The Book of Mormon plus Learning and Teaching the Small Things

March 9, 2020

Good news!

 This week not much happened, but something monumental did happen. We finally got the first unofficial, church-approved printed copy of the Book of Mormon translated into Georgian! We got it printed into four volumes and we're going to library it out to members and people we are teaching as they are ready to read it. This is for people who don't like reading on their phone or computer. 

 Oldest known Georgian writing (dating back to the first century B.C.)

 The Plan of Salvation written backwards. The sisters taught a lesson via skype and they had to write that whole thing backwards. It's pretty impressive. There is one picture of the backwards board, then one taken with the front facing camera with Sister Reynolds, there to claim credit.

Me with an American family's dog.

 Lately, I have pondered a great deal about teaching. We all come across times in our lives when we are in the position to teach something. Sometimes it is obvious. One may be in a position of leadership. One may be a parent. One might be an actual teacher by profession. But too often do we miss those tiny opportunities to teach. They arise and we let them pass by. Leadership amongst missionaries is always young. We have our mission president and his wife, but all other leadership is other missionaries. Really there is a leader for every two missionaries. One missionary is a senior companion and the other is a junior. The other positions of leadership are Trainer, District Leader, Zone Leader, Sister Training Leader, and Assistant to the President. In reality, half the mission is leading the other half. So, why is it that they/we are so bad at teaching? I couldn't tell you. But I want to do better and I want everyone to do better. Look for times to stop and teach. Ask questions to those you teach. Do not let ignorance prevail when you have the position and knowledge to end the ignorance. But most importantly do it in love and meekness. That's a whole other topic. Meekness, what a good Christlike attribute. Anyway, I ask you all to teach and learn, ანუ ისწავლეთ და ასწავლეთ! (That is, learn and teach!)

 სიყვარულით,

 უხუცესი ფიშერი

Castle Monastery

February 17, 2020

ძვირფასებო!

Well, everyone, plenty has happened, but I don't want to talk about it all right now. Last week we went to a cool castle monastery which was closed so we climbed up a snowy mountain for nothing. But we got to have a snowball fight which was very fun. I've missed snow. It never snows in Tbilisi. It's just very windy and cold sometimes, but it's been quite warm as of late.

Elder Nilsson

Elder Herr

Elders in Georgia Zone

I finally got a picture next to the lamplighter statue. You're welcome, Dad. As a special treat to myself, I took a picture next to the Ronald Reagan Statue. Oh, how I love Ronald Reagan!  Anyway, 

Elder Kearon of the seven presidents of the Seventy came to Armenia, so he spoke to all the missionaries in the mission with us skyping in. Okey dokey! Bye bye everyone!

სიყვარულით,

--უხუცესი ფიშერი 

Translation is Tough

February 10, 2020

ჩემო კარგებო!

I'm glad to be writing yet another letter to you all. Some great things took place this week that most of you probably won't be that interested in, but we shall see. 

Early in the week, we did a Book of Mormon stand with the other set of Elders. We took a table a whole bunch of copies of the Book of Mormon in Russian, English, Armenian, Persian, and Arabic, set them up all nice, and went at it. We also took a Gospel Art Book and a copy of Book of Mormon Stories for Children, since Georgians tend to be very visual learners. It was pretty successful. We handed out five copies all in less than an hour. We had some good discussions with people about it all as well. A family from Iran walked by and we talked to them for quite a while.  We ended teaching them several points about the restoration of the Gospel. They were both very nice, but the husband was concerned about the problems that might be created if they became Christian. They went their way without taking a Book of Mormon. Five minutes later, the wife convinced the husband to go back and ask for a copy. This is the conversation we had when they returned:

Husband: We are back, and we will take one. How much does it cost? 

Elder Nilsson: It's free! 

Husband: Really? Oh, you are sent from God! 

Me: Well, actually yes we are. 

Husband: What? Do you have free food too? 

Elder Wells: No, not this time around. 

