Jan 30, 2012

Thank you so much for writing me. I really enjoyed reading your email. I have had a great week and I am glad to hear yours was good too. Thanks for your support and your love for me. That scripture is so true, I strive to teach with simplicity to all so they can understand how much the Savior loves them. That is so good to hear that Brandon is close to leaving on his mission, he is going to love it. Tell him to not take the MTC for granted it is so much fun. I tried to enjoy it as much as I could. My favorite part was that every meal was made for you and now I miss that, haha. I have developed some good cooking skills on my mission though. I was wondering if you talked to missionary mall about getting me some more socks because I have now six pairs with holes in the heel. I am down to about seven pairs left. I double up on the socks so I can keep my feet warm. If they are able to send me some pairs out here ask them for about five or six and that should cover me until the end of the mission. I also have good news about my harmonica, I asked President Preston what he thought of it and he said it would be ok as long as it is not distracting. I can find some good use for that, Ill let you know haw it goes. Well here is my week for you...

 

Once again another week gone by, similar schedule to what happened last week except this week I got to go on an exchange with Elder Hanks. I really enjoyed our exchange and I got to know him a lot better. I have said it before that it is important to have a strong relationship with your district leader. I think Elder Hanks has done a great job on that for his own part. He has really taken the time to get to know each of the missionaries with in the district. I learned so much from him and he is a fantastic missionary.

 

One of the major efforts this week was to contact the less active members from the lost sheep file. We managed to get a member with us on Friday and take us out to the far parts of the area to contact those on the list. We made great progression and I know the information gathered will be very useful for the ward and for the stake. There were two of the lost sheep file who welcomed us warmly and have encouraged us to visit them again. We hope to see great things come about from meeting with these members.

 

Kelly and Julie have been in strong contact with us but we have yet managed to teach them this week due to Kelly catching the flu and also schedule changes at the last minute for them. However, they have told us that they still want us to come visit them and continue to teach them so we will do our best to help them have faith in Christ. As far as we know, Kelly has been reading from the Book of Mormon but Julie has not. There is still a lot of potential for them.

 

Saturday night, Elder Taotua and I prayed for two nonmembers either potential investigators, investigators, or formal investigators, to come to church on Sunday. Our prayer was answered when we noticed that Kaitlin and Sophie were at church and also Ben who is the brother of a recent convert named Aimee and also part of a part member family. He has Ben taught before by missionaries who once were in this area but that shows a good sign and that he is beginning to show trust in us. We called him Saturday night and invited him and he showed up at church so we have a lot of trust between each other. We are hoping the best for him and we will do what we can to help him come unto Christ.

 

It has been a great week and I am so excited for specialized trainings tomorrow.

 

Love Elder Corbin

Jan 23, 2012

Thank you so much for writing me. I am so grateful for your love and support for the service I give. I know the Lord is blessing you and the family. Yes, we had a great week last week and this week was great as well. I am glad that Riley played well to get off that slump. Taylor got to visit back home so thats good. Shea and cameron are well. Things are still rollin and it is good to hear that. I have had a great week so here it is...

 

This week just flew past me. I can't believe how fast time goes by. I just remember what my basketball coach Ulysses used to say, "Time flies when you're having fun!". It has been a great week too. I got to go on an exchange with Elder Ostler this week. He and I got along so well and he is a great missionary. The greatest experience that we had was actually a great miracle. On Friday night we were trying by a potential investigator and it turned out to fall through unfortunately. So just for some direction from the Spirit, we opened randomly to the book of mormon and read Alma 32:6 which talked about someone who has been humble by their afflictions and that this person was prepared to recieve the gospel. So we went by the spirit down the road and we street contacted this man about early twenties. As we spoke to him we were able to notice that he has recently lost his cousin last week and also that he was interested in the plan of salvation. It was a fulfilment to the scripture that we looked at for direction. The lord knows all things and prepared us to meet him, amazing!

 

Yesterday, while on our way to try by lost sheep, we met a woman named Kelly about thirty years old as she was waiting in her car for her son who was getting off the bus. We talked to her about the restoration and we were able to then teach her at her house about twenty minutes later. We taught Kelly, her mother Julia, and he cousin Jake. Kelly and Julia showed the most interest and were amazed at the message of the restoration. They are committed to read the Book of Mormon and praying about it. It was another Sunday night miracle.

