Good Bye SAN CLEMENTE Hello ENCINITAS

This past week was transfers and Elder Fultz got transferred and is now experiencing the southern part of the California Carlsbad Mission. As always Sam is doing what he LOVES! Talking to people, and talking to them about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It has been a learning experience for him. On a mission if you are not growing closer to Christ yourself there is no way you can bring others unto Christ. How can you fill someone’s glass if your pitcher is empty? Sam is still his goofy, crazy self. In the past when I tried to upload videos it never worked. I will try to put one again so you can see not too much has changed :) He'll be home in 9 months! I can’t believe how fast these two years are flying by! He's doing what he loves and he's doing great at it! He sent pictures of a lot of his "San Clemente family" and cars, there are TONS of pictures of cars. I just picked the one I thought was the coolest. ENJOY!

Sam and his companion

Assuming this is the missionaries in his district 

PEACE!

Someone needs to send Cowboy Sam a belt buckle.

Neat picture!

I can hear him now "WHOA MAN! That car is SAAAAWEEEEEET!!!"

 I love this picture!!

What a blessing technology is!!  I had a chance to talk to Elder Fultz as I was able to participate in a three way call with my family.  I just found it amazing that we were all able to talk to him, when he's in San Clemente, California, my family in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and I in Rexburg, Idaho.  I am so grateful for this time that I live in with the technology that we have. 

Like with all his other pictures, i'm a little unsure of who everyone is, but as I flip through his emails I'll see what I can find.  It is fun to see these pictures and put some faces to names.  

Figuring most, if not all of you get the emails so i'm just going to post pictures that he sends. 

 This is Elder Peterson, his companion from Burley Idaho.  From what Elder Fultz says they're getting along great!  Here they are showin off their Hershey Shirts. 

I'm unsure who this family is....

I believe this is Raffaella at her baptism. 

 HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELDER FULTZ!!!  The ward mission leader in the ward he was serving in at the time had him over for his birthday, they had a party complete with some kind of pasta dish, balloons, a suprise happy birthday video from us at home.  My mom ordered him cupcakes, and cookies from Cold Stone.  Seems like it was a day filled with his favorite things, Ice Cream, Pasta, and the gospel! :)  

I'm unsure who this is, who ever they are they love my brother and that makes these pictures great and wonderful to see!  

If anyone knows more information about any of these pictures feel free to comment :)

We've been waiting to get some pictures from Elder Fultz and we just got them in the mail the other day! It looks like he is doing great! I'm sure you all have been getting his emails so you probably have heard about the sidewalk chalk thing they have been doing. He has sent alot of pictures of that,

But incase you have not recieved that email here is what he says about the plan of salvation drawing... " Yesterday, we began to chalk the Plan of Salvation with the members of our ward. All throughout December, we have been scheduling plans to meet with the memebrs and to chalk the plan of Salvation on the members driveways. This is a way to get the members to talk about the gospel. Alot of people have asked questions, from what I've heard. I believe its a creative way to get people who are not of our faith, interested and curious. So far, it has been succesfull. Next week, we are drawing this with the YM as an activity for mutual. I'm so excited.I know that this is the work of the Lord, " to bring to pass immortality and eternal life of man." I'm so grateful for the Plan of Salvation. It is " the way, the truth and the life" that Jesus Christ, our Savior spoke of. I know that the promises that we make with our Father in Heaven in the temple are the key to exaltation. I'm so grateful for the promise of eternal families. I cant even express the feelings i have towards this promise. Its such a beautiful thing. I know that families can be together forever. I know it with all of my heart."

His companion(Elder Lamb) was transfered, and he now has a new companion named Elder Rossen from Arkansas. These pictures are with Elder Lamb.

Blue skies, palm trees.... sure its February?

YUCK!

Must be his trick or treat loot!... sure it lasted a whole hour!

Elder Lamb and Elder Fultz with Elder Jack-o-Lantern

Taking pictures in the bathroom mirror, some things will never change :) Glad he likes his christmas sweater! :)

Armed with the Gospel AND NERF guns!

not too sure about whats going on in some of these pictures

oh samuel, just for once take a nice picture with a nice smile! Poor kid, thats what he's been told all of growing up while getting his picture taken

Now thats nice... and tan too...

