Stuck in Georgia

March 26, 2020

Gamarjoba Chemo Megobrebo! 

Well, I didn't send anything last Monday, but a big thanks goes out to my mother for sending a nice quick update to you guys.  As you may have read before, there are now four Elders and two Sisters here. Our mission president is in Armenia and can't come to visit us across the border and the senior missionary couple went home with the missionaries with asthma. Across the mission, we now have half the number of missionaries that we used to. We have less than 35 missionaries in both countries. We have all gathered to the capital cities, Yerevan and Tbilisi.  Here in Georgia, we have to get rid of most of the apartments since most of the missionaries are gone. This has kept us very busy.  It gives us more to do, but I'd much rather stay in and study. We are staying active. We can go outside for about an hour each morning, so we play wiffle ball, basketball, and spike ball. We are still in contact with the missionaries that left. It is hard on some because we all love serving the people of this country, but we are separated and neither of us can really do any missionary work. 

We may be able to teach a few people via Skype or Facebook, but we will see. A couple of the Armenians want to do a Doctrinal Discussion night every Wednesday, so that'll be fun. I'll have much more time soon to read and write, so if you want to send a nice email update, I'll have the time to read it and respond. 

I listened to a wonderful talk about the Bible as a sealed book. In the Church, we don't typically speak of the Bible being a sealed book. But in a way, it very much is sealed. The speaker went through keys that we should use to unlock this sealed book. The first and foremost key is, naturally, to read it. The greatest key was to seek for answers from the Holy Ghost. This applies to all scripture and all the words of God. I implore you to read the scriptures and words of the prophets and do it with the Spirit so that you can more fully understand the ways of God. 

I'm glad that I'm staying here as a missionary. I hope that there is a good reason that I am staying here during this time of quarantine. Anyway. Have a good week everyone. 

--უხუცესი ფიშერი 

News From Georgia

March 23, 2020

      This is Jacob’s mom.  I had hoped he would send a letter today but he didn’t.  Some of you may wonder what is happening with the missionaries over in Georgia.  We have been in contact with Jacob several times over the last week as things have changed almost daily.  Here is the latest.

       Last Friday, the missionaries in Georgia were informed they were being sent home except for only four elders who were selected by the mission president to stay.  Jacob is one of the four who is staying in Georgia. Then two sister missionaries also stayed due to not getting a flight home. The other missionaries flew home on Saturday before the airport closed.  There are now no flights in and out of Georgia except for cargo. The border is closed so the mission president, who is in Armenia, cannot come. The president does have communication with the missionaries in Georgia through their cell phones. 

       As you read in Jacob’s letter last week, the missionaries were in quarantine all of last week.  The country of Georgia has now mandated that everyone self-isolate until April 21. The six missionaries left in Georgia have plenty of food because they have all the food the other missionaries left when they had to leave the country.

       Jacob is in good spirits and is thankful he is able to stay in Georgia. 

       We trust that God will watch over Jacob and the missionaries he is serving with.  Thank you for your thoughts and prayers for them. 

Quarantine? Yes

March 16, 2020

So, the original subject line of this was going to be "Quarantine? Maybe, but not now". I have since had to change that title because we are now in quarantine. 

Well this is exciting! The missionaries in Armenia are now quarantined for 30-40 days. We are also going into quarantine for the time being. We don't have any details right now, but I'll certainly provide them when I find out. We currently have a two-week supply of food plus a bit more. I'm pretty excited.  The work will be much slower, if not non-existent. But this will give me time to do a lot of things. I have a lot of materials that I have collected over these past several months. Lots of stuff to listen to, read and watch. I'll also have a bit more time to play trombone and work up to where I used to be. Plus, I have an entire language to learn. 

Other than that, all is well. Because all church meetings are suspended worldwide, Elder Bergeson and I had sacrament meeting in our home. We got approval from the Branch Presidency and held a great service together. We cleaned up the apartment nicely. We started at the same time as normal. (Like I've said in previous emails, I love the organization of the Church. It is standardized and connects. We follow the order of things even in times of change.) I conducted the meeting. We had an opening hymn, an opening prayer, and sacrament hymn, then we blessed and passed the sacrament to each other, we each bore testimony of the work, the Gospel, and the priesthood, then closed with a hymn and a prayer.  And it was ALL IN GEORGIAN! (Except for two hymns). Then we had Sunday school. We discussed Jacob 1-4 in the Book of Mormon. We each learned a fair amount from our little talk. I greatly encourage you all to read The Book of Mormon. There are many doctrines of the Gospel that are clearly explained, especially when read in conjunction with the Bible. 

I hope everyone is staying healthy. I'm honestly very surprised by the measures that are being taken by governments right now. From what I understand it's been over 100 years since this kind of response has happened to a disease. It's an exciting time to be in another country. But if we're being honest, it's probably pretty interesting being in the U.S. as well. Well, I have little else to say, so bye-bye! 

--უხუცესი ფიშერი 

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