 

Throughout the week we have been teaching Kaitlin and Sophie and their progression is a bit slow because of their lack of focus when being taught. So we dropped them temporarily and told them that we will be seeing them but not as much until they want to show some sincere desire to participate. They are accumulating knowledge but they are not really puting much effort into it. They want to be baptised but they must understand that baptism doesn't come just because they want to be baptised, they must meet the qualifications of Doctrine and Covenants 20:37 and also what the first presidency declared. So we will get them going in a few weeks. However they did come to church this week and so did their mother Karla who hasn't been for a while. Also Candace Fisher came to church for her second week in a row after not attending for several years. So we had a good turn out at church, even with Elder Herrin and Caner who serve in the same ward had a few investigators there. Very exciting day at church yesterday.

 

Lindy Gee has been difficult to contact. She doesn't answer or return the phone calls which is a bit sad. She seems to be having trouble within the family because she canceled her appointment earlier in the week due to someone in the hospital. I pray that we will contact her very soon.

 

Things are still moving along in Stockport and I am happy the way things are going. Hope you have a good week!

 

Love, Elder Corbin

Jan 16, 2012

Thank you so much for writing me. I have had a great week and I am glad you have too. Thanks for sharing that scripture with me, it is so true the Lord is so merciful and will always be willing to extend His hand out to help. That is why the work must go on. Its is good to hear that Red Fox is moving along. Keep working hard with it. Riley is doing good too, tell him that story about getting discouraged and saying go to work. Whenever your in a slump just keep moving strong and things will pick back up again. The weather out here is great. It is still a bit cold but it is supposed to pick up this week and get warmer. The past four days have been clear skies but its is freezing. I got Mom's package with some more photos, they are great. I also got a package from the Hackbarth family, it was sees candy and you already know they were gone within a few days. I tried to make them last but they didn't. Tell them thanks for that. Things have been well though, here is my week...

 

Many miracles have happened this week. We were able to find Ed, Paul, Lindy, and Mike as new investigators! Ed is a great man, about mid twenties and he has had a few experiences in his past that has helped him believe in a God. When we taught him he was real friendly and he has a sincere desire to read and pray about the book of mormon. We are grateful for his time he spent with us. Paul is another great man, He too has had a similar background to Ed. He does believe that there is something there and he does have a fair amount of desire to discover it for himself. Both Ed and Paul are amazing children of God and they have been prepared. We will do our best to help them make and keep commitments to draw them closer to their Savior Jesus Christ. However, We do feel that there is a lack of commitment because they missed out on church which was a heartbraker. We will follow up and meet with them consistently. We are meeting with Paul tonight and Ed later on.

 

Lindy is a great miracle. She was found by the Lost Sheep project. We went by to a woman on the lost sheep list and found out that she doesn't live there anymore. So we knocked on the neighbor to the left and there was no answer. Turned around and stopped to talk to a man and ended up teaching him on the spot (this was Ed). Then in the beginning of teaching Ed on the spot, the woman who lived at the door we knocked on stepped out to ask us if we had knocked her door. So I went over to talk to her and found out that she is very interested in the subject of Jesus Christ and has been searching for the last few months to find the true church. Set up an appointment and met with her on Sunday. When we met with her on Sunday we had a fellowshipper who was just right for her and they have made a great friendship already. The lesson was so spiritual and she even said herself that she believes that she has found her answer. She expressed to us that something told her to go answer the door that night. Also that something had told her that this is the right way to go in her life. I testify that the Holy Ghost has lead her to where she is now and also with the process of the lost sheep project we were led to meet this wonderful prepared daughter of God. She is such a blessing to this area and with strong hope to this ward in Stockport.

 

Mike is also another miracle. We met him after a dinner appointment on Sunday evening. He was on his way to his friends house and we were able to walk with him, talk with him, and eventually sat down on a bench to teach him. He too is such a great young man, age eighteen, who is so well prepared. He loved the Book of Mormon and has had a strong witness that it is true. He also lives next to a member who can make contact with him daily as needed. He also has a friendship with those members and it fits in perfectly. He is meeting with us today to play a bit of sports at the chapel for preparation day. He also said that he is bringing a few of his friends too. We am so excited for him.