Baptism of someone...

:)

Here are the sidewalk chalk drawing pictures... if you would like to learn more about what Elder Fultz is teaching about please go to www.mormon.org

"you are a child of God, and He has sent you here. Has given you a earthly home, with parents kind and dear. He will lead you, He will guide you, He will walk beside you, He will help you find the way. He will teach you all that you must do to live with Him someday."

Its been a long time but he's a man of few words...

Elder Fultz has not really written anything worth posting here on his blog. His e-mails are pretty generic he's doing fine and having baptisms. If you are reading this blog and want to recieve his emails let my mom or I know, she can add you to the forwarding list.

This past week I got some pictures which he has sent home so I thought I'd put them up here for everyone to see. He has left Los Flores and looking at these pictures you can tell he is one greatly loved missionary! He has mentioned that he has been having a hard time, a few rough weeks. Something that amazes me is his faith and strength. "Everything here is ok. I've been having a rough week. But thats not a good excuse. I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve the Lord"

Sam has also been singing a lot. I am glad he is able to use his talent for singing as he serves the Lord and bears his testimony through song.

Like I mentioned before... Sam is a man of very few words, this is obviously a baptism but I am not sure who it is.

Samuel's dream! A huge cookie, we're guessing this is from when he left Los Flores.

Again probably when he left Los Flores

Don't you dare get any closer to that ocean Elder :)

Amazing scenery...

He could probably use letters. I know what its like to be a missionary during a rough time and what a letter can do, makes a difference between night and day!!

Elder Samuel Fultz

CA Carlsbad Mission

451 Bobier Drive

Vista, CA 92084

Elder Fultz- still goin strong!!!

Since most everyone who looks at this blog they probably get the emails that he sends, so I decided that I would put letters up once a month or when ever we get pictures. One reason being , with school started up again I am just getting busier and busier.

He sent his camera cards and so we have some more pictures today for your viewing pleasure! :) Here are his emails since the end of August also.

August 30 2011

Hey! Everything here is going well. We are teaching a less active part member family who just moved into the ward last week. This week was a huge service week. We helped a family move out and it took all week to get all their stuff packed and in the truck. Elder Stubbs and I spent about 25 hours total, helping them move. I love service! It makes me happy when we help people. Sorry for the short letter this week. Thank you so much for your prayers. I hope all is well

Elder Fultz

September 7, 2011

Hey!So first of all, I am getting transferred. I'll be in my new area later today. It was hard ( in fact it is still hard) for me to say goodbye to those that I've grown to love here in Las Flores. Every single member of the Las Flores Ward has influenced me to become a better missionary. I love each and every one of them. They made me feel like I'm home. Anna and Ashley Berrospi gave me a basketball with their signatures on it. I'll miss seeing their smiles everyday.

Yesterday, Elder Stubbs and I visited with President Chamberlin. Hes the Stake President. He told us " that the objective of temple work and of missionary work is to gather Isreal." I testify that Zion will be redeemed. Our purpose as missionaries is to prepare others for the Second Coming of the Savior.

So I'm really excited to start a new phase of the mission work. I'm grateful to be a part of the Lords work. It is so amazing to be apart of it. I know that the Lords hand is over the work, and also the people we serve. I pray for all of you, and hope all is well.

Elder Fultz

September 20, 2011

Hey!First of all, I just want to say thank you for your prayers, and your testimonies of the Gospel.This week has been great. This Saturday, Kyle Watson, ( a marine living on base) is getting baptized. A little bit about him; Kyle is married to a member of the Church and his testimony of the gospel is awesome. His knowledge of the church is so great, that he teaches us. I've learned so much from him. It will be amazing watching him get baptized. He loves seeing pictures of the temple, and is so excited to get cealed to his wife in the temple.

