3/17/14 Zone Conference

Zone Conference was great! We were able to have a good training on using the progress record to more effectively coordinate the work with members. The whole Zone Conference was about Chapter 8 in Preach My Gospel. The first presentation we gave was a little rough, the second was better, and the third was really good. Shows me that practice makes perfect. 

We have bikes now in our area! I love being in a bike area so much! It’s so fun. Plus that car that we have, its battery is dead which makes me even more grateful we have bikes. There are lots of reasons why I love it, but especially because it’s so much easier to talk to people on the street as you’re passing by. 

This week has been a great week for me in learning things I can do better. I learned how I do my leadership which is interesting. I'm the type of person who lets other people lead and try to learn from them what they do differently then me, but I decided I want to change that into a "come, follow me" attitude like a Christ-like leader instead of "come, you lead, I'll learn" kind of attitude. I also learned a lot about personal sanctification, and being a consecrated missionary. I'm excited to apply these new principals I've been studying recently so I can be blessed with the spirit with my work. 

Its good to hear from you thank you so much! :D

Love,

Elder Ranquist

3/3/14 Allyson McNeil

You may be wondering why I put one of your childhood friends up as the title, but, when I went to dinner Saturday, there was a group of members there that said they were from Sunnyvale and on a temple trip. I said, "You may know my cousins, the Augasons!" They did and we were able to talk and Allyson said you two were close growing up. Also, that same dinner, I was able to see my recent convert from Oakland, Tasha! I was amazed! Union City is out of her way, but we saw each other there. I almost wanted to give her a hug but I can't -.- Anyway it was a great dinner! :D 

My new companion, Elder Edwards, is an exact replica of who I used to be before I became Zone Leader. In some ways I like that, but in other ways it bothers me. But we’re getting along well.

Thankfully, we have been able to stay out of most of the rain. I love the rain so much though! It was great to have it over here after not seeing it for so long. I just feel sorry for the sister missionaries who are on bikes. Thankfully, they love the rain too so they don't mind. I'm glad it isn't freezing or getting any snow. I enjoy wearing short sleeves and feeling the sun too much!

We have Zone Conference every 3 months or so. We get over to San Francisco when we go to Zone Conference, but that's the only time. 

OYM [Open Your Mouth] advice; I trust you, I don't know what to say. What we do is try to first be their friends but I think you have that covered with them! Just know that what ever they say can relate to the gospel which can help them. Find what they need and make sure you leave with a commitment that will help them with that. Just make it natural. If you think it’s going to be awkward then it will be, but if you talk naturally, then it can be fun!

Hope you have a great week and stay warm! :D

Love,

Elder Ranquist

2/24/14 Transfers

Hello!

Transfer calls are in again already! My companion is leaving to be a Spanish Zone leader in San Leandro, while I get to have a new experience training a new Zone Leader. My third time training a Zone Leader in 2 Transfers! I heard that he is a very quiet person.... Which means this is going to be a very quiet transfer. I'm going to have to come out of my shell. I guess that is why President wants me to be with him. That’s ok, I love this area and I plan on being here for a long time, hopefully until next year! :D 

I haven't got my coat back, but my companion is going to that area, so he could get it. But, my companion, Elder Hamilton, gave me a triple layer jacket that's

better. And, I left a present in my old apartment that I was going to send to you. Hopefully, Elder Sedar can get that to me so I can send it. It has stayed there since, oh, I don't know, I think about July of last year is when I made it :D Sorry. Hopefully, he can get it so I can send it soon.

I'm so happy about Rachel’s baptism. That’s great! It’s phenomenal to see family members doing missionary work as well. Hopefully, you can keep it up and fellowship more people into the church, not just fellowship, but I mean

Friendship. As missionaries, we love the escalator effect not the elevator, where we are always finding and baptizing, just working with one person, baptizing and then starting from the bottom again. Keep it up!

Thank you for being such a great example to me. I feel like you are really supporting me as you go out and do your own missionary work. Thank you. I love hearing those stories! Brightened my day today. I'll be praying for Rachel’s husband and family that their hearts will be softened, and have a great time with them this week!

Never give up! Never Surrender!

This is not just a fake movie, but this is history we are writing. It’s a real historical document. (Don't know how to phrase it when the alien commander is being torched by

the other alien bug commander and they have to explain to him that it isn't a real historical document.)

I would also do the chant of strength, but I know I would butcher that, haha.

Anyway, have a great week! And continue to find missionary opportunities!

:D

Love,

Elder Ranquist