 

Kaitlin and Sophie are doing great. Unfortunately they couldn't come to church this week because they went out of town. We are still making progress with them that is steady but sure. They read from the scriptures and pray together at night. I can already see a change in them and their understanding of the gospel. When we teach them we have gotten into a way of making the lessons interactive and fun. We have developed a great way to bring the spirit in along with a prayer each time we meet with them. We sing hymns with them. Particularly primary songs. They love it. Also they always request DVDs so we get that involved and watch short clips about prophets and also Jesus Christ. We are planning to teach them tonight and I am excited for that.

 

Many miracles have taken place and I can't wait to help these precious souls be placed on the path of righteousness back to their Heavenly Father. I hope you have a great week because I know I will.

 

Love Elder Corbin

Jan 9, 2012

Thank you so much for emailing me. I love reading your emails. I appreciate the encouragemet you give and I strive to improve each and every day. Thank you for motivating me. I want to be a part of that 10% and I want to find those who are also of that 10%. I still remember that quote, in fact I have it memorized, about what Joseph Smith said,"...the man is willing to serve him at all Hazards...". So no matter what, just press on and do what is right. I am so glad to hear that Brandon is leaving on his mission soon. He has his endowments no. Such a great experience. Tell Bishop Blake thanks for all he has done for our family, he is a great man. I am grateful for the blessing we receive from the ward. I will continue to be faithful and serve here in Stockport with all my heart might mind and strength.

 

Here is my week for you...

 

Stockport is moving on strong. I have been a witness to His miracles this week. Elder Herrin and Caner are absolutely fantastic. They have been working hard all week and we all rejoice with each other when we see each others achievements and success. Their desires are right on target. To add more to that, Elder Taotua and I, Elder Herrin and Caner make a great team for serving in the same ward/area here in Stockport. I notice such great unity between us two companionship's. I am so grateful to serve with such a great group of faithful missionaries.

 

Personally, I find serving with Elder Taotua one of the greatest blessings of my mission. We work so well together. He is such a good missionary. He is obedient, faithful, pure in heart, and desirous. He motivates me to work hard each day and he claims the same for me. That is where the unity comes so strong. We have been working well this week with all the members and seen much success from it. The members love us here and we show our love for them by being kind and polite and allowing them to feel the love of the Savior through missionary work.

 

We have been able to have the privilege of teaching two young girls by the age of nine and eight. Katelyn is nine and Sophie is eight and they belong to a part member family who is considered to be less active. Elder Taotua and I have planned that as we teach them and bring them unto Christ, the process will unify their family and bring them back into the church with increased faith. We have developed great trust from them. The two young girls really look up to us and respect us. As well for the family, I completely believe that they enjoy us missionaries being in their presence.

 

I hope you have a great week. For me it will, zone conference tomorrow just to let you know.

I love you!

 

Love Elder Tucker Corbin

Jan 3, 2012

Thank you so much for emailing me. I am so glad that you got my letter I wrote to you and the family for Christmas. I hope you enjoyed it. Be sure to share it with Mom. You must have had a great New Years. I did as well. Elder Taotua and I got to visit with members and also count down to New Years. We started the Book of Mormon in sunday school too. There was a fantastic lesson just this past sunday, I really enjoyed it. I am writing on Tuesday because the library was closed yesterday. I am glad that you had a great week, This is my week as of from thursday...

I have to say, I love serving here in Stockport. I am so grateful for so many things as I have found my time here. My favorite is that Elder Taotua is great. I have noticed that he has developed such a strong trust with the members. At church this past weekend he was going around with me and introducing me to all the members. I really enjoyed that and I really like this ward.

 

I also am grateful for buses. I am so excited to be in a bus area. It is a big difference that bike contacting which I got to learn and grow from the last few transfers but I am now glad that I get to learn and grow from being a bus contacter. And even more importantly I get to find our brothers and sisters who are in need of the gospel in there lives. I desire for their salvation. Mosiah 28:3

 

At this time of year I have noticed a lot of people that we have met have been receptive to the message of the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I believe that is because they are starting over new and allowing to have Jesus Christ in there lives. We have met a few people like that and one in particular is Tyson. When we met Tyson he was excited to see us and he said that he changed his life that day. It was December 31 and he committed himself to give up the wrong things in his life and turn to the good in life. We are planning to meet with him soon. This gets me to think, I want to recommit myself and my companion to Jesus Christ. This is the Lords work and it is a privilege to be apart of it. He can do this work himself but he has allowed us to participate. We now have an opportunity to learn and grow ourselves and become what our Father in Heaven knows we can become. I testify that this is the greatest work on the earth and we are able to join in on that.

