Challenger Jan. 1989 and 2013 (sent to them in Jan.)

Elder and Sister DeCoursey,

When we were in Salt Lake City in December we were able to stop by the Pedersen's and visit with them. I found out that they had three daughters out on missions the same time they were out on their mission as Pres. and Sister over the New Zealand, Auckland Mission in 1987-1990.   One of his daughter's was in the England, London South Mission just before I got there.  She went home in Nov of 1988 and I got there in March of 1989. So with you and your brother out and Dallin, likely going to be going out by next fall, we will be similar in that respect. 

Dad and I were talking about his mission, and the amazing experiences he had listening to Pres. and Sister Pedersen.  He also remembered he would receive a monthly newsletter from Pres. Pedersen, called "The Challenger".  Dad was able to find them and we want to send you a copy of them out at the beginning of each month for you.   This is January's newsletter and it could not be more fitting for both of you but especially Amicherie.  Beginning your mission takes some getting use to and the story he shares will help. 

We love you both,
Mom

The Challenger-

New Zealand Auckland Mission,

January 1989 Pres. Herschel N Pedersen

As we go through the experiences of life we find that our lives take drastic turns and shocking experiences are encountered which we never contemplated.  Our carefully planned lives, the hopes and dreams we built are shattered from time to time.  We are led to believe that some things are one way when in actuality they are the opposite.   We wonder and ponder why those relating the experience did not tell the truth. 

A mission is sometimes that way.  We hear the glowing reports of returned missionaries, and their spiritual experiences and feel of the spirit and we desire to serve and experience those same things.  Then when we get to the mission field we find that our conduct is restricted by many rules that we find difficult to accept.  Some seem trivial, uninspired and unreasonable.  We find ourselves being held responsible for records, cleaning the flat, fixing meals, being told to be obedient.  We even have rules as to when to get up and go to bed.  This sudden change in the lives of people is not the easiest thing to adjust to.

As we consider this area and begin a new year, I would like to write about a few experiences that are personal and I hope will give enlightenment, hope and above all a spiritual understanding of some of the reasons “Why?”

When I went on my mission to Denmark I experienced the same frustrations and difficulties you do.  I found that the first few months were an eternal hell as I fixed my meals, made the bed, washed my clothes by hand, and never in that 30 months time did I ride in a car of any kind.  All my missionary work was done on a bike, and when we transferred it was by train or boat from island to island.  The greatest frustration came from tracting six hours everyday and being told where to go and how to get there.  This became a burden and I had a terrible struggle as did my companion in trying to answer all the little questions I could ask.  He became so frustrated with my incessant questions that he finally gave up and said “I do not know why it has to be this way, so just forget it and be obedient and everything will work out.” I was always obedient, but I still wondered why this or that?

Then one day my mind went back to home and what my uncles and relatives would be doing at that time of year.  I remembered the times we had gone to the western desert to catch wild horses.  We would make corals and lock them so the horses could not get into the water holes.  After several days of thirst the horses would be weak, and we would open the gate to the water hole and then at night the horses entered to drink.   A long rope tied to the gate would permit us to close the gate and trap the entire herd.

With the coming of daylight the horses would want to return to the desert in search of food.  In finding no exit and people around they would panic and run against the wire and poles that kept them entrapped.  Many were cut and bruised badly as they fought against the enclosure.  Then we would rope them, tie them down, place a hackamore on them, and then a team of horses would literally drag them from the corral and force them into a truck.  They squealed, whined, kicked, bucked and tried to jump out, but there were secured.

At home we placed them with tame horses and little by little they accepted the feed and water and lost their fear of us.  The wounds healed and they accepted being led around and fed and seemed to enjoy their new life.  Then came the day to begin breaking them.  This brought a closer association with us as we would spend several hours each day with each individual horse. Finally they could be trusted to refrain from bucking and could be used as cow ponies or a cutting horse and became beneficial to the farm. 

Those thoughts had a profound effect on me as I realized that the rules and questions and frustrations I was experiencing were a training and breaking period for me and that the more I fought against the inspiration of the Lord and His ways of doing things the more I would be injured and the longer it would take for my wounds to heal.  This was the day I finally learned to understand John 7:16-17 wherein Christ spoke of knowing if the doctrine, whether it was from God or from man, by doing.  I resolved to do rather than fight against it.  My life was immediately blessed. 

I found that many times in my life I was discouraged and thought there was no way I could succeed but I was always blessed, and gradually I learned that the seed spoken of by Alma in Alma 32 applied to many things, not just faith.  We overcome gradually and it may take weeks, months, and sometimes years before we realize the results we hope for.  