This past Sunday, a homeless man came to church. Me and Elder Jeppesen were coming out of Ward Council, and we saw a member of our ward with this guy who we never met before. The member handed him over to us, and we talked with him. His name is Jack, and he's a member, but hasnt been to church in a long time. We asked him for his address, and with tears rolling down his face, he said " I dont have an address." It breaks my heart everytime I hear " I'm homeless" or " I dont have an address". This man who has absolutly nothing shelter wise, came to church because he felt a prompting in his heart to come to worship our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We are visiting him every Thursday at the church building. I'm so grateful for all that the Lord has gave me.

We are also teaching a 16 year old girl named Chyann. I've only met here once, but we are keeping contact with her daily through texting. Let me tell you, even though I havent taught her personally, she has a testimony like no other 16 year old. Her parents are totally against the Missionaries teaching her,or her having to do anyhing church related( going to church, youth activities etc.). She knows that Jesus is the Christ, and that through faith in Him, everything will be alright. She knows that she will return to Hevenly Father, if she gets baptized and become a member of this church. She knows that trials is a way to grow. Chyann's testimony has strengthend mine so much. I know that with faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, everything will fall into place.

The people that are being taught here in Oceanside I believe, are the most prepared, because of their testimonies. I know I am sent here to Oceanside, to help these people. Oh it is wonderful.

I love you all and pray that all is well

Elder Samuel Garrett Fultz

Oh boy... this is my brother alright! Always finding some way to take a picture of himself...

Looks like a fun stick game challenge!!!

I guess in another picture he is hanging like this and his companion is up in the tree, just like me he either cant climb a tree(like I cant) or he's too chicken of heights(also like I am...)

What a proper young man....

Sam Continues to serve with a Smile!

It has been a while since I've posted anything on here and I wish time would allow for me to post every time. I have been busy with finals and EFY, but it is the time of "summer" and I'm able to relax and catch up on things I've let slide.

Sam seems to be LOVING it in California and when I say that it is probably an understatement there is just no other possible way to show his excitement for the work of the Lord. He's been singin, preachin, lovin, and servin, theres nothing he would rather be doing right now. He's kind of "to the point" in each of his emails. I had to laugh when I sent him a long nice email telling him my excitement for EFY and the other things that I have been up to for the summer and pictures and such, also telling him I have a friend who's brother is serving in the same mission and he sent me an email that said "Jenea, can you send me a copy of the new efy cd? "

My thoughts "uh yeah sure! Glad I get your emails forward to me from mom and dad" :)

Elder Fultz and his trainer/companion

What a nice picture! :)

Hope he hasn't fallen too many times :)

I'll put the most recent one first at the top and go from there to catch up with what I missed at EFY.

August 16, 2011

Hey!

Today was awesome! We had a session in the NewPort Beach Temple. Of course, its beautiful.

So the baptisim went well! This was my 2nd and 3rd baptisim. Ana and Ashley Berrospi got baptized. They both have been taught by missionaries ever since 2009! Alot of prayers have been answered. I performed my first confirmation on Sunday! :D The spirit was so strong. I confirmed Ashley, and a member from the ward confirmed Ana. Elder Stubbs and I are working hard trying to teach Amara Berrospi, who is Ashley's younger sister. We are so excited to teach her.

We are teaching a guy named Mike Aguirre. He is a non member who married a less active member just about 2 weeks ago. He wants to get baptized and wants to be sealed to his wife in the temple. How awesome is that?! Very!

I'm so grateful to be a part of this work. It is so amazing to see people change because of the gospel. I pray for you all always and love you all so much. May the Lord bless you all.

Elder Fultz

August 9, 2011

Hey!

Everything here in Las Flores is doing well. I have experienced alot this week.

The weather here has been beautiful. The beginning of the week has been hot, which means sunburn again. Thats California for you. But its beautiful here and I'm so grateful to be in heaven on earth. ( it truly is heaven on earth ) :D

So first off, Ashley and Anna Berrospi are defenetly getting baptized this Saturday. Elder Stubbs is baptizing Ashley and a missionary from Colorado, who served here, is baptizing Anna. I get to confirm Ashley on Sunday! :D I'm so excited. May I just say that I love seeing people change because of the gospel. There is no doubt in my mind. It's true. I know that its true. There is just no doubt.

