December 30 2013

Howdy Everyone!!

I'm coming home Wednesday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love Elder Chet Dean Carter

p.s.

This week has been long but very fast. Monday we had Christmas Conference and it was awesome. I really enjoyed it! Our Mission President gave a 2hr. discussion on the Atonement. It was awesome! Then on Tuesday we had preparation day and so that was fun and good. Then Christmas morning we went to a members home for Breakfast, they had 20 missionaries there and we all had a real good time enjoying our Christmas. I enjoyed calling home that day and talking with my family one last time before coming home. Christmas was Awesome! Then Thursday was a good day, and so was Friday! Saturday was good as well and then Sunday was good. I gave a talk in Church on Sunday, I spoke about Enduring to the End and The Atonement, it went great with all the other talks given and I didn't get a topic, I got to choose my own. Church was really good. We had some good lessons and things, but over all we didn't get to do a whole lot of teaching because of the holidays, we spent a lot of time with members.

I am so thankful for this time I've had to serve! I'm thankful to be coming home and continuing my life and helping people at home come closer to Christ! I love y'all!

Elder Chet Dean Carter

December 21 2013

I know it wasn't that long ago since my last e-mail, so this will be short, but some things happen. I got sick, felt prompted to get a blessing, I did and I've been recovering quickly. I should be completely better soon. It's been a good week so far. We've had a few good lessons and things. I got a cowboy hat on Monday and I love it. It's very nice. On Tuesday I did exchanges in the Spanish area with Elder Serrano, yes he is Mexican. It felt real since I was with him. I had some very yummy dinner that night, the only problem, it started to be too spicy! It was so yummy!!!! I had a really good time with him.

 

Wednesday we went out with the youth to deliver Cookies and Carol which was a lot of fun. We got some extra plates of Cookies for investigators and we delivered them and they loved it. The one family we visit enjoyed them, but we got to read from the Book of Mormon with them. I will really miss them when I come home, they are said about it, but I told them I would keep in touch. The family that fed us dinner Thursday night, have my dream house, it's one level, big and very spacious. I love it! Now only if it were in Utah!

 

Well, things are going good. I'm excited for Christmas, and for coming home. I love y'all and will be seeing you soon!

Love Elder Chet Dean Carter

 

December 9 2013

Howdy Y'all!!!

 

I only have 3 weeks left and then I come home. I'm so excited and at the same time a little sorrowful. I have loved serving a mission. It's the best thing anyone could ever do for themselves and for anyone. I have made so many friends and have learned so much. Texas as for sure won a place in my heart. I am super excited to come home though, I can't wait to come home and hold my little Braxton, my new little nephew born earlier this week. He is such a cutie, from what I can tell from the picture I got of him. I love y'all so much!!!!

 

Well, this past week was good. We did exchanges and Elder Smith came with Elder Lamb and I and we got the interview for Albert done so he is ready for baptism on Saturday, the 14th!!! I'm so excited. We have been through a lot with him. I've been here since we first started to teach him and I feel he is ready.

 

We got to go to the Temple this week, it was so wonderful and peaceful. It's crazy I only get to go one more time before I come home. I really felt the Spirit in the Temple this time, I just sat there and sat there feeling so good and at peace. I love the temple!!!

 

We also went to a Christmas concert at the Stake center this past week. It was a multi faith thing and it was really good. My favorite part is that I got to see some families in past areas of mine and that is always fun. One of the ladies who sang picked a song by Cherie Call who is my favorite LDS artist and that was cool. She did a really good job. We also went to the church to watch the First Presidency Christmas Devotional which was good. I enjoyed that.

 

I'm doing great and the work is moving forward. I love y'all and can't wait to see y'all in just a few weeks.

Elder Chet Dean Carter

December 2 2013

Howdy Y'all!!

 

Things here are going well. We are working hard and do the best we can. We have a baptism coming up soon, I'm excited for that. This man we have been teaching since June and we have been through a lot with him. He had a date for baptism in July but didn't make it. Then it took a few months before giving him another date and but we did for the 28th of December, and it's now been moved up for the 14th of December which is awesome. I feel he is ready and will be a good addition to the ward and church!

 

Last Monday we got to watch a movie as a mission for Thanksgiving, we watched Ephraim's Rescue which was a really good movie! I really enjoyed it and if was fun to gather with the College Station Stake missionaries to watch it. I am really thankful for the records we have from the early church about the things that happen, all the stories just go to show God is over all and He doesn't leave us comfortless. I'm so thankful for a Loving Heavenly Father!!!!

 

We got a media referral for a man who is a member and just moved to Bryan, he is wanting to get active again and work toward getting the Priesthood. We got to meet with him this week and it was a really good visit, he is a really good man and it's neat to see people wanting to come nearer to Christ and being able to help them.

 

Thanksgiving was full of food!!! We went over to two different homes for food, one for lunch and one for dinner and they were both wonderful. The is about all that came from Thanksgiving, it was a good day and I love the good cooking of the Miles and Lewis Family!

 

We had Zone Meeting on Friday and when we got there I was informed I was giving a talk, I saw it on the program and asked about it, the Zone Leaders forgot to tell me, I think I did alright though. The next day we spent  walking all over down town Bryan which was a lot of fun. We got to talk to a few people and share some pass along cards with them. Then had a good visit with a less active lady and her son, who the sister missionaries visit also, and they called them while we were there to ask if they could come over and the people told them yes, so when they got there, surprise the Elders were there also. I think it's funny because we've done that 3times now to the sisters, members just need to tell us the other companionship is there. It's all good though, just funny!

 

The last thing I want to say is yesterday was Fast Sunday, I felt I needed to go up and share my testimony a few days before, I struggled and fought to stay in my seat during sacrament meeting. I have gone up a lot because I love sharing my testimony. Anyway, the Spirit won so I went up very last minute and it was neat, a lady went up the same time as I did so she went first and as soon as I stood up to the pulpit the room when completely silent. I meant quite until I finished. I bore my witness and testimony of the Gospel and of serving a mission. I encouraged all the youth to prepare and to serve a mission. My final words, "pray and go". That was my last Fast Sunday as a full time missionary. I have loved my mission. There is only one other thing that can beat my mission, my choice to serve a mission and that is marriage, the who. A mission is the best thing anyone could ever do with their life.

 

I love y'all and look forward to seeing y'all soon. I'm down to less then a month before I'm home! I love you!

Elder Chet Dean Carter

November 25 2013

Howdy Family and Friends,

 

I'm feeling fluttered, and my mind isn't working again, so please be patient with me in this e-mail. I'm still in Bryan serving and I have Elder Lamb from Glendale UT, as my companion, he came out 3months ago and his last area was Bear Creek, which was my 2nd area, he was trio trained and one of them was Elder Thomas who I trained. I really like Elder Lamb, he is a really good guy. When at transfer meeting I was informed that we were getting a new car, we just got a new car, and now we have another new car and I really like it, you ready to hear what it is..... it's a Dodge Grand Caravan and It's nice!