We exchanged a few more pleasantries and they again went their way. That was probably the highlight of the night. A bit later, a guy came up thinking we were Jehovah's Witness. When we said we weren't and show him the pictures of Christ in the Gospel Art book, he was so happy.  He started hugging and kissing it. We're pretty sure he was on drugs. But later his buddy came by, asked if we believed if the cross has power. We, of course, said no, but we believe Christ has power. This made him very angry and he swore at us quite a bit and for quite a while.  We even got called Satans. What a good time.

Well, to round off the week, we went knocking last night.  Yes, the stereotypical thing that a missionary from our church might do. This was the second time I've gone knocking, and it was neat. When Elder Hunt trained me, we avoided knocking as much as possible. Last transfer, we avoided it completely. But, as a trainer, I see it as my duty to take Elder Bergeson out knocking at least a few times. I enjoyed it quite a bit, as did he. The people are generally kind about the rejection, and a few are semi-receptive.

Also yesterday, I translated at church. Boy o boy that was difficult. Probably the hardest thing I've ever done. Elder Wells and Sister Reynolds spoke.  Since Elder Wells only knows Armenian and English, I had to do a lot of English to Georgian translation. It was impossible. He just kept saying things that were very difficult to translate. Then, when I would translate the idea instead of the phrase, the next thing out of his mouth would be almost exactly what I just said. Yep, it was tough. Luckily, Sister Reynolds's talk was much easier. It was simple and in Georgian. Oh boy, it was the biggest relief in the world.  Immediately after the meeting, I was told the story of one of the sister's first time translating. She cried. And then made one of the Elders go up and finish it for her. So I'm ahead of her because I didn't cry.  

Alrighty! Doctrine Time! Today we will discuss Article of Faith 12.  We just discussed this one in our district meeting last week. It reads: "We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring and sustaining the law." The Sisters chose for us to discuss it last week, but I saw it appropriate since the Iowa Caucuses were this week. While The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not take very many political positions nowadays, we did discuss past positions held by prophets, apostles, and The Church. We discussed current positions too, and how we can apply this to missionary work.  

We took a look at some passages from the Doctrine & Covenants, particularly sections 58 and 134.  Section 134 is almost exclusively about being a good citizen wherever one may live. The verse we read in section 58 reads: "Let no man break the laws of the land, for he that keepeth the laws of God hath no need to break the laws of the land." This is a great scripture that very clearly states how to live. The eternal law of obedience applies here. Are there instances in which breaking the law of the land is acceptable to God? I would say yes. Take the American Revolution. This was a very important event. This event was ordained by God. The founders of this country were guilty of treason. Yet they were inspired by God to write the Constitution and Declaration of Independence. The formation of The United States of America was even foreseen by the ancient Book of Mormon prophet Nephi. Sorry for that tangent, but the point is that we believe in obeying the law of the land.  That is even a part of the lessons that we teach people that are preparing for baptism. It is a very important principle. 

Section 134 does a great job of explaining what a good government looks like. Governments of man are instituted by God. And it is our duty to ensure the God-given rights we have are not infringed upon. We also have the right to defend those rights, should they be infringed upon. Civil officers should be given the honor and respect that comes with their station, and if they are not fulfilling their station will be answerable to God. 

Earthly governments are certainly in some way comparable to a higher government that God lives by.  Government during the time of Adam was very near this method of government. The familial patriarchal order under which Adam and Eve governed the people on earth, their family. The family is still the most important government to protect and maintain. Learning, teaching, guiding, enabling, governing, and loving in families is central to God's plan of love and happiness. 

I could go on for a while discussing this subject, but I know some find this very boring. Including my companion. He is right out of high school, so maybe he'll lighten up to the idea of politics. Anyway, I sent in my voting papers last week, so I'll be able to vote for the next election. Don't worry everyone, I will be an informed voter. Well, I think that is it for now.  Have a wonderful week, as I'm sure I will. 

სიყვარულით, 

--უხუცესი ფიშერი 

Surati:  Elder Fisher and his companion Elder Bergeson

Pictures This Week

February 3, 2020

This is Jacob's mom.  Jacob sent some pictures this week.  He must not have had time to write an email.  However, he did talk with us so I'll give a few highlights of our phone conversation.

