Lightning.

First of all, a weather report. We have had lightning storms for

monday and tuesday, and the rest of the week was a snow storm!! It hit

4 degrees last night!!

Then this week I got to speak with my family, which was just grand! I

really love that we as missionaries had that privilege this week.

I am so blessed.

3 Nephi 5:13 - Therefore they did forsake all their sins, and their abominations, and their whoredoms, and did serve God with all diligence day and night.

I hope y'all had a Merry Christmas and Have a Happy New Year.

With Love, Elder Shawn Michael Murray.

Week Fifteen - Christmas Party - 12/22

So this week has been so much fun. But the most important part was the Christmas party. Sometimes it's just good to see that Missionaries are real people too. I love being a missionary. I love that I got to take a 6 hour road trip with 4 other missionaries with the same struggles I have, and finding the same happiness that I have. I love Jesus Christ.

I love this Gospel. I love My Family, My Boys, and My Friends.

Merry Christmas.

Elder Shawn Michael Murray

Week Fourteen - Transfers - 12/15

SO MUCH TO SAY, SO LITTLE TIME.

So today I just had to tell you that this week we had another Baptism. Her name was Hazel, and she is awesome. We found her two and a half weeks ago and she said she wanted to turn to God. She had just (earlier that week) seen her fiance die in her arms. She had also lost her Grandma who practically raised her a month and a half ago. She LOVED the plan of Salvation and wants to "never sin ever again". She is also trying to get her whole family into the gospel.

   

Then we also got TRANSFER CALLS. Elder Darby is going to Lubbock, and I am staying with a Elder Mangum. I will forever be grateful for Elder Darby, and the change that him and the spirit have wrought in me. He has changed my life.

   

I wish I had more to say, but just know this. I am happy. I am fully living the gospel to it's full extent. I know that this brings happiness and will change  lives. Live it today. That is just it. There is NOTHING more important in this life that the gospel. There is always time for it. Invite at least one person to hear of our marvelous, unique message. There is the True church of Jesus Christ on the Earth today. Let's be His Latter-day Saints. I cannot imagine my life without it, and If I don't share that, God will hold me accountable at the last day for it. I love you all. I know what God expects of us. Let us do our part. Let us be who he wants us to be. Be in the world, but not of the world.

Have a Merry Christmas. Find the Spirit of Christmas, but better yet, find the Spirit of Christ. 

Christmas.Mormon.Org 

#SharetheGift

With a full heart of Love, Elder Shawn Murray

#ApacheNation

Week Thirteen - 12/8

I just wanted to thank you all for supporting Shawn.  It means a lot to him and to us.  He looks forward to hearing from each of you and also hearing updates from me about you.  

Email him if you have a minute.  shawn.murray@myldsmail.net

~Jennica

Dear Family & Friends,

This week was a riot, but it was for sure crazy.

So this week I went on an Exchange to Ruidoso and it was awesome. We did a whole lot of service and made Gingerbread Houses with a member.

Gerry came out with us EVERY DAY for about 3-6 hours per day. He is amazing. I know that without members, missionaries couldn't do all they need to.

ALSO this week I got to Baptize someone!! And Confirm her son!! So Tracey told us two weeks ago that she was sincerely depressed, and so she was praying one day for help, "from a God she knew was there, but had pushed away." She got up off her knee's and had the feeling to go stack some wood when it was literally 10 degrees outside. She thought she was crazy, but she did it anyways. Then, we were walking by and we saw her. We told her about the Plan of Happiness and Joseph Smith restoring Christ's Church on the earth. From then on she said we (the gospel) were the light in her life. Her son, Victor (26) had also secretly been searching the Bible for an answer to Questions he had, which we answered, without us knowing his questions. I have never known someone who is more in tune with recognizing the spirit than these two. I baptized Tracey and Confirmed Victor, And Elder Darby visa versa.

ALSO Gerry got the Aaronic Priesthood, and a man named Matthew blessed the sacrament for the first time ever!

We are so blessed. I love this work. I have never felt more freedom or happiness than when I in line with God's Commandments with Exactness.

I love y'all and you're in my prayers.

Love, Elder Shawn Murray

Week Twelve - Stomach Flu - 12/1

First off, I am sorry I am late for y'all. The Library computers were all down Monday and so I have to email today Instead!