 

Then we got a call Thursday morning from President saying he felt prompted and that we needed to come to the training meeting and be trainers. So Elder Lamb and I are training Elder Gray from Roy UT, and he is a good guy. Well, lots of surprises this week. Also tender mercies from the Lord.

 

We had a real awesome lesson last night with the Henderson family and a friend of theirs who they invited to listen to a message. It' was awesome and the Spirit was strong. This man is a Christian from Pakistan which was a surprise. We also got a few new investigators which was neat. The other thing is we had some crazy with one of our investigators, he hit rock bottom and we gave him a blessing and it was a stressful night, because I didn't know what to say or do exactly, but God placed at the right location where we were able to give him help or at the right persons house who was able to help him a little and knew exactly what to say. It's was awesome!

 

Well, things are going well! I send my love!!!

Love Elder Chet Dean Carter

November 18 2013

Howdy y'all

 

Well, I mentioned last week that transfer calls came on Sunday and yes in deed they came, really late, but they came and I'm staying in Bryan for my last 6 weeks and I'm getting a new companion, I find out who tomorrow morning. I hope we get a long well since we will spend the holidays together. I send my love to y'all and want to thank y'all for everything y'all have done for me.

 

This week has been really slow, not very much as happened, and that happens and so all is well. I'm hoping we have a good week this week though, Last Monday I got a surprise from the Spanish Missionaries, they got me a pinata for my birthday and that was really neat of them. The stick they gave me was not doing it, so I broke it open with a chair and finished it off with the stick. It was lots of fun.

 

We had Stake Conference this past weekend here in College Station and the missionaries in the Stake were the choir and that was fun. There were a lot of good messages shared, and a lot about missionary work and being a member missionary. I would like to invite y'all to reach out to someone and invite them to come closer to Christ, its simple to do, just make it normal conversation and it's not weird, if they turn you down you say that's fine and change the topic. That's all.

 

I send my love and hope all is well at home!!!

Love Elder Chet Dean Carter

November 11 2013

Howdy!

 

Well this last week was a good week. I did exchanges with the Spanish Elders and I was with Elder Olsen, I went to the Spanish area and it was fun. I met some really nice people who I had no idea what they were saying. We also saw a miracle of choosing to walk a little and running into a member who recently moved here and didn't know where or when church is. It was cool. I had a really good time on exchanges and felt is was good for me to be with Elder Olsen to help him, he is a great guy. The Spanish Missionaries in Bryan teach an English class and I got to go to that and I was picked to play the doctor and had to talk to people and then tell them how well I understood them. It was to check how well they could speak English. It was fun.

 

We had a specialized training which was nice. That morning I put my contacts in the wrong eye some how and didn't notice until we had left the apartment, the longer they were in the worse it got to see. I tried to take them out at the church and just couldn't do it. I wear hard contacts and it's harder to get them out than normal contacts. I tried twice and then a third time but I included a small little prayer that helped, I got both contacts out and was able to correct my problem. I'm grateful for that, and it reminds me that sometimes we do make mistakes and sometimes we don't notice at first, when we do notice we try to fix it on our own. We can't truly fix things without the help of the Savior. I'm so thankful for the Atonement and the blessing of the Gospel.

 

My birthday was Sunday and it was wonderful. On Saturday we went out to lunch with the Spanish Elders to  Freddy's which I love! Then on Sunday it was one of the most wonderful days ever. We had the Primary Program at church and I loved it. They did a wonderful job. Elder Hilder kept telling everyone it was my birthday so everyone wished me a happy birthday and that was nice. Then we went over to visit a family in the ward and they put on a small little party for me and then the family that fed us dinner made me feel real special. It was nice, they got me balloons and a t-shirt. It was a wonderful day. Lots of little tender mercies through out the day as well.

 

Also, we had an awesome lesson last night with some new investigators and we set a baptism date with them. Things are going really well right now. I love the Gospel and I know it's true. I pray that y'all may feel the blessing of the gospel in your lives. Things are wonderful.

 

This coming Sunday is when we find out about transfers so next Monday I'll know what is happening for my last 6weeks. I know what happens will be Gods will and I pray that I stay in Bryan! I love it here!

 

I send my love!

Elder Chet Dean Carter

November 4 2013

Howdy everyone!

 

This last week was good. We had zone meeting this week and President came and joined us for that, so he got some pictures and put them on the mission blog www.texashoustonmission.blogspot.com and so you can see pictures on there of me, they are not the best. Anyway, I found out my flight home is canceled and I won't be coming home anymore....... just joking, it was canceled but I got a new one that will take me home 2hrs quicker, I'm so happy. I only have 2months left. Transfers are coming up soon on the 19th and  so I hope I stay here in Bryan for my last 6weeks. I will let y'all know on the 18th what is happening with transfers because we should find out on the 17th. That same weekend is Stake Conference here in College Station and we found out the missionaries in the Stake will be the choir which I'm super excited about. I can't wait! Also, this coming Sunday the 10th is my 21st birthday and it's the Ward Primary Program which I'm super excited for also. I love the Primary.

 

This last week was good. Our investigator who went up to Dallas didn't get the job so is back in Bryan, but we didn't get to see him this week. We do have a few new investigators who we hope will progress toward baptism, they seem like they will. We did exchanges with Elder Schiffman one of the zone leaders and he is in a trio so he just came with Elder Hilder and I to Bryan, that was a lot of fun and it was good to have him with us. He came out with me so it was nice to visit with him and be able to have someone who can relate to me with nearing the end. Tomorrow I'm doing exchanges with the Brazos Elders, that's the Spanish elders and I'm going to their area while one of them goes with Elder Hilder in our area. I'm excited for that. Then we also have specialized training this week which should be good.

 

We got to do some service this week for a ward member who is working on his Eagle Project. he is making a sidewalk next to the high school. It's from a back door to the parking lot and there is a lot of work and procedure that goes into making a sidewalk. I was so surprised. That was good though. We also had Halloween which was fun. The ward did a party on the 30th and that was so much fun. So many people were there also. It was crazy. We had 2 investigators there which was good. Last Monday I had one of the best things ever happen to me. I had such a yummy dinner. I don't remember what it was called but I have the recipe and it's so so so so so so so yummmmmmmmmmmmmmmy!

 

Things are going well, I love y'all and send my best of wishes to y'all.

Take Care

Love Elder Chet Dean Carter

October 28 2013

Howdy!

 

Well let me tell y'all about this week. We got to go out to lunch with a less active member and that was fun. The food was good. I got Chicken Strips and they give you gravy for dippin'. The dinner we had Wednesday was with a member who invited their friend over also, their friends was Sister Hannibal and her daughter from the College Station 1st Ward and she (Sister Hannibal) would give my companion  and I haircuts when I was serving in that ward. It was cool to see her again, and her daughter is the same age as Austin my nephew, it was crazy to see how big she is now and to think when I get home Austin will be that big! Crazy!!!