I have a strong testimony of Patriartical Blessings. I was one day reading my patriartical blessing during personal studies and thoughts of Crystal came to my mind. Now Crystal was the mother with the twin daughters who was recently baptized about a month ago. I feel this is appropriate to share because this relates to Crystal. In one paragraph of the blessing it says " As you are faithful and obedient, there will be people who will come to you who have had visions, even dreams of recieving the gospel of Jesus Christ." After I read that, I remembered what Crystal mentioned to me and Elder Stubbs the day before her baptisim, "The night before we scheduled a date for the baptisim, I had a dream that I was baptized for the remission of my sins, but i didnt know for what church." That was indeed a tendor mercy from the Lord. I know that the Lord will bless us as we are faithful, and obedient to His commandments. I testify that is true.

I know that the priesthood power is real. Elder Wolf, my district leader, was with me for exchanges and we had dinner with Darrin and Beth Rich. Darrin and Beth are members who got reactivated just about a year ago. They are getting their endowments in late October, and they are getting cealed for time and all eternity in November, in the Las Vegas Temple. But anyway, the lesson was on Charity and Service. We show charity to our Heavenly Father, as we serve His children. After the lesson, Darrin asked " Will you guys show extra Charity and give me a blessing? I pulled a muscle on my leg and I can barley run. I have faith. Just give me the blessing." With charity and with love, we gave Darrin a blessing. The next day, we went over there, and asked how his leg was doing. He smiled and said " Its perfect. I ran 2 miles this morning, didn't feel a thing." I testify that the priesthood power is real. I'm so grateful to have that authority to act in the name of Jesus Christ. I have seen so many miracles because of the Priesthood in my life and also on the mission. I'm so grateful for my father.....who holds the Priesthood of God. I'm so grateful for that. I love him. He is a huge role model for me because of that Priesthood he holds.

This gospel is true. I know it. I cannot deny it. I testify with all of my soul that Jesus is the Christ. I testify that Joseph Smith saw our Father and Jesus Christ in the Sacred Grove. The Book of Mormon is true. It is indeed the keystone of our religion. I know that these things are true.

I pray for you all, and I love you all so much. Thank you for your prayers.

Elder Fultz

August 2, 2011

Hey!

I'm doing really well. I thank you all for your prayers, and for your love for the Savior Jesus Christ. All is well here in Las Flores! Its been getting pretty hot here. Yesterday was humid. Gross.

Elder Stubbs and I are working really hard with Anna and Ashely Berrospi to get ready for their baptism on the 13th. Its just amazing how the gospel works. I have seen people( especially Anna and Ashely) change because of it. There is nothing better. There is no greater calling other than serving the Lord for 2 years.

This week, I have been studying alot on the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I've been reading the talk that Elder Mconkie gave before he died. I have a sure testimony that the power of the Atonement is real. I testify that it is through the Atonment, that we are free from the penalties of sin. It is through the Atonement that we overcome both physical and spiritual death. I testify that there is no other way to recieve Eternal Life and also being a reserected being like our Heavenly Father. I so testify that Christ did suffer and die for us. I testify that He did rise from the dead and appeared to Mary as a Ressurected being. Oh it is wonderful, wonderful to me, to know that Jesus Christ was willing to die for us. To know that He was willing to drink the bitter cup that our Father gave Him. Oh it is wonderful, wonderful to me.

I pray everyday for all of you. May the Lord bless you all. I love you. Thank you agian for your prayers.

Elder Fultz

July 26, 2011

Hey!

I am still here in Las Flores for another transfer. I knew I was going to stay. I'm indeed grateful to be in this area. Elder Stubbs is still my companion! :D. What did you guys do for Pioneer Day? There was another festival for Pioneer Day! There is an event for EVERYTHING here. This past Saturday, the Mission Vejo Stake held an event for Pioneer Day. It was so much fun. Guess who I saw?? Elder Knecht!! He lives in the Mission Vejo Stake area! The Elders in our zone had a stick pull tournament.