The biggest news is that Jacob got a new companion.  Elder Bergeson is a brand new missionary and arrived in Georgia last Friday.  Jacob will be teaching his new companion all about missionary work.  

On Friday, Jacob and other missionaries took Elder Bergeson and the other brand new missionary, Elder Springer, to see some of the sights in Tbilisi.  They went to the "Mother of Georgia" statue which is a huge statue and very symbolic. (You can google a picture of it.)  They also went to Sameba Cathedral also known as Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi.  

Jacob is still the district leader with a total of six missionaries in his district.  He is also now the "technology specialist" to help missionaries with any technology problems.

Hopefully, Jacob will be able to write more next week.

Enjoy the pictures.

Elder Fisher with Elder Christensen the day before he left to go home.

New missionaries with their companions:

Elder Crapo, Elder Springer, Elder Bergeson, Elder Fisher

Elder Bergeson and Elder Springer 

Elder Fisher and Elder Bergeson at Sameba Cathedral

Elder Bergeson with chocolates that Elder Fisher and Elder Nilsson bought him.

Elder Fisher

Most of the new Georgian Zone

The new district:  Elder Bergeson Elder Wells, Sister Reynolds, Elder Fisher,

 Sister Gehring, Elder Nilsson

Views of Tbilisi

Meme that Elder Nilsson sent to Elder Fisher to go with his new responsibility as District Leader

A Golden Week of Learning

January 27, 2020

ძვირფასებო!

I hope my lack of email last week wasn't distressing, but nothing of note really took place. This week we have a lot to talk about, so let's get started. First off, we had a zone conference with the Europe East Area President, Elder Christoffel Golden. He is very knowledgeable about the gospel. He hijacked the Assistant to the President's agenda and taught us doctrine for about 3 hours. He taught some principles that are important for Missionaries to know as well as some very interesting points of doctrine. He threw some of his personal beliefs, but he was very clear to sign-post them as such.

The theme of the Zone Conference was supposed to be repentance, so we all expected to be roasted for not being overly obedient to the guidelines in the handbook. We were all pleasantly surprised when he just taught doctrine and order of the Church. That's another thing I've grown a greater appreciation for this week. I think you would be hard-pressed to find a more organized worldwide-organization than The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. When the members prayerfully and diligently fulfill and magnify their callings, the church runs and grows wondrously. In this part of the world, the missionaries do a lot for both the organization and growth of the Church.  We want the church to be self-sustaining here, but that will take a lot of time and work.

I have also grown my testimony of The Prophet Joseph Smith. He really is the Great Seer of this dispensation. He ushered in this, the Dispensation of the Fullness of Times under the direction of Jesus Christ who lives and leads the Church today. Again, we teach some bold doctrine, but we don't apologize for teaching what is true. If you are a good Muslim, a good Georgian Orthodox, a good Catholic, a good Baptist, or anything else, we want to encourage you to continue doing what you're doing, and faithfully following your leaders and church. But if you want more, come and learn about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

A few other changes were made just today. One of which is that I'm training one of the new missionaries coming in, so that's cool. Anyway. I'll probably write a good amount next week. Bye bye! 

--უხუცესი ფიშერი 

New Year, New District

January 13, 2020

ჩემო ძვირფასებო კარგებო,

First of all, Happy New Year! Yes it is New Year again, today here in Georgia. That must mean we need some cool changes, right?  We had some cool changes in this past week. The largest of them all was the leaving of our dearest Elder Healey. He left a couple weeks earlier than the rest of the Elders in his group which is saddening. I really looked up to Elder Healey when he was Assistant to the Mission President as well as a district leader, and just an all around good missionary. He wasn't super at the language, but he knows how things are supposed to run. He knows the Doctrine and church history, and although he can be stubborn at times, I have a great love and respect for him.  As a result of his departure, Elder Herr is now being trained by Elder Layton in the southern branch. This now means a couple other things. First, it means that mine and Elder Nilsson's area has expanded to include Temka AND Saburtalo. Second, it means that we are in a district of four. Us two plus the sisters. Third, it means that we need a new District leader, so that responsibility falls on me. This doesn't actually mean that much since there are no other Elders in the district, but it should be a good time in district council meeting. I expect we will become even more productive now. 