 

Thursday was Zone Conference and our alarm clock didn't go off. We Lucky got woke up by a phone call and ran off to Houston only arriving 10minutes late for the conference, but missing the car checks. Zone Conference was good. I enjoyed seeing so many wonderful friends of my in the mission and to see the Pingrees. So our investigator Robert, finished all his lessons and has met all the requirements for baptism, not just a little more time and he should be about to be baptized. He found work in a place just above Dallas so he had to leave yesterday, but should be coming back down for baptism, we will see how all that goes.

 

Things are better. It's rough though to be reaching the end of the mission. I know I have 2 months left still, but in all reality that is hardly any time. I am so thankful to have been out here serving the Lord. I've felt the Spirit testify to me of so many truths, and I know without a doubt that this is the true church and gospel of Jesus Christ. I know we have a living prophet and that the Book of Mormon is true. I know that Jesus Christ is my personal Savior and Redeemer, that He not only suffered and died for me, but every single one of us. I'm so thankful for my Savior and I know it's only through Christ we are saved and can find peace and joy. I invite each of you to seek out in your own life one way to come nearer to Christ and then work on coming nearer to him and if we do this, what a wonderful gift it will be to our Elder Brother, for Christmas.

 

I send my love to each and everyone of you. I know true and I testify of truth. I know God works in mysterious ways. I wish to share a scripture with y'all. "Ye cannot behold with your natural eyes, for the present time, the design of your God concerning those things which shall come hereafter, and the glory which shall follow after much tribulation." I love that scripture, we must trust in the Lord and that all will be for our good. it then continues and says, "For after much tribulation come the blessings. Wherefore the day cometh that ye shall be crowned with much glory; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand." What a wonderful promise, (Doctrine and Covenants 58:3-4)

 

We got to meet a referral given to us by the YSA Elders, they are a great couple and are seeking for truth. We started to teach them and they accepted a soft baptism commitment. It's great!!

 

I love y'all and hope all is well!

Love Elder Chet Dean Carter

October 14 2013

Howdy Y'all!!!!

 

Well like I said last week, transfers came and I'm still in Bryan. I'm so happy to be here still. I am still the District Leader which makes me happy because this months Districts Meetings are on the Atonement which I love to talk about. We got a new car, it's a Chevy Cruise and I really like it. I wouldn't buy one, but I really like it. It's nice to drive a new car. There has been lots of drama this week, well, not drama, but stress for me anyway. The Spanish Elders can't drive right now and so we have been helping them out and lots of other things feel on to the District Leader this last week, but I survived it all. I'm so happy about that. Things are going good.

 

We had a pretty good week. Friday morning we got a call from a man that wanted to meet with us. We set up an appointment and when we went to see him, he explained his story and within the first 5mins. he said he wanted to be baptized. Miracle!! He seems really sincere and wants to straiten out his life. He came to church on Sunday and he has a date for 9th of November to be baptized. I really think he will make it. He seems so ready and prepared. It's awesome!!

 

We got to have some other really good lessons with people and it's been a good week. District Meeting was really good, I asked one of the Spanish Sisters to give a talk and it was awesome. Church was really good also, the Houston Temple President and his wife spoke, they did really good also. I'm excited because tomorrow we get to go to the Temple, last transfer we didn't get to go because of cleaning so it's been a while. I'm so excited and I'm even more excited for the video, I love it!

 

Well, I love y'all. I hope everything is going will, and I send my love!

 

Take Care,

Elder Chet Dean Carter

October 7 2013

Howdy everyone,

 

Well this week is transfers and for some reason they are happening early this time, we got calls last night and transfer meeting is tomorrow, I'm staying in Bryan!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so happy to be staying. I hope to end my mission here, I love it here. I'm also so excited because we get a new car tomorrow, the one we have is old and I dislike it and don't buy a Malibu. Anyway, it's like a 2011 or 2010 and it's time as a mission car is up. I can't wait for a new car that isn't a Malibu. I'm very grateful for the service of the Malibu though and to have a car. I am very appreciative for it.

 

This last week was good. I got some old mail that was sent to me, a surprise package from the youth of my ward back home, it was awesome and I absolutely loved it. I also got a letter from a friend and their family which was really nice. We got to have some good lessons, but the high light of the week was General Conference. It was amazing! The first session was my favorite. I loved every talk in that first session, and their were definitely some all-star talks given, such as both of President Uchtdorf, Elder Holland, and even Sister Oscarson. I was upset when they announced that Sister Oscarson was going to be speaking, I'm such a fan of Sister Dalton, but as I listen to her speak, I knew she was called of God to lead the Young Women program. I really liked her talk.

 

I want to share my testimony! I know this Church is true! I know that the Gospel is True! I know that this is Christ's Church on the earth today! I know we have a living Prophet, Thomas S. Monson! I know God loves each and everyone of us! I know truth!

 

I love y'all so very much and wish y'all the best with whatever y'all are doing in life. I love y'all!

Elder Chet Dean Carter

September 30 2013

Howdy!

 

This week hasn't been that fruitful for us, but it's been a good week. A miracle happen for the Sister Missionaries and they had a baptism this past Saturday. They were teaching a 12 year old girl and taking things real slow, her mom and step dad are members, anyway on Monday night she told the sisters she wanted to be baptized as soon as possible. It took some work to pull off, but the sisters were right on top of it all and I interviewed her and she seemed ready. It was a wonderful thing. After the baptism we all got to go to lunch at their home and it was lots of fun.

 

I mentioned last week that we got to go to the Blue Bell Factory and it was lots of fun! We got to have some good lessons with people. Many also canceled, but we got some good things done. We did exchanges this week and Elder Moesel come to my area with me and it was a good time. I really like Elder Moesel, he goes home in... well, next week! Crazy! While with him we stopped by a less active who has been home bound and he said he wanted to come to church which really surprised me. I wasn't expecting it. They weren't able to make it on Sunday, but hopefully they will come to conference at the church and church the following week.

 

We did some family history this week with one of our investigators and are going to do more this week with him. It's fun. District Meeting this week went well and the Brazos sisters said it was what they needed for the moment, I'm so happy it helped them, I worry about if what I do at District Meeting is what my District needs to hear. I pray and go with faith though that my plans are directed from God. We got to go out to the country again, it's always fun to go out there and see what you can find. We found the house we were looking for all fenced up and no trespassing signs with beware of dog signs so we didn't really go knock on his door, plus we took a dirt road to get out there, I wanted to travel that dirt road back out a live so we didn't bother him.

 

Saturday night our appointment canceled and it was raining hard, I didn't want to go try to find people in the rain so we went to visit a old couple that we visit every so often, to my surprise she was watching the Relief Society Broadcast and we got to watch it with her. I really enjoyed it, Sister Reeves gave an amazing talk also. It got me all excited for General Conference and now I can't wait. President Monson looked really different to me. You can tell he misses his wife a lot.