 

I am so looking forward to this week. I hope you enjoy yours.

 

Love Elder Corbin

Pictures Dec 29, 2011

Elder Taotua and I in stockport.

Elder Taotua and I in our Lava Lava's showing our pukana.

Pictures Dec 29, 2011

 Recent Convert Craig Jackson, played monopoly on Christmas

 Dinner at the Bridgewater family for Christmas

 Dinner with the Pointer family the day after Christmas, I also skyped from there house on Christmas day. That is Ruben sitting on his moms lap. Ruben is the one who spoke on the phone with you briefly

 Kim and Patricia Twiddy, they are awesome

 The Twiddy's cat named Leo. The best looking cat I have ever seen, and I don't even like cats that much.

 cooking popcorn over the stove on new years eve, supplies thanks to mom.

Pictures Dec 29, 2011

      Elder Hill and I at the mission home for Chistmas zone conference
                                                

   Isabella holder her daughter Enkache, Sister Claudia, Elder Hill and I

December 29, 2011

Thank you for writing me. I had a great time speaking with you and the family. I am so glad that you had a great Christmas. I had a great Christmas also. Thank you for building me up and strengthening me about rejection. I am constantly working on and striving to be spiritually minded like you talked about back when I was home. I look at the subject and ask myself what does Heavenly Father want me to learn from this? It is a great tool to have and I share it with my companions and all who serve around me. Well I do have some news for you, I have been transfered to a new area. It is called Stockport in Manchester. This is my first area in a big city. I am so excited for this transfer. On top of that my new companion is my good friend Elder Taotua who I served with for a week when Elder Caballero went home. We are now together again in Stockport. Also, there is another companionship assigned to this ward and Elder Herrin who I was in the MTC with is serving in Stockport too. I am so excited for this transfer. It is new beginnings and things are looking up. My address is still the same and it will be for my whole mission. It is best to send things to me through the mission office. It is supposed to be that way anyways. If you don't have it here it is again so write it down and put it somewhere you can always access it for times when people ask for it.

 

Elder Tucker Corbin
England Manchester Mission,
Springwood, Suite G5
Booths Park
Knutsford, WA16 8QZ
England, U.K.

 

Well here is my week since the previous monday (19th)...

 

It is great to be here in this new area of Stockport. I am also very grateful I get to serve with Elder Taotua, whom I had the chance to serve with temporarily a few months ago. We are so excited for this new transfer and we will put our faith together to find, teach, and baptize. We are determined to make things happen in Stockport and the process begins now. We already have a strong companionship and we know each other pretty well. I also am grateful to be serving in the same ward as my mtc companion Elder Herrin. It is nice to know that we are serving around each other again.

 

When I left Telford, I was glad to notice that I left it better than I found it (in my opinion). I left the area with a teaching pool of three and that is the largest at one time in my mission. The day before I left I was able to teach two of those three. Jamie being the first, he is doing great. Jamie came to the Christmas party last week and he said he really enjoyed it. We also heard from him that the kids enjoyed the Christmas gift we managed to arrange for them. We also taught Paul. At the end of the lesson with him, he expressed his gratitude to us for bringing him up from his all time low. When we met him six weeks ago, he was going through a tough time in his life. He said since then he has developed a great faith in Christ and his attitude towards life has sky rocketed. At the end of the day, I pondered those two lessons and I realised how much trust these people had in us missionaries. I am so confident that they conveyed us as servants of the Lord. I am so grateful for the spirit and how the spirit can soften hearts. Because of this experience it made it hard to leave Telford. I will always remember what I have learned from serving there.

 

Christmas was amazing! The ward in Telford had us busy the whole day. We went from member to member and they thoroughly enjoyed our company. Skype with the family was interesting. It is a weird feeling to speak to someone and see someone you have known your whole life but have not seen or spoke to them for nearly a year. It helped me recognize the love and the support that you all have for me as I serve the Lord in England. That I am so grateful for.

 

I will miss serving with Elder Hill. He was a fantastic companion and I will always and forever be his friend. We served well together with a lot of faith. That is one thing I have developed when serving with him, is how to apply faith into missionary work. He is such a great missionary and is so pure in heart about the work. He is having a great mission.

 

I hope you have a great week, talk to you on Monday.

 

Love, Elder Corbin