SO. Have you heard? He is the Gift... Haha. It's a Christmas Initiative that the church is putting out, and I would love if Y'all would #sharethegift on your social media's. Check it out. It's so darn

cool. > christmas.mormon.org <

So this week has been hectic. We went to about 5 Thanksgiving parties, before Thanksgiving Day. I have eaten way too much. But that was okay, I needed the strength badly. This is because two days before thanksgiving I got a stomach flu Thing and had a sick day. It SUCKED.

I am never doing that again. It was bad news bears. But I am a 110% now!!

Then Thanksgiving Day we ate at 2 different dinners and lunches, and other than that, We played Apples to Apples with the Ruidoso Trio, and A LOT of Basketball. It was a nice relaxing day... one well needed.

Other than that, we have had a pretty calm, chill week. We are preparing for three baptisms this weekend, Gerry is still doing amazing, and so thats my life.

Please write me letters. I want questions. I want to hear from y'all.

You're in my prayers. God bless each of you.

Love, Elder Shawn Murray

Week Eleven - Peed Pants - 11/24

This week was so long.  It was a good one though.

This week we had Zone Conference and we learned all about having a Balanced Life, how being Exactly Obedient brings Blessings, and how the Savior did not only go Preaching and Teaching, but He went Healing. It was some great lessons that really have already blessed me and encourage Y'all to study on those subjects. They also introduced an initiative that the Church is launching this Friday called He Is The Gift (#HeistheGift). Please look it up. Share it. And Help the Missionaries in your area spread the Joy that Christ brings in this special time of the year. It's going to be big.

Help it become bigger. We also had our Native American Month/Thanksgiving Dinner at the

Church. WE PACKED IT. We had a total of about 100 people there!! It was so awesome. We had sooooooooooo Much food. We ended up having so many leftovers, we made plates for people to take around and give to those whom were walking around in the cold. Then there's Gerry. He is seriously the coolest guy ever, He comes out literally everyday with us to lessons. He is trying to get our branch a bus to go around and pick people up. He commits EVERYONE he talks to, to going to church. And he also is starting a coat drive for all of those on the Res. who don't have coats. He's like dedicated himself to the growth of this Gospel.

Great things are happening. Numbers are growing, but more importantly, so are the individual's testimonies. People are getting excited again. It's good to be on the Res. #ApacheNation.

I love this gospel. I know that it's true. I wouldn't deny it ever. Thomas S. Monson is a living prophet of the Lord. The Lord lives. He restored His True Gospel through Joseph Smith. Daily Prayer and Scripture Study has changed my life. I know that This Message is the most important thing Y'all will hear in your life. I love this Work. (3 Nephi 5:13).

I sincerely love y'all. You are in my prayers.

WRITE ME!

Love - Elder Shawn Murray

P.S. I almost peed my pants at a lesson this week. Like literally, we

had to get up, half way through a lesson, and because the bathroom was

being used by the Dad to shower, I had to go in their back yard. Yea.

That was awkward. And the spirit was totally there... Then we just

walked back in, and without another word, Started teaching again...

HAHA. It was so funny. My pride was shot down. It surprisingly went

really well after that.  Funny Times.

Week Ten - and our trio is down to two... - 11/17

This week was probably the best week of my mission. It was just super fun.

   

The work has been just going well, The other two Elders and I finally figured out how to teach together, and we were on fire. We are finding new investigators, getting less active members pumped about church, and we did SO MUCH service. It was great. We cut wood for a total of 8 hours, helped build a dog house, I put new belts on some guys van, built a drainage/trench system... and so much more. Isn't service just great?

   

Then this happened. Our Mission President promised an Investigator named Gerry that he would be back for his Baptism, Whenever it happened. And this weekend Gerry got baptized. By the Mission

President. And he hadn't ever baptized anyone except his kids... Not even on his mission. It was the coolest thing I've ever witnessed. Then after that we went to dinner and just hung out with the Heaps! It was the coolest experience ever.

   

Sadly enough, they had another reason they came down. Our Land Lady got quite angry when she found out we had three of us in our apartment, and called the Mission Office and told them one of us had to go... By Saturday. Anyways, it worked out that one of us could go. Because that day the First Presidency had called President Heap, and told him one of the Missionary's waiting for his visa had to leave to India, that night.