 

Lots of good and fun things happen this week. A quick story, we were out trying by people and we drove past a members house and I noticed both of their cars there so we stopped and got to visit with them, I guess he has said a prayer either the day before or earlier that day that we would show up because he wanted a blessing. We were prayed there and got to be instruments in Gods hands, cool.

 

I love being a missionary and love life and y'all.

Take Care,

Elder Chet Dean Carter

September 23 2013

Howdy Y'all!!!

 

Well this week as been good. We had interviews with President and I always enjoy getting to see President Pingree and his wife. I talked to him about when I will be coming home. I also received a phone call this week from the mission office asking me questions and I will be coming home on New Years Day, 1 January 2014!!!!! As of today I only have 100days left.

 

This week we had planned to go knock a few doors and a certain place came to mind, as I thought about it throughout the next day it just seemed right, so we went there. We got to talk with 2 different people and teach them a little bit. The miracle is this. We knocked on one door which had some college girls living there, they were really nice. They were having dinner so I gave them a pamphlet of the restoration and briefly summarized it. Then we headed off. We knock a few more doors and then some one we talk to briefly on the other side of the street stopped us and talked to us. While talking to him, which wasn't very productive, I spot to of the college girls some out and walk down the street toward us and then they stop a house away and set of the curb while we are talking, once we finish they stop us and say they were reading the pamphlet and want to have a lesson and talk about it. Neat! Miracle!!

 

We have seen several miracles happening within the ward lately. We were able to have some good lessons this week with people. We also had stake correlation which is where the ward, stake and mission leaders meet with the full time missionaries in that area and talk about things. Then we all go out and make a few visits to people. It was really good. We had a lot of extra miles this week so we spent Saturday going by people that live out in the country area that we don't get to go to often. It was lots of fun and we got to see some Texas Longhorns. It was a good week.

 

Today we got to go to the Blue Bell Ice Cream Factory and tour it. I absolutely love Blue Bell Ice Cream and I know y'all would also. This is how you get it in Utah. Y'all need to go to the store and ask if they have Blue Bell, if we get enough demand for it then it will come to Utah sooner. You can find Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla at any Outback Steak House, but we need Blue Bell in stores. Get askin' and once I get home I will be doing the same with my Blue Bell Shirt I got to day that reads, " I get cranky without my Blue Bell." It might be true, we will find out once I get home.

 

I love y'all and hope everything is going well.

Love Elder Chet Dean Carter

September 16 2013

Howdy!

 

Well, Let me think! I have found the new way to wear my hair. Since it's going bye-bye, I have it shaved with a 2 guard. So it's really short for me and I am getting use to it, I've gotten some good compliments and again I've been told I look like the man from Happy Days. We had a lot of cancellations again this week and we were able to have some good lessons and visits with others.

 

I've gotten to do duties that became my responsibility this week because of being District Leader. I like this. It's fun and I'm learning to love and care more about people, especially those I'm over. I had a District member ask for a blessing this week, (actually half the District got blessings this week) and I told them we would be over at a certain time. Well we got out of our appointment early and I was trying to think of something to do. It was getting late and then I realized that the next day was Sunday and we needed gas, so we went to get some gas and I wanted to go inside and so we did. The cashier when I got up to pay said, "I thought y'all were mormons." I asked her how she knew us. She met with missionaries in the past, so I gave her our info and she said she would like to meet with us sometime. That was cool. Now about some of the blessings given this week, wow! The Spirit has been felt strongly and the voice of God has been spoken through His servants, and I'm not talking about blessings I gave, but all of them given this week. Awesome things have been done this week and felt.

 

Our ward had an Ice Cream Social this week and it was fun. A lot of people showed up and they had good Ice Cream. Friday night we didn't have someone signed up on our meal calendar, but that day we got a text from a member inviting us to come eat at the High School, because her son is in band and they were doing a fundraiser dinner, she paid for us and it was really good. She was helping our with the food so she couldn't set with us but she sent some of her friends over and we got to talk and visit with them and it was really neat. They might feed us some time soon. Awesome missionary moment for her. We were able to create a friendship and it may lead into something else, if not we had good positive contact with them.

 

I've learned to not like Football again, it's so hard to do missionary work when everyone is watching Texas A&M Football, no one answers the door or will give you time to visit. Luckily we found someone to visit. That's all I really have to say. I hope all is going well with y'all back home. I send my love!!!

Elder Chet Dean Carter

Monday September 9 2013

Howdy Y'all!!!

 

Well I don't have a whole lot to report! This week we had a lot of cancellations and we did quite a bit of tracting and overall things are going good. We have been working hard and doing our best. We had dinner this week with the Carter's at Carters Burgers and I had a Carter Burger and I'm Elder Carter! It was cool. I got a picture with them outside the building for memories.

 

We had Zone Meeting which was cool. We had to drive to Madisonville for it, which is about 33ish miles away, it's a tiny little town and so it was cool to see more parts of the mission I've never seen before. Zone Meeting was really good, we talked all about prayer and it was really good. Church was also good this week. One man spoke about how Christ is the Great Physician and it was a really good talk.

 

We got to see several people this week that we haven't seen in a while so that was good. And the coolest one is some investigators who have been recovering  and putting off meeting, we got to see them and they are ready to meet, so we are meeting this week. I'm excited!

 

Another really cool thing that happen is this, A year ago I got to baptize Destiny, my greatest mission highlight or memory! It's crazy to think it's been a year. Anyway, This last Saturday I got to Baptize two 8 year old children. Taylor and Tyler Lewis. They are children of one of the members in the ward that we have created a good relationship with and have been there to support the family in a lot of trail which they have faced. It was neat to baptize them, so I've now baptized 3people and all of them the first weekend in September. That was a neat experience, Elder Field got to come for that and do the confirmations which was cool, it was his first time to confirm anyone.

 

Well, I love y'all! I'm so thankful to be a missionary and pray y'all get to have missionary opportunities. God Bless!

Love Elder Chet Dean Carter

September 3 2013

 

Howdy y'all!

 

Things are going well! So you know already that I am in Bryan still!!!!! I'm so happy about that. I loved getting to spend some time in my last area! It was fun and I got to see some families that I really enjoyed getting to see again. It was lots of fun!

 

Now to tell you quickly all that has happen, I'm in Bryan still, and  I'm training my 2nd time. I'm also District Leader which I'm super excited about!!!! It is going to be really fun getting to do all a District Leader does. I'm most excited about getting to hold District Meeting each week and instruct my District on Gospel/Missionary Topics!