Its getting pretty hot again. The highest it got this week was about 95 degrees.

Elder Stubbs and I are still working with the Berrospi Family. They are so excited to be baptized. The baptisim is on August 13th.

This past week during personal study, I've been reading alot from the war chapters in the Book of Mormon. My favorite story out of the war chapters is the Two Thousand Strippling Warriors. In Alma Chapter 53, Helaman describes that the stripling warriors "were all young men, and were exceedingly valiant for courage, they were men who were true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted. Yea, they were men of truth and soberness, for they have been taught to keep the commandments of God, and to walk uprightly before him." I compare myself as one of those stripling warriors. I have been taught by goodly parents. Thank you for teaching me to be true, and valiant towards our Heavenly Father. Thank you for everything that you have done for me. I love this work. I have seen so many miracles already. I'm so grateful for the tender mercies of our Heavenly Father. There will be a day when i will proudly stand and say : " I have drank a part of the cup that my Lord and Savior drank for me!" I love my Savior Jesus Christ. I know with all of my soul that He lives. I know it. Thats why I'm here. So I can bear testimony that He Lives and that He is our Savior and Redeemer of the World. There is no doubt in my mind. May God bless you all. I love you and pray for you all daily.

Elder Fultz

July 19, 2011

Hey!

So first off, its HOT here. Even without the humidity, i get really sweaty and burnt. Its all good.

We have another baptismal date set up :D. Anna Berrospi and her daughter Ashley are getting baptized on August 13th! :D. The Lords hand has been a huge part of me and Elder Stubbs.

I sang this past Sunday :D It was awesome to sing for the Las Flores Ward. I felt like I have opened myself to the ward, and i felt like the ward is even more opened than when I first arrived.

Everything is been going well. Transfers is coming up. I'll know if I'm staying or moving to another area by this coming saturday. Thank you so much for your testimonys of the Savior Jesus Christ. I know that through his atonment, we get to enjoy the blessings of Eternal Life. This Scripture has been a huge part of my mission so far, whenever I am having a rough day or struggling with the work: Doctrine and Covenants 13: 31 " Be faithful till the end, and Lo, I am with you. These words are not of men, nor of man, but of me. Even Jesus Christ, your Redeemer, by the will of the Father, Amen."

As a representitive of Jesus Christ, I know with all of my heart and soul, that through faith in the Redeemer and Savior of the World, we can do anything! It all starts with faith in Him. With my own experiences so far on the mission, the Lord has so blessed me with His love.

I love you all!

Elder Samuel Fultz

Update on Elder Fultz

It has been a busy time here in Rexburg with finals and stuff I tend to let things such as letters and emails received from Elder Fultz, and other things through the cracks... This time of the semester if it doesn't do with school or social work I don't think about it. Glad it is soon over! However I thought that I would take this time that has become available to me to update his blog with recent emails he has sent.

I was blessed with the opportunity to be able to "chat" with him over email. I noticed an email that he sent was sent just a couple minutes ago, I hurried to email him back and was excited to see a response within a couple minutes. It is also a blessing to be on this side of the letters. What an opportunity to have a sibling on a mission and better yet California! Here are the emails that we have received since the MTC. His Pday is on Tuesday and he seems to be in his glory! His testimony has always been super strong and it continues to grow!! The most recent letter is the first ending with a letter from the MTC

July 12, 2011

Mom and Dad,

Hey! I did not recieve the packages yet. Did you put my camera card inside the package? I havent written you yet. I'll try to send you one this week.

So i had a rough week. Rough week meaning people not listening to us, heat wave, companion issues, and a little homesick. I'm doing alot better now.

I'm really getting tired of the sun here. Haha. This past week has been 95 degrees. I was sweating like a pig all week. Not fun at all. I got sunburn all over my face. :/

I sang this past Sunday. I felt that the ward would get to know me and know what I'm all about if i did that. It was awesome. I'm now at the point where I cant leave the Las Flores Ward. I love the people. They support us really well.

On friday, I was still going through some rough times dealing with stress and etc. I was reading in Psalms 46 the last verse says : "Be still and know that I am God" I testify that when we are going through trials, trials beyond measure even, if we just "Be Still" the Lord will help us through it.