   

So Elder Carlson is gone to Lubbock. Just like in Lion King, Simon and Pumba lost there little lion friend... "Our trio's down to two..."

Anyway's the Lord needs him. He'll do great things for Lubbock! AND IT SNOWED. It's usually about 40 degrees in the day, and last night it hit 9 degrees!! I didn't expect that when I got called to

TEXAS. It's pretty great.

  

I just want to end by say this. I know that the Book of Mormon is true. If you don't know it is, Please read from it, and Pray and ask God if it is true. (Moroni 10:4-5; James 1:5) Write me with questions

you may have, Invite the Missionary's over. I know that if you do that, you can find Everlasting Joy (Mosiah 2:41).

I love y'all and pray for you. Please. Take my Advice, Member or Not, Invite the missionaries over to hear their message.

Love, Elder Shawn Murray

Week Nine - super fast week - 11/10

This week went by WAY to fast.

As I said last week, we got an new Elder this week, and he's great.

His name is Elder B. Carlson, and he is from Sandy, Utah. He graduated

from West Jordan High School in 2013, and went to the U for a year to

study Mechanical Engineering. He's a great guy, and has been out on

his Mission for about 5 months. Somehow we squeezed into our

apartment, and we got a bunk bed. hahaha. Elder Carlson got top, I got

bottom. It's so funny.

We have been doing a whole lot of service, because everyone is

preparing for winter. There is no snow yet in the lower parts of the

Reservation, but Mescalero's Ski Apache Resort already is getting

snow, and it gets down to around 25 degrees after dark. Because of

Daylight Savings time, that is about 5:45 now. Anyways as Missionaries

we're lived as it says in Mosiah 2:17. I really have nothing to talk

about though, except for the fact that Jerry has a baptismal date for

this Saturday!! I am so excited for him!

I hope y'all know how blessed we are in this gospel. Everyone is in

need of this message we have. Follow the Holy Ghost, and tell everyone

the good news. I know that each person has someone that they could

invite to church this week. Someone who needs your prays. Someone who

needs the Missionaries message. I know that this is the true church. I

challenge Y'all to read the Book of Mormon more. I had a hard time

before the mission, and I know even Five minutes a day would change

your life. Pray sincerely, don't fall into the repetition we all do

sometimes. Repent of all you have done. We all need to Repent at all

times. Invite the missionaries over for dinner, and as them to teach

you the first lesson. Listen to them. Ask them for a Family Mission

plan. Have Family Home Evening. And do Geneology. It is a commandment.

I do not ask you these things, but I tell you these things for I know

they are true and I know they will bless you.

I love you all. And I say these things in the name of the Lord, Jesus

Christ, Amen.

Elder Shawn Michael Murray

p.s. UPDATED ADDRESS (same apartment... packages use to get sent to

the other Elders, and they'd give them to us.)

   114 Shaw Lane #12

   Ruidoso NM 88355

Shawn.murray@myldsmail.net

Week Eight - 11/3

Dear Everyone....

It was a hectic week, and therefore y'all will get a hectic weekly email.

This week was kind of a blur, other than the last few days. Nothing really happened until the day before halloween. That day was hilarious. We literally Got up, worked out, studied, and got in the

car for a road trip. It was us and two other Elders on our way to Lubbock. It's a five and a half hour trip, so it took up our whole day. It was such a fun trip. We were over loaded with travel treats.

Then we got to Lubbock for our Halloween Day Mission Tour with Elder Pino from the Quorum of the 70. He is so amazing. I learned so much from him. I could send another email purely about him if i wanted to, but there is no time! But read D&C 15 and 16 (they're really short). Read the headings too. A mission call from the Lord, through His Prophet, is extremely personal, even if it is only one word in difference.

After that we drove home, and spent Halloween Eve playing basketball at the church with the Ruidoso Elders. It was a riot.

The next night we had transfer calls. We were so scared. We finally got a TEXT, not even a call, around midnight that Elder Darby and I were both staying. We then heard that the Ruidoso Elders were becoming a trio.... Weird.