(Skipped area).......................

Paul kicked against the pricks as did Alma and the sons of Mosiah.  Each has had times when they had many problems and fought to overcome.  My favorite happens to be Peter in the 22^nd chapter of Luke.  It was the last supper, and Christ was addressing the apostles.  He looked at Peter and said “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.”  Peter was chagrined and told the Lord he was ready to die and go to prison for him, upon which the Lord told him that he would deny Him thrice. 

If you can imagine the thoughts that have been in my heart over the many years concerning this scripture.  Peter was the Chief Apostle, the President of the Quorum of the Twelve and was to be the President of the Church.  He had been with Christ on the Mount of Transfiguration and had seen Moses, Elijah, and had witnessed all the miracles, and then to be told, “When thou art converted…” Many of us are in the same position.  We have testimonies; we have witnessed many blessings and evidenced; but somewhere we still struggle as did Peter.  Think how Peter must have felt when he realized that Christ had been crucified and that he was now alone to guide the Church.   Christ was no longer there to give the daily direction; there would be questions and problems, and he was not converted.  

In Chapter 19 of Matthew, the Lord was speaking to the rich man and after the conversation the Apostle then asked, “then who can be saved?”  Christ answered that with men things are sometimes impossible, but with God all things are possible. 

The change in companionship, working with missionaries from many parts of the world, disciplining yourselves in areas never before necessary are all shock and designed to help you learn about yourself and what you have the potential for.  Peter never knew how to be an effective missionary and had little success until he understood on the Day of Pentecost when he and John baptized 3000 souls that day.

During the year 1989 (or for us 2013) let each labor to understand him or herself and recognize the power of godliness in each of us.  We commend you and love you.   It is a joy to see each of you grow spiritually and we know that you are all growing in the Lord.  Do not despair because of the trials or difficulties, and do not feel failure or quilt; but read Alma 32:42-43 and know this, that we commend you to God and know that many of you have already reached great heights and will continue doing so. 

You will all succeed, and we hope and pray that God will bless all of us as we continue. 

Sincerely,

Herschel N Pedersen. 

 

Lecture on Faith #3 by Joseph Smith

Elder and Sister DeCoursey,

I know that you and I have studied this when you were home, but I wanted to share it again with you.  I get to share lecture 3 and 4 next Saturday at Stake Women's Conference.  I am so thankful for that opportunity,  with Grandma on the Stake Relief Society Presidentcy, I will probably get to do a few things like this.  The teacher always benefits the most.   

These seven lectures can be found in copies of Older Doctrine and Covenants.  I have read these 7 lectures many time now.  I keep gathering additional knowledge each time I do so.  Lecture 3 and 4 are especially worth studing and gaining great knowledge and worth memorizing the Characteristics and Attributes that Our Heavenly Father has and is.  Knowing these will give us "power" that will enable us to know deception immediately, truth without doubt, and obtain the humble confidence, that Pres. Herschel Pedersen is an example of.    

I have included Lecture three only.  I will send Lecture 4 later. 

Just a quick review of what are on Lecture 1-2.  Lecture 1 is very short, Joseph Smith, this master teacher, talks about what the lectures will teach us.  What faith is itself, the object on which it rests, and the effects which flow from it.  Faith is the principle of action in all intelligent beings. It is the moving cause of all action.  For if you go back and reflect on your life you will see that all things that you have done has been because of faith.  You would not have knocked if you did not think it would be answered, or planted if you thought you would not have something to gather, nor asked if you did not believe you would be heard, or sought unless you had believed that you would find.  

This chapter shows that faith is power.  Hebrews 11:3 "Through the faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are not seen were not made of things which do appear." God himself used faith to power the creation.  "Faith, then is the first great govering principle which has power, dominion, and authority over all things; by it they exist, by it they are upheld, by it they are changed, or by it they remain, agreeable to the will of God.  Without it there is no power, and without power there could be no creation nor existence!" Lec. 1:24

Lecture 2 is all about how the first thoughts were suggested to the mind of men that there was a God who created all things.  Joseph Smith goes over the book of Genesis, pointing out the history of how long Adam lived.  He lived nine generations.  Noah's father, Lamach was 56 when Adam died.  Noah's father knew Adam and walked and talked with Adam.  Adam walked and talked with God.  Just as I would share with you things on the spiritual nature that I know would influence you.  I am sure Adam shared all he thought his children needed to know.  And that one thing definetly would be that there is a God.  And who he is. 

