Hungary for the Gospel in Montana: MTC Week 4

Hello there my dearest family and friends!

This is the halfway mark until my departure to Hungary! Jo ég! So much has happened this week. Here are a few moments that stood out to me:

The Hungarian district had an English fast (no English, only speaking Hungarian) on Saturday, we did it for almost 9 hours! I didn’t even know I could do that. The reason we didn’t go all day is because Squire Testvér had us speak in English for spiritual moments in class, and having gospel discussions. I think he could tell we had a long week that wore us out, and that we needed spiritual refreshment. Our teachers are amazing and I can’t express it enough!

Yesterday, my companion, Tyler Nővér ROCKED our lesson! She was saying things I didn’t even know she knew how to say in Hungarian, and without any help from notes! She wasn’t perfect though. She paused, searched her mind for the right words, and stumbled occasionally. Even with that, she had me so impressed, I think I almost fell out of my chair (not really, but close heheh)! The fact the she was so bold as to leave behind the fear of messing up, or finding herself at a loss for words, was incredible. She demonstrated some of the most important things in learning a foreign language at the MTC: Don’t be afraid of making mistakes, or sounding dumb, and trust in the Lord’s power and guidance through the Spirit and the gift of tongues. I truly look up to her and plan to do more of the same myself!

Tuesday nights are amazing! I am in the choir and this week we performed “Hurrah for Israel” for the devotional. Brother Egget is our director, he always has impactful messages to share with us missionaries. Some golden thoughts he shared last night included:

“I don’t care where you’re going, there is someone prepared. Pray for all those who are ready to be found, and not just by you, but by any missionary. Your prayers can be answered through others.” and “If you go on “YOUR” mission, and do “YOUR” work, very little will get done. Go on A mission, and do HIS work.”

For the devotional Tuesday, we had the privilege of hearing Allan F. Packer and his wife speak. Here are some of their messages that stood out to me:

“The most important investigators of the gospel that you will ever teach, are your own children.” Missions prepare us for far more than “typical” missionary work. They prepare us for life! They prepare us for our future families!

“The testimony you have today will not be the same testimony you have tomorrow, of any other day. It’ll either grow, or diminish.” Here’s a great analogy Allred Elder gave to support this: “Our testimonies are like walking on a treadmill. If you don’t do anything, you’ll go backwards and eventually fall off, if you do the bare minimum you’ll remain in the same spot, and if you work hard you’ll move forward.” Don’t ever hold back because you think you don’t have enough! Sharing is how our testimonies grow!

I know I’ve probably expressed this a number of times, but the MTC really has been quite an experience! I felt calm and sure the first week or so, knowing I was new and would need to work hard to adjust to the packed schedule and different lifestyle. Our minds and hearts must be fully committed and focused on our missionary purpose which is: “Invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end.” Every ounce of our studies and efforts must be consecrated unto the Lord, as we are His servants.

This past week I have definitely felt less sure and calm heheh. I know that there are discouraging and trying times while serving a mission, as there are in all of life. I have felt the pull of the adversary everyday, some days more than others. Hungarian is not the easiest language, but any language would be difficult to learn in 8 weeks! I know that I have the authority and call directly from God to teach the people of Hungary. I know that I have love and support from you all. What do I have to worry about!

The only way to remain faithful and strong throughout a mission and throughout all of life, is to build testimony and conversion, and to rely on Him. In order to do such, we must always search for more knowledge and experiences to build our testimonies, consistently act and live in accordance to the knowledge and beliefs added to our testimonies, and remember Jesus Christ in every moment, every aspect, and every detail of our beings.

I chose to serve a full-time mission and to be a missionary. I still choose it, EVERYDAY. I will give all I can and gain all I can, cherishing every moment. There is no other opportunity in life such as serving a mission -- to be entirely dedicated to the work of the Lord, studying His word constantly, and unashamedly proclaiming His love, light, and truth in every moment possible. For those currently serving, remember why you chose to serve a mission, and why you choose to be a missionary again every day. For those who want to follow Christ, remember why you chose to follow Him, and why you want to choose so again every day.

MY CHALLENGE TO YOU ALL:

As a follower of Christ (and as a missionary), ask yourself:

Are you genuinely committed?

Do you fully intend to fulfill your commitment(s)?

Have you made an unwavering and earnest decision to change and become devoted to Christ and dedicated to His gospel?

If we can’t or won’t dedicate, refine, and focus, ourselves NOW, how can we expect that to happen later? Why wait? Start preparing and creating yourself now! Think about it, Christ made it possible for us to restart and progress at any moment we decide to, through His Atoning sacrifice and pure love. Every moment is a new opportunity if you chose it. Remember that the Doctrine of Christ is a circular process which occurs every day. This is why we sometimes feel as though we’re not progressing, but we are! The natural man is difficult to break out of. As we gain new knowledge and experiences in life, each time we go through necessary repetition, we are able to see new perspectives, and further refine ourselves.

With all of my love,

Alger Nővér

P.S.
When things become difficult, keep moving forward! Stay alive! Spiritual CPR: Church, Pray, Read! Remember we are commanded to endure to the end, but don’t forget to ENJOY TO THE END!

I love this treeee hahah

We have so many silly moments with our awesome district.

Here’s an example from Zirker Elder rocking his spoon shades, heheh.

I love love LOVE my companion Tyler Nővér!

This is us in front of the construction zone, where did the buildings go??

Feeling silly

My companion is cute!

This is a lovely map that Squire Testvér drew for us of Hungary and all of the mission areas.

I LOVE MY DISTRICT!! This is a group pic we took after we quickly had a little district talent show at a piano. When they made me play piano for them I was shaking with nervousness, and conveniently had a full bladder at the time (sarcasm intended). It was amazing, and Gibbons Elder had to strike a pose for the first pic heheh. Good times!