The new District

Elder Crapo, Elder Christensen, Elder Fisher, Elder Nilsson

In case you want to know what bread looks like in Georgia

We had a good time last Tuesday at the Christmas celebrations. There was a parade that starts near one of the metro stops and goes up to Sameba, the giant orhtodox church.  There was the whole shabang. An elephant float that represents the elephant that Mary rode to Bethlehem on, music playing, priests spraying people with holy water... you know... that kind of stuff. It was a good time.

Georgian Christmas Day (January 7)

Sameba, giant Georgian Orthodox Church

Georgian Zone minus Elder Hunt and Elder Layton

This week, we also had Mission Leadership Council (MLC). They held it in Georgia this time, so we hosted some of the Armenia leadership. Two of the Zone Leaders, Elders Moline and Tweed stayed with us for a night. They were great. We split with them and met with some Georgians. I decided to meet with two ladies that only know Georgian and Russian to test my Georgian skills. It went pretty dang well. They asked Elder Tweed what languages he knew. Luckily, I know the words for Armenian, Greek, and Hebrew. 

Now that I have more time, I can jump into my summary of the Articles of Faith. I do not remember where we left off, but I will go with the third one this week. It reads, "We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel." 

Now, the notion of being saved by grace alone is fairly common. We hold this notion to be incorrect. Because of what Christ did for us, all of God's children are able to return and live with Him. We believe that all people that die, will be resurrected, that is, be reunited with a perfected form of our physical body. We will have a perfect body and live forever. This is immortality. But as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we believe that immortality is not the end goal, for it is everyone that will be resurrected and obtain immortality. The second piece to this is Eternal Life. This is the life that God has.  Not living with God, Our Eternal Father, but being like He is. That is right, we teach in our church that as children of God, we have a divine heritage and the potential to become as God is.  None of this is possible, however, without the sacrifice of God's Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ.  In my last email in which I discussed an article of faith, I touched on our belief that humans are not born with sin, but because we live in a fallen world, temptation and sin are all around.  We all do sin. We can however overcome that through Christ, but only through faith.  Faith in Christ is the first step, but that is not all.  We must follow God's commands. We must perform ordinances (sacred rites and ceremonies) and keep covenants (promises with God).  

We will discuss the necessary principles and ordinances of the gospel with the fourth article of faith.  But I will leave you with this.  This life is all about progression towards eternal life.  Our existence is about that.  We are all supposed to be better people, and we can do that with Christ as our example, and as our mediator with our Heavenly Father.

Well, I cannot think of much more to say.  Georgia is cool.  The language is tough. I love you all. And that is enough.  Anyway.

--უხუცესი ფიშერი

Okay Okay Next Week Will be a Bit Better

ჩემო ძვირფასებო კარგებო,

January 7, 2020

What a crazy week! It felt very long because so much happened, but not much is very important for you to know. I also got the question of the time difference. I am 12 hours ahead of the West Coast in the US. Alrighty, I'm typing this while I'm on a district call, so I'm not super focused. Today is Orthodox Christmas, so Merry Christmas!  We went to the parade today which was pretty neat. We had waffles and some really good fruit and herbal tea.  We beat the parade to the giant church here, Sameba. Great place. 

Last week was cool. Elder Nilsson was having some health problems, so I spent some time with the Temka Elders for New Year's. It's crazy how many fireworks there are everywhere in the city. We got a 360 view and it was incredible. We actually have been hearing fireworks go off for about two weeks. 

Time is short, but I will leave you with this. When times get hard or scary or dangerous, pray. Prayer can be powerful if you do it in faith.  I had an experience this week in which I felt very real physical protection immediately after a prayer. Our Heavenly Father knows us and he listens to and answers our prayers. I love you all. 

Well, I'll try to send a better email next time and I'll try to get you some pictures to go along with them. 

სიყვარულით, 

უხუცესი ფიშერი