 

My new companion is Elder Hilder from Rexburg Idaho and he is a really good guy. I'm excited to be companions with him. I am sure we are going to have a really wonderful time together. The work here in Bryan has been a little slow because of transfers and school just starting and Labor Day and everything. But it should start picking back up here soon. Things are going good. The mission is growing, we have 260 missionaries in the mission now and it is getting equaled out between Elders and Sisters, it's crazy!

 

I don't know what else to say, so let me say this: I know the Gospel is true! I know it and bare witness of it!

 

I love y'all and next week I will hopefully have a lot more to report, but right now I am a little rushed and my mind is all over the place. God is watching over all!

 

I just remembered something cool. the sisters in our ward had a baptism this past week and Awesome! then I got to confirm them on Sunday!!

Take Care Y'all!

 

Love Elder Chet Dean Carter

August 26 2013

Howdy y'all!

 

This week is transfers and calls don't come until tomorrow, but I know I'm staying in Bryan!!!! We got a call on Saturday from President Pingree and his call was to tell Elder Field he was being transferred on Monday (today). One of the Elders who completed his mission gets picked up today to spend the next few days with the Pingree's and because of circumstances they decided transfer Elder Field early, that's the area the Lord wants him in now. So for the mean time I'm spending the next few days with Elder Jimenez whose companion also finished his mission. For the next few days until Thursday Elder Jimenez and I will be covering both Bryan (my area) and College Station 1st Ward (Elder Jimenez area and my first area). I'm excited for this time I get to spend with Elder Jimenez, he is a really cool guy. That is what happen today and will be happening the next few days. Fun Stuff!

 

Now last week was really good. We didn't really have anything going Monday night and it was close to time to head home, but Elder Field was almost certain that he was leaving so since we were close to a family he wanted to say bye to we went over there. It's a single sister and her son and he isn't a member. We worked with them and when the Sisters came we gave them to the Sisters. Anyway we go over and knock on their door and it opens and who is sitting inside? The Sister Missionaries and everyone had a big smile on their face. We found out that the Sisters had offered the non-member son a blessing because he hadn't been feeling good. He was declining, and they knew if we would come he would get a blessing so they prayed we would show up, they left their phone in the car, and for some odd reason (not odd anymore) parked in a dark corner behind another car. If we would have saw the car we would have left without knocking. It was really neat how it worked out.

 

Wednesday we did exchanges and I stayed in my area and spent the day with Elder Olsen. We had a really good day. We went and visited Eulisis, a man who has been meeting with the missionaries for around 3years. We read 2Nephi 9 and it was really good. I felt prompted that was the thing to share with him. Well, we read and discussed it and I asked him some questions about what he believes, and he believes all we do for the most part. I then invited him to be baptized and expressed to him how much I love and care about him, it really touched him and he didn't say no, but he didn't say yes either. I think we are getting really close though. It was an awesome lesson and yes the Spirit was there. We also went by the lady I taught while in College Station, she now lives in Bryan, she wasn't in the right setting to have a lesson, but she said she would be ready next week so we have an appointment tomorrow with her. I hope all goes well. It was a really good day, and a really good exchange.

 

We had a few other really good lessons this last week and it was a good week. One of the members we ate with said something in our spiritually message that I really liked and want to share. "Miracles don't happen, if you trust in the Lord" I really liked that and thought, that is true. When we put trust in the Lord then that means that there is nothing that He can't do. Miracles still happen and we call them that for a reason, but in all reality it's the Lord doing what He does for those who believe.

 

I love y'all! I'm so excited to be staying in Bryan. I really hope it's my last area, but if not I'm so happy to be here at least another transfer. I just wonder who my new companion will be and I'll be wondering until Thursday. I love y'all and send my love home.

 

Love Elder Chet Dean Carter

Monday 19 2013

Howdy Y'all!

 

Well, things are going really good. This past week we got to go to the temple and it was AMAZING! I walked away feeling so much love from Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, I really got a lot out of going this last time. It y'all are able to go and haven't this past month, you really need to go and you will see why, the temple is AMAZING!!!!

 

We were able to get a few more investigators this past week and have some really good lessons. We also got to do some good service, one helping a family move and our top investigator came to help out with that which was really good. Also we got to help a friend of one of the families in the ward move. They aren't members and it was a really big service we did for them. He is from Africa and just got home from taking a group of students over there and they met some missionaries over there and they were rude to them. That really upset the man  we helped. Then he comes home and we come help him move and really redeemed the view of missionaries for this man. He was so thankful for our help and I'm so happy we were able to help him out.

 

We got a call this week asking for some help to go visit someone the missionaries taught in the past.  This man is going through a really hard time in all aspects and we got to go over with a member and he said we could start coming back. We've been trying and trying to get in with this family but it's never a good time, and I think I know why know. It was awesome to get to go meet with him and help him.

 

On Sunday we got to participate in a baby blessing, ordaining to office of Elder, and a blessing of comfort, it was awesome to be part of so many different things done by the Priesthood. It was neat. I'm so thankful to know the Power of God has been restored to the earth in these last days.

 

I'm doing good. I love y'all so much! Hope all is going well and I send my love!

Elder Chet Dean Carter

August 12 2013

This week started out not the best. I was having a hard time. The days would just drag on and on and not much was happening. I wasn't in the best of Spirit and I wanted it to end. Then on Thursday, I got a letter that brighten my whole week. Things also started to go really good. Wednesday we got to go help some friends of one of our members do Family History which was fun. Then Thursday, We got to do some service and visit with some members we have been having the hardest time catching. We also got to find a man we have been teaching, at home and we finally got to have a lesson with him after several weeks. He even had a friend over who joined us and took a Book of Mormon. Thursday night we went to a baptism for a 8 year old girl in the ward, It was awesome. I love the Spirit that is at Baptisms, and we also got a referral from going to that.

 

Friday was Zone Meeting and they talked about trusting in the Lord. The goals for the mission have been set higher because the Lord has told President Pingree that we can do this. Anyway, after zone meeting we had lunch and our first appointment  canceled. It was sad because it was going to be with an investigator and we were planning on talking about baptism. So instead we went by a former investigator and to my surprise they were willing to have us come back and teach them. We had a good visit with them and then before we left the lady asked about our scriptures, they looked different than hers. I explained we believed in the Holy Bible King James Version and that we also believe in the Book of Mormon. She then looked at us and asked how much one would cost. I told her it would cost her nothing, it is completely free. Her mouth went open and she just kept asking, free? ........ We can pay a little if we need to....... My companion and I explained it was free and how the church doesn't care about the money, we care about the salvation of individuals. She was so shocked at everything. We ran out to our car and got a copy for her and her husband. They were such a nice couple and have had a hard life and it was time for us to show up. Miracle!

 

Then we ran by a member who lived close by and when we left our next appointment with a less active canceled. But, we also had a text from our first appointment of the day wanting to meet and wondering if we were free. We responded with we were and we had an awesome discussion with him about baptism and it was another, Miracle!