Then this morning we got a call saying there was a misunderstanding!! My heart dropped. Elder Darby and I weren't just staying, WE WERE ALSO BECOMING A TRIO!!! Elder Carlson comes in

tomorrow.

A LOT is about to change. I know I here to do what it says in D&C 50:14. I am learning humility, like Alma 29:9. And the Lord has called me to do that which is in Alma 17:11. I am here to bring the Laminates decadence back to this gospel. I love this work, I wouldn't rather be anywhere else. I know the Lord is good to me. And I say these things, in the name of our Holy Redeemer, the Lord Jesus the Christ, Amen.

Love Elder MURRAY.

Week Seven - Fastest week of Mission - 10/27

Here is the quick email that he sent!

I am so sorry, but this week I am going to have to write my mom the
group email in a letter. There is just not enough time for emailing!!
Haha. For now I will just leave y'all with my testimony.

God know's each and every one of you as an individual. He loves you.
Because of this He gives us commandments, so that we can return to
live with Him in Everlasting Joy and Eternal Happiness. (Mosiah 2:41).
I know that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world. If we follow Him,
we can be blessed beyond anything we can comprehend. I know that to be
true with all my heart. Although it is not always easy, it is worth
it. Keep your heads up. God is the king, and we have the right to
obtain His kingdom if we do all that he asks.

I love y'all, and hopefully my mommy will get my letter in the next few days.

Love - Elder Shawn Michael Murray

Here is the physical letter that he sent!

October 27, 2014 

Dear Family and Friends -

This week was probably not only the fastest week of my life, but especially of my mission.  I had some wild adventures though.  So here it goes.  Tuesday I was in a whole-new-world!  I was on another exchange, this time with Elder Backus’ Companion.  I went to Roswell, New Mexico.  It’s way different from the Res.  Instead of driving huge distances, we actually biked.  My companion and I weren't the only white people around.  Instead of rumors of Bigfoot (Mescalero) it was of Aliens (Roswell).  Instead of eating indian tacos on fry bread with a member, we ate steaks (12 ounces) with a member.  That was for sure an interesting experience being there.   

Then Wednesday was a solid day.  On the Res, everyone… and I mean EVERYONE is related.  Now this does tie in.  The last few weeks we have been trying to strengthen the branch by doing family movie night, but it has kind of failed.  So this week we decided to try family history night.  It was a hit.  Everyone loved it and it was all because I piped up.  I guess sometimes I do have good ideas.  We’ve been told that next week (this week is our halloween party) there’ll be around 40-50 of us!  That’s insane!

Thursday we served.  To start off we are helping an investigator named Jerry build up his dirt driveway for winter.  Jerry is a former minister/preacher who is looking for the truth.  He is literate in Hebrew, and has started three Hebrew Temples, but “feels like there should be more out there.”  He loves the Book of Mormon, and is getting baptized on the 8th of November.  He is awesome!  We also taught Everett of Thursday.  He loves to read, and is halfway through the Book of Mormon after just two weeks.  He is trying to not drink, and his girlfriend left him, but he said he is happier than ever with Jesus Christ in his life. 

Friday was the fastest day ever.  I don’t remember anything except for teaching Hilda.  Hilda is Rebecca’s Aunt (Rebecca is the best resent convert-missionary in the whole world.  Like in Bednar’s Talk [this last conference] she has found something good, and is sharing it with everyone).  Hilda loves the Book of Mormon, love Christ, but has a horrible home setting.  She lives with her boyfriend (hopefully soon to be husband), and their four sons, who drink like its the end of the world.  All in all, she’s solid though. 

Saturday we contacted a lot of new people, but the best lesson was Rebecca’s Mom Jaqline (I probably butchered that name… spell check?) Jacqueline (that’s how its spelled) is a rock solid lady.  She lives to be a Grandma and cook for her family.  She absolutely loves the missionaries and the church, but just has one fall back.  She LOVES to gamble, and she LOVES the casino.  She has agree not to gamble anymore, but is having a really hard time. 

Sunday was grand too, but it went by all too fast.  We visited a lot of members, like Michaeline, who is amazing.  She’s like a Mom to us.  She checks up on us all of the time, makes sure we eat, she goes to lessons with us, and she is all around amazing. 