Noah again began to populate the earth, after the flood, with his sons.  Noah received many manifestations from God.  He lived nine Generations also.  Abraham's father was 128 years old when Noah died, and two years later Abraham was born.  Again Noah would have taught his children as much as he could of God.  Think of the world as it is now.  There is a knowledge or belife of a superem being in every nation in the world. The Characteristics of God, over the years, have been destorted, twisted, forgotten, or completely made up by men over the years. Or made up by the author of him who deceives and destroys the faith in man. 

Bringing us to lecture 3.  For any "rational and intelligent being" to begin to "exercise faith in God unto life and salvation" we must understand three steps.:
      1. The idea that God actually exists.
      2. A correct idea of his character, perfections, and attributes. 
      3. An actual knowledge that the course of life which he, his children are pursuing is according to
          God's will. 

For with out this knowledge "the faith of every rational being must be imperfect and unproductive; but with this understanding it can become perfect and fruitful, abounding in righteousness, unto the praise and glory of God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ". verse 5

Lectures on Faith #3:12-26
"From the foregoing testimonies we learn the following things respecting the character of God:
       First, that he was God before the world was created, and the same God that he was after it      was created
      Secondly, that he is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, abundant in goodness, and that he was so from everlasting, and will be to everlasting
     Thirdly, that he changes not, neither is there variableness with him; but that he is the same from everlasting to everlasting, being the same yesterday, today, and forever; and that his course is one eternal round, without variation.
     Fourthly, that he is a God of truth and cannot lie.
     Fifthly, that he is no respecter of person: but in every nation he that fears God and works righteousness is accepted of him.
     Sixthly, that he is love. "

1. Knowledge that HE has all Power- faith can be WITHOUT WAVERING.

"An acquaintance with these attributes in the divine character is essentially necessary, in order that the faith of any rational being can center in him for the life and salvation. For if he did not, in the first instance, believe him to be God, that is, the creator and upholder of all things, he could not center his faith in him for life and salvation, for fear that should be greater than he who would thwart all his plans, and he, like the gods of the heathen, would be unable to fulfill his promised; but seeing he is God over all, from everlasting to everlasting, the Creator and upholder of all things, no such fear can exist in the minds of those who put their trust in him, so that in this respect their faith can be without wavering."

2.  Knowledge that HE is merciful and slow to anger - faith can be EXCEEDINGLY STRONG

"But secondly, unless he was merciful and gracious, slow to anger, long-suffering and full of goodness, such is the weakness of human nature, and so great the frailties and imperfections of men, that unless they believed that these excellencies existed in the divine character, the faith necessary to salvation could not exist; for doubt would take the place of faith, and those who know their weakness and liability to sin would be in constant doubt of salvation if it were not for the idea which they have of the Excellency of the character of God, that he is slow to anger and long-suffering, and of a forgiving disposition, and does forgive iniquity, transgression, and sin. An idea of these facts does away doubt, and makes faith exceedingly strong. 

3. Knowledge that HE is unchanging- faith will be UNSHAKENLY CONFIDENT.

"But it is equally as necessary that men should have the idea that he is God who changes not, in order to have faith in him, as it is to have the idea that he is gracious and long-suffering; for without the idea of unchangeableness in the character of the Deity, doubt would take the place of faith. But with the idea that he changes not, faith lays hold up on the Excellencies in his character with unshaken confidence, believing he is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and that his course is one eternal round. "

4. Knowledge that HE cannot lie- faith will be POWER TO THE MINDS OF MEN.

"And again, the idea that he is a God of truth and cannot lie is equally as necessary to the exercise of faith in him as the idea of his unchangeableness. For without the idea that he was a God of truth and could not lie, the confidence necessary to be placed in his word in order to the exercise of faith in him could not exist. But having the idea that he is not man, that he cannot lie, it gives power to the minds of men to exercise faith in him."

5. Knowledge that HE is no respector of persons - faith strengthened to believe you HAVE AUTHORITY TO LAY HOLD OF THE RICHEST BOONS OF HEAVEN.

"But it is also necessary that men should have an idea that he is no respecter of persons, for with the idea of all the other excellencies in his character, and this one wanting, men could not exercise faith in him; because if he were a respecter of persons, they could not tell what their privileges were, nor how far they were authorized to exercise faith in him, or whether they were authorized to do it at all, but all must be confusion; but no sooner are the minds of men made acquainted with the truth on this point, that he is no respecter of persons, than they see that they have authority by faith to lay hold on eternal life, the richest boon of heaven, because God is no respecter of persons, and that every man in every nation has an equal privilege. "

6. Knowledge that HE is love - faith that YOU ARE ON JUST GROUND.

"And lastly, but not less important to the exercise of faith in God, is the idea that he is love; for with all the other excellencies in his character, without this one to influence them, they could not have such powerful dominion over the minds of men; but when the idea is planted in the mind that he is love, who cannot see the just ground that men of every nation, kindred, and tongue, have to exercise faith in God so as to obtain eternal life?"