 

Saturday, we got to do some more service and then later that day we went by a family in the ward. A few weeks earlier this man excepted a copy of the Book of Mormon to give away, it's a challenge we do each week in Priesthood, we were stopping by to follow up with how it went. He hadn't given it away yet, but he had a list of people and praying to know which one he should share it with. As we visited with this couple they told us of all the missionary work they were doing and have done in the past. It was Awesome! They then told us of 4 neighbors who might be interested in our lessons. We contacted 2 and was able to make an appointment with one of them. The other not interested. Anyway, Awesome!

 

Sunday, was a good day. We did our challenge again in Priesthood and then after opening exercise we had 5 other people ask for a copy to give to a friend. It was awesome. We explained President Pingree's revelation about our mission goals and the ward reacted in a positive way which was great.

 

Things are going really good. Lots of work to do and I'm so happy to be a missionary. I just want to share with y'all I know that God is real. I know He lives and that Jesus Christ is my Savior and my Redeemer. I know this gospel and church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the truth and the way. It is Christ's! I know we have a living Prophet on the earth today and that the Book of Mormon as well as the Holy Bible is the word or God. I know these things to be true and I testify of these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

 

I love y'all and hope y'all are doing wonderful. I send my love!

Love Elder Chet Dean Carter

Today

Written by Chet Dean Carter

The past is just that, the past

It's been rough, hard, and trying

That's what has gotten me here Today

 

There has been mistake and shortcoming

It's been a continuous steepening mountainous climb

That's what has gotten me here Today

 

Taste of joy I have had within me

Inside I have felt sweetness and love

That's what has gotten me here Today

 

The one's who have shown love

In return the one's I have loved

They have gotten me here Today

 

The Present is now

I still have a climb in front of me

That's to accomplish Today

 

There has been love shown, support given

Invites to find inner spiritual strength

That's to accomplish Today

 

The future is yet to be

In time I will finish my climb and find new beginnings

That will soon be my Today

August 5 2013

Howdy Y'all!

 

This past week has been so long and long. It wasn't bad or anything, just super long. Monday was fun. My companion when and bought something from a store and broke his newly bought item, so we took it back and just the events that followed were so funny. He was the favorite customer of the day. I just stood back and laughed. Anyway, we had zone conference this week which was lots of fun. It's crazy because we always end Zone Conference with the missionaries who will be returning home before the next one, giving their "final testimony" I was thinking about that. We do Zone Conference every other transfer and so the next Zone Conference I will be giving my final testimony. So Crazy! I only have 5 months left before I come home.

 

The next day after Zone Conference we had to drive to Conroe which is 144miles round trip, to take our car to the dealer to get something fixed, and they couldn't do it. Anyway.

 

Those two things were what made it such a long week. The drive to Houston is 1 1/2 hours and long. We didn't really get as many appointments this week but some good things still happen. We visited a few people, members, not members and had some good lessons and felt the Spirit.

 

Sunday, Church was good. We had investigators there and the Sister Missionaries did also. Awesome! The one's the sisters have been teaching asked for  blessing so we gave both of them, the mom and son a blessing and it was awesome. It really brought the Spirit and it was a good, really good experience for them. I just love the Spirit.

 

 

This morning we helped a man who fell away and had his life go down, down bad. It sounds like he is going to get his life back in order and it was nice to help him. That's all I really have this week at this time. I  love y'all and send my love. Take care!

Love Elder Chet Dean Carter

July 22 2013

Howdy Y'all!

 

Things are going good here in Texas. It's still humid :(( and hot :(

This last week was transfers and I am down to a two person companionship again. I'm thankful for that because I don't like being in a trio. My companion is Elder Field still and I'm still here in Bryan. I'm happy about that. I really enjoy in here in Bryan. We got sisters to aid in the work now in the Bryan 1st ward. Sister Gregson and Sister Hutchings, both from Utah. The first, Salt Lake area and the latter, St. George. They are good, hard workers and it is good having them.

 

It's been a good week. We got to have some good lessons with investigators and some less actives. It's really neat to see the Spirit working inside someone and them becoming closer to the Lord. On Sunday, we had to members invite a friend and they came to church and we have an appointment with each of the friends this week. That is really neat. As members of the Church it is our responsibility to share the gospel and I love seeing and hearing of members doing their part, doing missionary work. We had one lady ask for 3 copies of the Book of Mormon so she could leave them in some homes they rent out. Two other people agreed to give a Book of Mormon away during the week. Also, we got to hear of some more missionary stories from members this week and it's wonderful. I love to hear in my letters from home of missionary work being done there. Missionary work is helping others come closer to Christ in any form. I hope and pray y'all may have the chance to share with someone this week about the gospel.

 

There was a baptism this week for a 8year old girl in the ward and we were able to help a less active get there. The man hasn't been in the church building for a very long time. He has some medical problems right now he is working through and he wasn't feeling very good the day of the baptism, but he came and fought through it all. It was awesome. I was so happy to see this man in the Church building. There has been some really big steps of progress made with people we are working with this week. I love it!

 

I love the Gospel and know it's true!

I love y'all! Hope all is well and that y'all enjoy the rest of summer!

Love, Elder Chet Dean Carter

July 15 2013

Howdy y'all!

 

I hope all is well with y'all. I'm doing good! Today is a cooler day and we are getting a little rain which is good, and I'm so happy it's not Texas rain, it's more like Utah rain. I love Texas and love serving in Bryan. This week is transfers and I'm excited and nervous to find out the changes here in Bryan. We will have Sister Missionaries up here on Thursday to aid in the work which will be neat, but I'm nervous to what all will change. I will hopefully be staying. I don't want to move around anymore.

 

This past week was good. I found a little piece of heaven this week, it's called Freddy's and their food is sooooooooooo yummy. We went there two days in a row and yum yum is all I can say. It's kinda like a California burger place, similar to 5 Guys or In and Out, but very yummy!!!!!!!!!

 

We also had Zone Meeting and the Zone Leaders asked me to give a talk on how to qualify for the Spirit and I think I gave a really good talk. I spoke on we prepare our tools, and the most important tool in the work is the Spirit and the way we prepare to have the Spirit is by following the Missionary Handbook and to be obedient.

 

The mission is changing so much. We are getting so many missionaries, a lot of sisters, and the rules keep getting updated. It's cool to be in the mission field when so much is happening with it. I found out today the church no longer wants missionaries to have backpacks, but instead a shoulder bag, which I have. The church has also updated the grooming and dress standards for missionaries.

 

On Saturday we went to help the College Station 1st Elders do some service for a family in their ward. I was a little excited, wondering who I might see from when I served there. The next thing I know we are pulling into a familiar driveway, and walking up to a familiar door and I knew exactly where we were once we got there, it was a surprise/trick. We went to my converts home for lunch. The McClentons are wonderful people and he is the only baptism I had while in College Station and it was so wonderful to see them. They made the same burritos they made when I left and they are yummy. That was cool.