I love this gospel (Alma 26:12) I know that “pure Christ-like love can change the world” - Jeffery R. Holland.  Do not judge another.  I know that no one is perfect, and if we love like Christ did, we can change everything.  Pray for each other.  I love y’all. 

I know that I am in your prayers.  Thank you for that.  I can feel your love, and I am grateful for that. 

I am so blessed.  I am thankful for all that I have.  Count your blessings, and thank God for them.  He loves ya’ll.

Love -

Elder Shawn Murray

shawn.murray@myldsmail.net

Week Six - Amazing - 10/20

Dear Friends and Family -

This week was AMAZING. We're going to have to do a day by day run through.

Tuesday- Today was my first district meeting. I learned all about how

to "Open your Mouth" because we have the Lord behind us as

missionaries. I never realized that because we are the Lords servants,

when we are lead by the spirit, what we say is technically scripture.

Also I did an exchange today with Elder Cutler. He is an amazing guy.

He taught me that no situation is awkward.

Wednesday- I love service. For the majority of today we taught through

service opportunities. We chop A LOT of wood. Ever house is heated by a

wood burning stove, so EVERYONE needs wood chopped. I'm actually,

surprisingly getting really good at it. How we taught was through our

service. People think it is REALLY REALLY funny to see two white boys,

in white shirts and ties, come up and ask if they can help chop their

wood. Then they usually would ask something like "You aren't from

around here... What do you guys do?" And then we spread the good word

or Christ.

Thursday- We are focusing on strengthening this Branch with both new

investigators, and less active members. I pray for them each

individually.

Friday- The Mescalero Missionaries are some of the only Missionaries

who don't have a Miles per Month limit. We drive an average of 220-250

miles PER DAY. It's alot of car time, and we get to know each other

really well.

Saturday- Today was a roller-coaster. We were pretty down, because the

first branch temple trip ever, fell through because of some

complications. BUT my Mission President, President Heap came to

Mescalero!!!!  I got to do exchanges with one of the Assistants to the

President, Elder Checketts. I hope one day my scriptures are as marked

up as his.

Sunday- Today we broke branch records. WE HAD 62 PEOPLE THERE!!!!!!!

We usually have like 25. It was a miracle. President Heap spoke about

how Elder Darby and I are fulfilling Father Lehi's Prayer to the seed

of Laman and Lemuel. (I think it's 2 Nephi 5 or 6) It's amazing. Pres.

said he was caught up in a vision seeing these people coming back to

Christ through Missionary work.

Monday- We wake up and study till about 10. Then we do Laundry. After

that we go to the Library to Email. Then it's off to WALMART to

grocery shop. After that we eat at a restaurant call HALL OF FLAME.

It's soooooooo good and a member owns it, so it's free for

missionaries. After that we play basketball, until 5. We then go back

to the Reservation by 6. It's too hard to not be out doing His work.

I love this gospel. It's crazy to think I've already been out in the

field for five weeks. I love this work. I love Him. I am only

beginning to know Him. I wouldn't rather be anywhere else.

Love - 

Elder Murray

PS - dont forget to write me  shawn.murray@myldsmail.net

Elder Shawn Murray

26303 US Hwy. 70 E. #208

Ruidoso Downs, NM  88346

Week Five - 10/13

I only have a minute so here's the group letter.

HELLLOOOOOOOOOOO EVERYBODY. 

I just wanted to start out by saying, I hope you've all seen Meet the Mormons. I know this church is true, and I know that my mission going to be one of the biggest blessings in my life. I love this work, and i know there is nothing else I should be doing at this time. Don't forget to Write me. I love and miss you all, and Y'all are in my prayers. Seriously. I know that a mission is the best decision I've ever made.

Love, Elder Shawn Michael Murray

Week Four - Meet the Mormons & Conference - 10/6

Hello everybody!

I know that this week was a good one, because it was all a blur. On

thursday we got to go as a Zone to Roswell. We got to watch the new

movie MEET THE MORMON'S. Ya'll need to go see it. Like ASAP. Yes I

know it comes out on the 10th, but as a Missionary, the first

presidency let us watch it early!

Oh and Conference? That was a good one. I loved it. We had

investigators come to a few of them, and they testified that those men

truly speak the word of God. I got an insane amount of answers to my

questions and prayers during it. If you watched it, watch it again. If

you didn't, go watch it ASAP. I know that by listening to the words

spoken, you can get a lot of modern day revelation to modern day

problems.

