Sheppert, Samuel

Top 5 week in the mission no doubt. From standing to talking to listening to taking pictures with apostles it was super cool. President Oaks presided during their time in the MTC and everyone was able to make it except for the prophet. I'll never forget when a small group of elders and myself were walking by a building and President Oaks was walking to a car and pointed at us, looked me in the eyes 5 feet away and said “BE HAPPY” turned a little and pointed to some others “BE HAPPY” and then he got in the car. Elder Kearon gave a devotional and he said “We are led by optimists” and that statement held true after President Oaks' simple message. I love the fact that we are led by optimists! Life really gets tough all the time but we choose how we react to every situation. It's always CHEVERE for me.  I also learned a new phrase: “Crossing the Rubicon” It is similar to burning the boats. As Julius Caesar crossed the Rubicon River headed to fight against other Romans that wante...

It's been a good week. The clase finished the English portion of learning to be a missionary. Meaning these next 4 weeks of my life are dedicated to learning and becoming as fluent in Spanish as possible. And still I'm not that good in English. I definitely learned a ton in Spanish though and have quickly found that future tense is the best kinda tense. The gift of tongues has been real and it will only become more real. I memorized Psalms 23 and say it like 100 times a day in my head. I feel like the sniper from "Saving Private Ryan" except in a missionary way. “I fear no evil, for thou art with me…” If you haven't memorized this, I would invite you to read it and do so. Unlike Tee Grizzly, it was my first day outta the MTC. Two other elders and I woke up at 4 in the morning and hopped on a flight to Phoenix to go to the Ecuador consulate and get our visas. We had to wait three hours at the consulate, but we finally got them and all was well. We decided to get so...

Buenas tardes everyone! First letter to the people. It's a beautiful day to be a missionary. I thought maybe Disneyland was the happiest place on earth but talk about the MTC. What a roller coaster. Classes at 7:30 am to 9:00 pm, appointments during our breaks, and new callings just made it all very real. The busiest I've ever felt no doubt. I somehow got the energy to do it all so I am definitely blessed. Elder Moffat and I are getting lost in the Lord's work already.  It is toasty outside but we are getting used to the heat. I didn't realize till yesterday but a random missionary and I are about to head down to Arizona for a day to get our visas for Ecuador. Excited to finally have that Arizona experience that previous Elder Sheppert may have had. Nothing too crazy to talk about yet but I am sure as the mission ramps up, it'll be wild. I am so grateful and feel very blessed to serve my Savior. It’s all in the Lord's time.  Always a pleasure, Élder Sheppert Pic...

In the circle: Andrew Sheppert, Alex Sheppert, Christopher Sheppert, David Sheppert and Danny Howard Samuel Mayer Sheppert, with the authority of the Melchizedek priesthood, we set you apart as a missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Sam, we bless you that as you serve the Lord, you will serve with the Holy Ghost as a constant companion. We bless you with a fine-tuned awareness of his presence in your life to guide you to those you will teach. The Holy Ghost will prompt you to teach specific principles in the Gospel. He will also help you bear powerful testimony. We bless you with strength and power in word and testimony. As you bear your testimony, others will feel your love and know you are a set apart minister of Jesus Christ. You will have a direct impact on the lives of those you teach. You will be a light and blessing to the other missionaries you serve with.  Keep the rules exactly. Work hard. We bless you to feel peace and joy in the labor of the Lo...

Good morning brothers and sisters. I am excited and feeling ready to get out the door and get started with my training for the mission. Last week I had to get my lengthy hair removed. Fred you don’t need to bring the scissors anymore. When I was at the barber I sat down and the lady asked why I was getting my long unmissionary standard like hair cut off. I told her I was serving a religious mission for my church and she thought it was cool and there was a little more conversation on the topic but nothing really seemed to come of it. We chatted about Ecuador a little (where I'm going), Texas, the railroads somehow, and then the fire alarm went off. Being at college and my dorm room being directly next to the sound of the fire alarm whenever it went off, this was really no biggie or stresser for me especially once we knew there was no fire. The manager came into the room and told everyone that their haircuts were free because of the alarm. Right away my barber leans down and says “wo...

Endowed at the Provo City Center temple