I have seen the Lords hand in the work. I can not tell you how much joy and happiness the gospel brings to people. Especially to me. Crystal moved to Long Beach just a few days after she was confermed. Shes a single mother with 5 year old twin girls. Shes going through alot right now. Shes trying to make ends meet. Shes in a halfway house now in Long Beach and is now getting training for the work field. But anyway, it was so awesome seeing her smile. We visited her before she left for long beach and the light of Christ was in her. I so testify that The Gospel of Jesus Christ brings us so much joy and happiness. I love seeing people change because of it. It just gives me the biggest chills in the world.

Me and Elder Stubbs are now working with a Latino Family. They have been investigating the church for about 4 years now. Insane! They have 2 girls. Amora and Ashley. The daughters are so solid in the gospel. They( the family) walk to church with us every week. The father cant really come because he works during the night time and sleeps during teh day, so its hard for him to come. We are working with him as well. They are reading the Book of Mormon, and we are hoping to set a baptisimal date really soon.

My prayers and thoughts are with you. May the Lord's tendor mercies be with you. I love you.

Elder Fultz

June 28, 2011

Hey! I'm in a really good area. The Lord has blessed me and Elder Stubbs alot here. The baptisim is on the 2nd of July. Me and Elder Stubbs are doing a special musical number at the baptism. I have told Bishop Loy, ( Bishop of Las Flores Ward) that I'm highly involved in music. I'm already singing in sacrament meeting on July 10th. The saints in Las Flores are amazing. They feed us well. I'm starting to have a love for strawberry shortcake, and many kinds of fruit cakes, pies, you name it. I still havent recieved a letter from kenny or rachel. I hope all is well. I pray for you and everyone everyday. Hows Nan and Pap? Hows Emilee, Matthew, and Tyler? Tell everyone I said hello!

June 21, 2011

Hey mom! I love it here. The people are great, the ward is amazing. My companion is awesome! His name is Elder Stubbs. I'm gonna send you a letter today about whats going on. I just want to bear my testimony that I know what I'm doing is a blessing for me and also for you, kenny, dad, jenea, Sarah and Jack. I know that Jesus is the Christ. I bear soloumn testimony of His name, that He lives. I know it. I know in the name of Jesus Christ, that through faith in Him, we will recieve the joy and love that He promises us. I have seen the Lords hand as me and Elder Stubbs are preparing to baptize a woman named Crystal on July 2nd. This gospel is true. I know it. I will never deny that. I pray for you. My love goes to you and dad. I pray that the Lord will always be with you as your son is serving the Lord. I'm truly honored to be your son. I love you. I hope all is well. :D

From your son

Elder Samuel Fultz

May 31, 2011

Hey! I was a having a rough time before I got the package. Until I saw the Reeses Penut Butter Cups, I was soooooooo happy. Haha, when I got my package, i told everyone in my district what you sent me and they were like " WHAT? I wish my mom loved me that much to send me stuff like that....I wish I was from Hershey!" Dont worry I'm sharing. I have it in my room opened for everyone in the district to take. :D

I love it here. I'm so grateful for the opportunity I have to be a missionary of the Lord. Our purpose as missionary's is to bring people unto Christ. I have seen the blessing of that purpose. It is through faith, repentance baptisim, and the Holy Ghost, that we get to recieve the joy and love of the Savior. I bear testimony that that is true. I can tell you that is through our Savior's atoning sacrifice that we get to enjoy the blessings of eternal life. There is no other way to recieve that joy and peace. I bear testimony that if we have that desire to know for our selves that this work is true, we will know by "the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost, ye may know the truth of all things"

I have the best district ever. These Elders are so amazing, and I'm so grateful to be a part of this Band of Brothers. In my district, we have an Elder from Australia and he is going to Fresno California English speaking. His testimony of the gospel has lifted me up. The Elders in my zone call me Elder Peanut. ( hence the fact that i'm short and skinny.) I'm called as Senior Companion and my companion, Elder Jensen, is our District Leader