Knowledge of him gives us a SURE FOUNDATION for our faith to be build upon.

"From the above description of the character of the Deity, which is given him in the revelations to men, there is a sure foundation for the exercise of faith in him among every people, nation, and kindred, from age to age, and from generation to generation. 

Let us here observe that the foregoing is the character which is given of God in his revelations to the Former-Day saints, and it is also the character which is given of him in his revelations to the Latter- Day saints, so that the saints of former days and those of latter days are both alike in this respect; the Latter-day Saints having as good grounds to exercise faith in God as the Former-day Saints had, because the same character is given of him to both. "

Sister and Elder DeCoursey, memorize these 6 characteristic.  They are correct.  Power, Merciful, unchangeable, truth, no repector of persons, & love. 

You are loved and thought of often. 
Mom.

Letter from Mom about home. 2.8.13

Hi missionaries,

I surely hope you are well. I hope that the weather is not to much of a distraction from your work. Eph, talking about work, can you give me some detail on how the baptism went this weekend. I would love to have pictures. Remember you two that as soon as you get a few months of pictures on your memory cards send them back to me. Eph, I got your's and will send it in the Vday box. These pictures I upload to the blog and family loves to see them. So sending it often is not a problem. And if for some reason it was to get lost or damaged before I get it, it will only be a few pictures compared to 6 months worth, Eph I am going to be sending you some postage stamps also. I will let you know how much to put ont he bubble wrap package to send the Altoid box back with the memory card in it. Okay. Sis I will let you know also, so don't have to go to the post office to mail it, just drop it in any out going mail box.

Question, I have a hard time remembering if I have sent you things sometimes. I write them up ready to send out, and sometimes I think I have not yet. Can you tell me if you got the 2nd letter about Pres. Pedersen yet, when he was starting his mission and the things that happened to him after he read the Book of Mormon thru? If I have not will you let me know and I will get that mailed out. Did I send you one on prayer? I don't think I have.

We are all studing the lesson that Pres. Pedersen used on his mission of Orson Pratts. We are memorizing where the scriptures are and what they say. There are only 7 so we should have this down soon.

Urgent you dad wants to know what your favorite scripture is so we can put that on the plaques we are getting made of each of you. Eph I still need a better picture. You are in a car now, could you just stop by anywhere and get a photo done, or try to take it again. I appreciate the effort.

Also did I send to you the whole armor of God boy and girl?  ......

 

Eph did you get the continued story of Eph Hanks? and if so have you learned a few things about him? Please let me know your thougths on what impresses you about him. Sis do you want me to send you these also? Have I sent you any of his stories yet?

Home is good. Dad is getting sick, first time in over 8 year I think. He is not to bad yet, but this flu out here is really awful. Falina's baby is still in Seattle on life support. No update on that. We have started collecting resumes to hire someone else.

 

Blake and Masen both won at District's in Wrestling.  

 

Dallin meet with the Bishop today for his birthday interview. Bishop talked to him about working on his mission papers here soon. So we have set May 15th to have them in. 

 

Landon will begin driver's training on Tuesday.   He has to get his permit so we can start practicing.

Grandpa and ma's new got Betty.  Betty is so cute, that is the puppies name. I have attached a picture of her. The boys had to babysit her at gma's all weekend because they were in Spokane at the Regional Tournament. Betty had not got all her shots and she can not be around other dogs until she does. When that happens we hope we will get to watch here her at the house.

 

I am going to be talking in women's stake conference on Saturday the 23rd. I am talking about the book by Joseph Smith on his Lectures on Faith. I will send another email with that on there. It is really powerful to read this small little 7 lectures and see how much I am learning about faith. I will also mail a copy out for you. Are you both getting sick of the info I send you on missionary work, faith, and uplifting stories? Is it distracting? I don't want to do that. I have collected all those post cards and have mailed them out as often as I think I should.

 .....

Derek's address until 20th of Feb is : SN Hansen, Derek R. , .........

He will be graduating on the 22nd and moving to San Deigo, CA next. He got into a program that only 3 where chosen. We are proud of him.