We are teaching a lot of new Investigators. The people here are just

ready. I am praying night and day for the Mescalero Branch.

We are getting everyone ready for a Temple Trip on the 18th!! I am so

excited! Most of the members haven't ever been to a temple!

Remember to Pray all day Everyday, Read AT LEAST a page a day (you

could finish the Book of Mormon in a year), and go to the Temple and

Church as often as possible.

I love you all, I know that Christ is our Redeemer, and our Savior. I

love the church, and I know that only through this gospel can we find

true and everlasting happiness.

Mosiah 2:41

Sincerely yours,

Elder Murray

Week Three - Ruidoso Downs, NM - 9/29

WHAT A WEEK.

  

I am finally in the field, and it's nothing like I would have

thought it to be. I imagined Texas. Dry, Flat, and Hot. However, I am

in New Mexico. I am on an Apache Indian Reservation in Mescalero. Its

Rainy, Cloudy, Cool, and Mountainous. Pretty different for my mission

at least. I am working my heart out every day. I hope y'all know

you're in my prayers all of the time. I love and miss everyone. That

being said, I wouldn't rather be anywhere else. I love these people.

They are amazing. Just this week we had two marriages (which is

unheard of on the reservation) so that we could have the two baptisms

we had! It was amazing and I got to give one of the sisters the Holy

Ghost. I have given so many blessings while here. A lot of people are

Less-active members, and just need the Gospel in there lives.

Sincerely, Elder Murray

P.S.

My address for at least the next five weeks is:

26303 US Hwy. 70 E. #208

Ruidoso Downs, NM 88346

Week Two - MTC - 9/19

Hey Everyone,

  

So just two and a half days until I leave to TEXAS. I am so

excited! I have waited for this my whole life. I get to go and preach

the word of God, to the people of the Texas Lubbock Mission. I just

know how glad I am to be here. My testimony has grown so much. I love

the people here at the MTC. They bring so much light to my life. I am

glad that I have the opportunity to be here, and to be going there. I

love the Lord, I love my Family, I love my Bro's, and I love my

friends. There is no-where else that I would rather be. Hopefully

everyone keeps writing me, because your letters keep me going. I love

hearing about home, and and your lives. Your testimonies are amazing.

You're all great. I hope you guys are all doing well, because I'm

doing fantastic. 

There is not much I can do about the whole length of

these letters, so I am sorry about that, but there is a line waiting

for me to send this email. I don't know how to say everything in this

little of an email. But just let me know everything through

DearElder.com/Letters. I love them. I gotta go! Thank you for your

prayers, I feel them every day. I promise I will email more in the

Field!

   

Love, Elder Shawn Michael Murray

Week One - MTC - 9/12

Dear Family and Friends...

I don't have much time to talk. "DEAR ELDER" is the easiest and

fastest way for communication with me. Please use "Dear Elder" for me.

Anyways I just want to tell you how amazing it has been here. It is

for sure hard. I am pretty tired. That being said, It is so worth it.

I LOVE THE MTC!! It's amazing how much my testimony has grown in these

few days. The first thing we did as English speaking Missionaries was

was went to orientation, then we taught an investigator. I have had my

testimony of the Lord's love for me, God's Role in my life and

Families importance grow a thousand times over what it was. It is a

great, hard life being a missionary.

I love each and every one of the Elders and Sisters in my district.

All eight of us (four Elders, Four Sisters) are going to the Texas

Lubbock Mission, as well as Four other Elders, that are not in our

district here. I am so glad for everyone's prayers, for I know that

Satan is working against me.

While here, I have seen Elder Nate Taylor, Sister Kylee Call, Elder

Walker Limb, Elder Zach Demass, Elder Peter Rosen, and Elder Preston

Hummer. It is amazing to know so many of my Brothers and Sisters from

back home are taking the Lords Call to Serve!!

Please excuse the fact of how scatter brained I am! I had so much

to write and so little time to do it!

                                                

Love, Elder Murray

P.s. I have not forgotten pictures, but I can't find a card reader and

so there may be no uploads this week for me, if the other Elders and I

can't figure it out.