 

The work is going forward and lots is happening. We are working with a few people who are preparing for baptism and we should be having one soon.

 

I just want to share with y'all this thought! I know that Christ lives and that He loves us so much. His Atonement is real and is there to help us, to better us. We need to let it change us as well as strengthen us. I love the mission! I love the Lord! And I know The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the True church!

 

I love y'all and hope all is well!

Love Elder Chet Dean Carter

July 8 2013

Howdy!

 

I love the mission! I love Bryan Texas! and I love everything!

 

Things are going really well! This past week has been good. We had some awesome lessons with people and got  a few new investigators. The 4th of July was an AWESOME day! The ward breakfast party that day was the best ward breakfast ever. The key was no pancakes, we had french toast! It was so yummy and a good turn out. The ward mission leader planned it with a few suggestions from who? The full-time missionaries! We had an investigator there which was cool. We did our weekly planning on the 4th, but all our meals were provided for us. Lunch was with the Spanish Elders and Sisters at one of our members houses, the Morgans and that was very yummy food and the cool part is that their son and his family was over and I knew them from College Station, It has been lots of fun to see so many people from my first area and see how they are doing. Then dinner was at the Teegardens which is one of my favorite families to visit. They are so funny and lots of fun! I loved the 4th of July! We also had perfect weather for it!

 

This past week has been so beautiful, weather wise. It's been a little cooler only in the 90s and the first part of the week was low 90s. I don't think it will be as nice this week. It's going to get hotter most likely. Whatever, that's fine.

 

We have had lots of good lesson this week and we also had training with our wonderful mission president. We talked about the Lords way and how with man somethings are possible, but with God all things are possible. Then we listen to an awesome talk by Kevin W. Pearson of the Seventy about faith, called Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. It was wonderful to see President Pingree!

 

I was excited for fast Sunday and have wanted all week to go up and bare my testimony. When Sunday came I was not a happy person and that whole day wasn't all that great. I went to bed early (after planning and all) and enjoyed my extra sleep. Anyway, after partaking of the water I felt I needed to go up and share my testimony about Jesus Christ and His Atonement. I finally stood up after listening to a few people and I'm glad I went up when I did, because as I got up there and walked up the steps I realized 3 other people were also coming up with me. I got my turn and I testified of Jesus Christ, of His love and Atonement. I testified of the greatest gift of God, Eternal Life and Heavenly Fathers love, I also added my witness to the truth of the Gospel and of a living Prophet. I'm so happy I went up. The rest of church was wonderful and spiritual. We had two investigators at church also. It was wonderful.

 

One study this morning was very enlightening also. I studied the topic of Charity and came to find that it is much more than just love and service. It is in fact the Pure Love of Christ. It is free from any impurities and perfect love. It is the noblest, strongest, highest kind of love. It was a wonderful study and my prayer is that I may more fully develop Charity into my life.

 

We had many wonderful lessons with people this week and many spiritual times with people. We did go over and visit with the recent converts who were having doubts and everything seems to be just fine with them. That is a good thing. We also went to visit one of the less actives we are working with and our visits are never really all that spiritual at all. But this time it was Awesome. I think it really helped him and I know he felt the Spirit a little. We also got to go do some service for a family and put together a chicken coop for them. Then they feed us lunch and we got to visit with them a little and it was really good. The husband is less active and as been his whole life and really doesn't give God much credit, but I think that service and time there was very beneficial. We have him a blessing a week ago for kidney failure and 5days later nothing was wrong with him. Miracles! Everywhere!

 

I love the mission and life. Things are wonderful! I hope all is well with all y'all and that y'all are having a fantastic summer!

I love y'all!

Elder Chet Dean Carter

P.S. July 1 2013

Howdy Y'all

 

I came a cross these mormon message this past week and wanted to share it with y'all. I really like them and think there great.First one is what I want in my marrage. It's called "Enduring Love" (click the name below for the link)

 

Enduring Love

 

I also came a cross this one which I thought was really neat called "origin" (click the name below for the link)

 

Origin

 

I hope you enjoy them! I also hope the links work, if not go find them on lds.org, it's worth it!

Love Elder Chet Dean Carter

July 1 2013

Howdy!

 

Things here in Texas are going good. We did have a HOT week last week. The one day hit 106 and the rest of the week was in the 100's and it's not fun. This week as been cooler so far and should stay a little cooler. I hope. I don't like the heat and all I can say is Thank you Heavenly Father for a car.

 

We got to go to the temple this week. It was really good. I love the temple. Then that night we had a baptism for Jason who is an awesome man. I was so happy for him. At one point I looked over at him and he looked behind him and saw all the people there to support him and he just had a big happy smile on his face. It was really neat. I love watching people make such a big step toward Heavenly Father and watch them feel the Spirit as strong as you do at baptisms. I just love it.

 

We got some new investigators this week and one with a baptism date for the end of the month. We also got a referral for a lady who were told has a testimony of the Book of Mormon and when I called her she seemed really excited and wants to come to church. We are meeting with her this week. Lots of miracles are happening.

 

We are working with a man who has been investigating for a long time, I've been told for 3years. This last week when we went over we were talking to him, more of listening to him talk and I was falling asleep. I'll be honest, I'm not perfect. Then all of a sudden I woke right up and had questions come to my mind. I started to ask him the questions that were coming to my mind and then I would listen to him talk and another question would come to mind and it was awesome. I've never experienced anything like it before. I summed it all up at the end for him and invited him to do some things including to come to church, promised blessings and testified of truth. He hasn't come to Church since I got here and guess who showed up at church on Sunday, this man. It was so awesome and I'm so happy, I feel the Lord really used me at an instrument in His hands.

 

Things are going really well. It has been a good week and I'm ready for another good week. Church was awesome! Lots of really good things said and shared. The spirit was there for sure. The said thing is our recent converts David and Jodi are having some doubts and didn't come. We are meeting with them tonight to talk about things and I got a good compliment from one of my companions today. He said he thinks I should lead that discussion because I listen more and they (my companions) take things and run with it where I will listen and get more out of them. It make me feel good that he mentioned that. Anyway, I just pray for the Spirit tonight and to help these two who have gone such a long way. I know all will work out though, all we need is to listen to them and follow the Spirit.

 

This week will be another really good week. We have some good things planned and I'm excited. I'm most excited for my 18th month mark and the 4th of July which is all the same day. That will be a good day. We have some good fun planned and hopefully some good missionary opportunities will happen. We also have specialized training this week which will be awesome, it always is really good. I hope all is well with y'all and hope y'all have a safe, but fun 4th of July!

 

I love y'all and testify that Christ lives

Elder Chet Dean Carter

June 24 2013

Howdy Y'all!