Eph here is Bram Holladay's address, you may think of writing him a note also. Elder Bram Holladay, .........

Not much else to report. In church today a new couple that has just moved in talked, and one of them said that the Beatitudes of Jesus in the Bible is a road map for a perfect life, or one as close as we can present. Remember we can be perfect in one things, perfectly repentant.

 

Remember Secerts destory us.

Sis did you get that chapter from the Delievery Me from Bondage It was on relying on Him that will never let you down, and trusting in him. I sent that to help you with working with your companion. Eph if you would like a copy I can send you one too.

Sweet day I hope for each of you. Just think in three months I will get to talk with you each again. Mother's day is not to far off.

Eph I gave sis the assignment of looking up the term Refine in the scriptures, and then find out how metal workers use this refining in their work with silver. It is the process we go thru all our lifes. But especially now where you both are.

I love you both,

Your mom.

PS aren't the little faces great. Google has this feature that I found.

Sister D 2.11.13 Transfered to Dinkytown, MN

Hello Home!
I was transferred this morning to Dinkytown.  It is the area on campus at the U of M, I only found out yesterday! So, I'm a little shocked still, Ma, I will try to send pictures next week.  I'm still not unpacked.  You have sent me all of the Pres. Pedersen stories, and the armor of God cut outs of the boy and girl.  Yes I would love to have them laminated one, and yes I have gotten everything that you have sent me and have loved it all.  I enjoyed the Orsen Pratt pamphlet about Joseph Smith. I was sad that you only sent the first 4 pages, please send it all.  So, yes please send more.  It is defiantly not distracting.  I also did look up the refiners fire but not as much as I should have.  So, I will report more on that next week.

Things were going great in Minnetonka.  We have three people committed to baptism and they would have all been at church on Sunday, but there was a big snow storm and church was cancelled.  :(   I was only able to say goodbye to a few of them.  But things were in better shape than when Sister Fisher and I got there.  So that makes me feel really good. 

Not much to say, here in Dinkytown, yes it is a real place, we don't have a car and walk about 6-10 miles a day on average.  It is going to be completely different than the other area but I'm super excited.  I will have a lot more to say next week and will have pictures. 

Love you all,
Sister D

Elder D 2.13.13 Baptism of Duane S

Hi Friends and Family, It was a great week. I got to baptize Duane S..... on last Saturday.  It was a great experience.  I will write you more this week about it.  I don't have much time to email many details.  We have been so busy.

I will find out tonight if I am going to be transfered next Monday.  I will write you next week and let you know if I am still here.  I am glad I will be here this next weekend, Jane Cr.... will be baptized this weekend and I will be able to see that.  She was found by tracting.  She is the Golden Investigator you alway hear about.  Whatever concerns she has had she has resolved them before the next week's lesson.  She has adopted all 3 of us as her grandsons. 

The 22nd Jane and Andrew will be baptized.  They are Katie W...'s children.  Katie W was baptized on Dec. 29th 2012.  Our first baptism in this area for over 18 months.  We have a lot of fun teaching them. 

I feel my confidence growing in leaps and bounds.  Recently, while I was pondering stuff, I realized that missionaries are Christ's elite in the amry against satan.  We defect him everyday day doing the Lord's work.  As I pray and study the scriptures, I sharpen my sword and prepare my armor before going out into the battlefield.  Our family motto, putting on the Whole Armor of God, has never been more helpful and clearer than now.  In my studies, Isaiah talks about a "cloak of zeal" & "garments of vengence".  Isaiah 58:16-19.  My understanding of it is that a captain of ancient armies wore cloaks & special armor to show their rank. And what is it that captains do? They rally their army & encourage & raise up those who are ready to join their Lord's army.  As a missionary, I and my fellow elders are the Lord's captains of His army.  Each person we "rally" to repentance makes us stronger and this comforts me each day.  At each dinner appointment, I share our message on the Armor of God, and the importance it plays in my family.  I am very happy that we had this scriptures as a family motto and had the opportunity to share it with other families. 

I love you all.  Dad, thank you for the example you've been for me.  I thank you for all the work that you've brought me along with you.  I thank you for all that you have done to help me be where i am today. 

I must go now. I have work to do,
Love Elder Ephraim Kade DeCoursey

Address for Sister Amicherie DeCoursey

Sister Amicherie DeCoursey
5931 W 96th St.
Bloomington, MN 55438-1715

Address for Elder Ephraim DeCoursey

Elder Ephraim DeCoursey
19 Clairedan Drive
Powell OH 43065-8064