25 Minutes of Prayer‏ (Change the Location of this entry)

25 Minutes of Prayer‏: June 30th, 2014

Hey Family and Friends,

This week was great! There were some ups this week, and definitely some downs, but that's how the mission is, right?

So we interrupted an investigator's Bible study class on accident and ended up joining a 25 minute closing prayer. 25 minutes! KNEELING! Elder Santa Cruz and I stumbled to our feet and then after saying goodbye to everyone they decided to "pray over us" before we left for our next appointment. They then formed a, what I would call cult-like, circle around us and all began to pray simultaneously for our safety. It was caring and all, but I couldn't get over them surrounding us all and murmuring for our protection. Oh, good ol' Kansas.

Sunday night we had dinner with the Roman Family and they invited Gigi--a friend that they had given a copy of the Book of Mormon to a month or so back. Well, after being our charming missionary selves, and having a fun time, we shared a quick lesson and asked if Gigi and her husband would be interested in meeting with us sometime this week. They responded that they already had their own church and we're grateful for the offer, but it wasn't for them. Man, that hurt. After working with the members, doing everything that we thought possible, we still got shot down. I left the dinner with a bad taste in my mouth, not from the food of course, those burritos were to die for, but for the fact that the Romans were so excited for Gigi and were praying so much, but it didn't work out. I wasn't feeling bad for myself, but for my friends, the Romans. That's one thing that I've learned on my mission so far. Love. I never thought that I would come to love people--investigators, members, companions, family--so much. I want the best for them always. I wouldn't be here without them and that's why I thank my Father in Heaven everyday for those that He has placed in my life. Hopefully, some of you can pull something from this experience also, I know I have

Mucho amor,

Elder Beau Hart

(Here's a picture of E. Santa Cruz and I at Farmstead after we asked a bunch of 6 year-olds to take a selfie with us.)

Meetings‏

Meetings‏: August 11th, 2014

Dear Family and Friends,

This week was slow, but great. We had a ton of meetings--meetings about missionary work, meetings about how to train others on missionary work, and meetings about how to have meetings. It was grand! I learned a ton, but I feel like if I walk into another meeting this week, I might set someone's hair on fire.

San Jose (St. Joseph) is coming along nicely. Elder Sjoblom and I are focusing on finding this week, which means let's play the "Who's that awkward teenager on my doorstep talking about the Book of Mormon?" game! In all seriousness, we are seeing some miracles and the members here are fantastic and love to share the gospel with their friends and family members, so we are staying busy thanks to them.

Oh and life is great being a member of the 19 year-old missionary club! My birthday was fantastic and we celebrated after Zone Training with some burritos at Pancheros. Thanks for all the well-wishes and love!

Mucho amor,

Elder Beau Hart

I Smell Like Dog Food‏

I Smell Like Dog Food‏: August 4th, 2014

Dear Family and Friends,

Not much to report on this week. San Jose (St. Joseph) is treating me well. It's a little old run down town with pockets of Cubans and smells like dog food due to the food processing plant. But hey, on the bright side, I've never had dogs love me more than this on my mission because I smell and probably taste like their food now.

We've been helping a member get her dance studio ready for business this week and I've been learning a ton of new skills like: painting, buffing floors, how to curse in Spanish (gotta love construction workers!), and how not to get shocked my outlets when you are replacing them. Only failed that last one two times. It's a grand learning experience.

Elder Sjoblom and I are doing great! This week will be great and we are going to find a ton of people who are interested in meeting with us and learning about the church. Also, my birthday is the 8th and my time is rapidly disappearing in which I can tell people that I am 18 on my mission. So if you want an easy way to make up for all those letters you thought to write me, you can forward any and all gifts, puppies, Spanish music, native-speakers to teach me Spanish, cash or credit cards, and love to:

4 Summerhill Dr.

St. Joseph, MO 64506 

or

Missouri Independence Mission Office

517 W. Walnut St. 

Independence, MO 64050

Mucho amor,

Elder Beau Hart

San Jose

San Jose: July 28th, 2014

Dear Family and Friends,

This week was transfers and now I'm rocking it in San Jose (St. Joseph), Missouri with Elder Sjoblom. It was absolutely heartbreaking to leave my Kansas home of Olathe. You get so close to people in the field and you never want to leave your area or, if you are lucky like I was, your companion. Elder Sjoblom is the man and he and I got to skip all the "get to know you" questions because we actually went to Weber High together. Go Warriors!