Things are going wonderful! Miracles! We had a baptism for David and Jodi which I think I told y'all about, now tomorrow we will have a baptism for Jason and it is going to be wonderful. We also have a few other people who are being prepared for baptism. The work is moving forward and things are great!
Yesterday was The Work of Salvation Broadcast and I hope y'all got to watch it. It was AMAZING! The people that spoke were L. Tom Perry, Neil L. Anderson, Russell M. Nelson, Boyd K. Packer and Thomas S. Monson. It was truly amazing. The work of the Lord is being hastened. The Lord is on His way. I look at it all this way. First, the youth gets all new curriculum and it's modeled to get them active in lessons and more into things so they can learn the doctrine better. The family has always been a topic of discussion for the prophets and apostles, but they have really made a push on the importance of raising children up to the Lord and strengthening family. The age for missionaries is lowered and the earth is literally flooded with them. A lot has been made mention to missionaries of the importance and how we are to do the Lords work. The broadcast yesterday was the very first time they have done that for a New Mission President Seminar and the Lord wants members, wards, missionaries and all working together to get His work done. The Lord is opening brand new and more effective ways of finding and teaching and for everyone to work together to accomplish His work. All I can say is lets get workin!
This past week has been good. We were able to have some really good visits with people and help them feel the Spirit. I have a object lesson I've done with an index card and my companions have just really help to make that lesson more powerful and insightful. It's wonderful. I love my companions and enjoy serving with them. The talks at church yesterday were awesome also. They were on trusting in the Lord and overcoming weaknesses. The couple that spoke are over the addiction recovery program in the stake and they did a wonderful job. It was a great Sunday.
This week will be wonderful also. I just know it. I love being a missionary and love the work of Salvation. I know we all need to do more to help those around us, both on this side of the veil and the other. The Work of Salvation is the Work of God and it is His purpose. L. Tom Perry said last night, "The Lords work moves forward when we understand our duty and purpose..." Let us find what are purpose is, our duty is to serve. May we all fulfill that and serve those around us and invite them to be strengthen in faith and to come closer to God. Neil L. Anderson said last night, "Our work begins on our knees." We need to start today to pray for help to know how God would have us to aid Him in His work to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. Russell M. Nelson mentioned last night that we need to have all we do motivated by love. Love for God, and love for all to help them return to live with God the Father. Elder Nelson said, "The Work of Salvation excludes no one." That means we are all in this work together. so lets unite in love and give a little more love. Boyd K. Packer talked about how we need to trust in the Lord and in the Spirit and also that help will come once we begin. Once we begin. so lets begin, that first step is getting on our knees, remember that. Lastly, our beloved Prophet Thomas S. Monson said "Now is the time for members and missionaries to come together." He also mentioned that we need to act in faith and the Lord will show us how and what we need to do.
I give my witness that God Lives, that Jesus Christ is His Son and our Savior. I know that the Atonement is there for all, it is there to help us all return to our Father. I love the Lord and I love all y'all. May God bless each and everyone of you. I'm very grateful to be a missionary and to be a member of the ONLY true church upon the earth. I know the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon, of a living prophet and of our Savior Jesus Christ. I give my witness that all hope is not lost, and all we need is Love. in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.
Love, Elder Chet Dean Carter

June 17 2013

Howdy y'all!

Well, do I have news! Elder Christoffel Golden Jr. of the Seventy came and did a mission tour this past week and it was pretty cool getting to feel of his spirit. He is a man of God. I love how when ever a General Authority comes, no matter who it is you can tell they are men of God. There is no questioning their testimony or wondering if they know, you can tell by their spirit and by listening to them speak. It's amazing!
My companion is Elder Field from San Jose California and Elder Hill from Rexberg Idaho. Wait what? Elder Field and Elder Hill?!  Yes that is correct. We were made into a trio this past week. It wasn't exciting when the phone call came from President Pingree, but after we all got together it's not so bad. They are both fun, good people and it's really a party now. We are turning Bryan Tx into Mormonville.
We had a baptism on Saturday for David and Jodi and it was wonderful. They have an amazing story. Let me sum it up into they were interested, walked 3miles to church, sat behind a member who followed the Spirit, met with missionaries, stopped, threw the Book of Mormon away, the place they were living got burnt down or closed, the member from before got lost and found out about the place they were living, hunted them down on face book, they met with missionaries again, this time ready to make fools of them, the missionaries sat down, they confessed they knew this was all true, they got taught the lessons, and are now members themselves. The baptism when awesome. It was great!
Sunday night we were going to visit a less active and on the way to the door a lady stopped us and said, when y'all coming back to see me. Then she saw me and said, 'Hey, I know you." It was Pam, a lady who I taught while serving in College Station. It was neat, we have an appointment with her this week and this might be part of the reason I'm in Bryan now, to teach her again. She is a good lady and I'm excited to start teaching her again. Mission Miracle. We weren't even planning on going to visit this less active, we were on our way somewhere else and just happen to be passing this members house and decided to stop and visit him instead.
Things are going great, we have another man who is preparing for baptism and will have more soon. Lots of potential and lots of miracles happening. I love my companions and love the Lord. We also have some less actives we are working with and things are going good with them, we are really helping a few get back to church and it's wonderful seeing changes happen in peoples lives and how much happier they become. One man has seen a change in his friend and asked us to come over and help him and his family feel the Spirit more. How neat.
I hope all is well with y'all. I love y'all so much and wish the best of wishes for y'all.
Love Elder Chet Dean Carter

June 10 2013

Howdy!

 

Here is my report on transfers. I have been transferred to Bryan, it's right above College Station! I love it up this way, it's so much like home, yet so not like home. Anyway, my new companion is Elder Field from San Jose, California and he is a really awesome guy, I'm so excited to have a new companion and to be back up where I love being. The best news is that I'm back in a car for the summer!

 

Anyway, my new address is 1525 E. 29th St. #611 Bryan Tx 77802

 

Lakewood is now a sister area and this transfer there were at least 2bike areas made for sisters and Lakewood is one of them. I was sad to leave that great ward. Although, President Pingree has told me a few times and also has mentioned to Elder Field a few times how strongly of impressions he had to send me to Bryan and he wanted to keep me in Lakewood, but the Lord just kept telling him I needed to be in Bryan.

 

There are some really good people up this way. We will be having a baptism this Saturday and then a few more baptisms will be coming up soon. Exciting! There is also 2 young women in Longwood who has baptismal dates that we set right before I left. So to sum it all up, the waters of baptism are being used.

 

I hope all is well back home. I love and miss y'all so much, but am so excited and happy to be a missionary right now. Things have been going good. This week we will be having a mission tour by Elder Christoffel Golden from the Seventy, he spoke last General Conference. That will be exciting to meet him and have him address us. It should be good. I'm just so excited for this transfer and being back up here in the College Station / Bryan Area. It's a wonderful place and I'm happy to be out of the city. Houston is huge  and lots of people.

 

I send my love and will be writing soon. I send my Love!

P.S. If anyone would like to send me stamps, I wouldn't complain.

Love, Elder Chet Dean Carter