San Jose is pretty chill. It's a really run down old time town that's about to be blown up with baptisms because Elder Sjoblom and I are here and ready to go. I mean, we do have a lot of work ahead of us if we are to get a Spanish branch put together in what time I'm here. Pray for us, especially my Spanish now that I'm flying solo without my friend, Elder Santa Cruz.

Thanks for all of the love and support!

Mucho amor,

Elder Hart

Poderoso‏

Poderoso‏: July 21st, 2014

Dear Family and Friends,

How are all of you doing this week?

This week was great. The time is flying by faster and faster in the mission. Yesterday was my 11 month mark. I was debating whether or not to include a picture of me screaming due to my brain melting down, but I decided against it. I'm already fighting an uphill battle on the beauty scale.

The Gomez Family baptized their daughter this week and the service was fantastic. We had a handful of investigators there and a bunch of less-active members. The Spirit was strong and I'm sure it touched those that were seeking for the truth. It was also fun to see the looks of confusion on all of our Catholic investigators when they gave Medaly the Gift of the Holy Ghost. I'm sure it will spark some conversation in our upcoming lessons.

Friday, Elder Santa Cruz and I had the opportunity to return to our hometown of KC, MO to the Riverview Ward for two baptisms of some children that he taught. I was so excited to head back with him to our old area together and to see all of those beloved members. Top of the list was our old, fat, ward mission leader, the Wongy! Nothing compares to hearing his high-pitched voice repeating the same thing over and over about the baptism. "PODEROSO!" It was like visiting family. My heart with always be in the Riverview Ward.

Well, I'm really grateful for this time to be serving the Lord, especially here in hot and humid Kansas. I can't ask for a better companion than Elder Santa. The weather isn'ttoo bad and the church is true.

Mucho amor,

Elder Hart

Oh and if you are sending anything, make sure to send it to the office because this week is transfers.

Missouri Independence Mission Office

517 W. Walnut St. 

Independence, MO 64050

(I'll attach a photo next week)

Killin' It‏

Killin' It‏: July 14th, 2014

Dear Family and Friends,

This week I'm killed for time, but Elder Santa Cruz and I are KILLING it. We were without the car and due to a crippling ankle injury and past but injuries, Elder Santa Cruz and I had to "bum" rides from all the members that we could. Life is great!

We took Rocio and Rene and their family to the Visitor Center with the Gomez Family. Miracles are happening! Please pray that they will understand the Restoration. The trip was fantastic!

Well love ya' tons!

Mucho amor,

Elder Hart

Weekly E-mail July 7th 2014

Weekly E-mail: July 7th 2014

Happy 4th of July Friends and Family,

I hope you had a fun Independence Day. Kansas was surprisingly cool for being July--zero humidity and only 75...so miracles happen!

Other than that, Elder Santa Cruz and I had an extremely slow week, due to some medical problems. Needless to say, Elder Santa Cruz should be up to full capacity this upcoming week. Just in time to ride bikes! 

This week we focused on working with members and it's starting to pay off. We've received some solid referrals and should start teaching them this week. Thanks for all the advice and what not from ya'll. Oh fun fact, turns out that the Kansas accent is literally nothing and so people always ask where I'm from because apparently I talk like a hick compared to everyone here in Olathe. 

We had an amazing lesson this week with a couple in a member's home and I can attest to the power of Spirit filled homes. The lesson was amazing! And thanks to all the help from the greatest Peruvian I know, Elder Santa Cruz, for the first time in my mission, I felt comfortable teaching in Spanish. Blessings baby, nothing but blessings. 

Make it a great week! Mucho amor!

--Elder Hart

Missouri Independence Mission Office

517 W. Walnut St.

Independence, MO 64050

(Pic: Me and all my brown friends.)