A week...

Hey there family!

How is it going? We had a good week here fulls of ups and downs. We felt the spirit a lot and we learned a lot together. Though it is a rather insignificant event in many ways, the highlight of the week was weekly planning. At first things went kind of rough, but as we prayed, we were blessed wit unity and I know that our planning was guided by the Spirit. This coming week (beginning today) will be great. We will see lots of miracles and we are going to make a larger push to see more members involved in missionary work.

We had Zone Conference on Thursday and it was just what I needed. I had the opportunity on multiple occasions to speak with President Ellsworth about our area. Our branch is struggling in it's own unique way and President Ellsworth gave us some very inspried advice on how we can strengthen the branch. That is most assuredly what these people need right now. President said that he wants us to "grow the branch". So, that is what Elder Howard and I focused on for the remainder of the week. As we did that we felt the spirit and we are pretty sure that the members did. We are trying our best to do this and we saw some fruits. I am glad to know that President is aware of our situation and understands the strugles that we and our branch have. I have really come to love President Ellsworth. He is a very humble man who is obviously guided by the Spirit.

With one recent convert, Jose, he is battling economically. He works at the bakery owned by our branch president. He is in debt due to past life choices and he is now trying to pay that off by working two jobs. He is now washing dishes at a restaurant. For the last few weeks, this was really keeping him from going to church. Luckily, we taught him some great spiritual lessons. We saw his testimony strengthen and he asked his manager off. The miracle of it all was that he was given sundays off! So, he was at church and was able to fulfill his calling. It was great!

Other than that, the week was fairly uneventful. We worked hard and we got to see some grea things. A new investigator of ours says that she has not read much. We got kind of bummed. Well, it turns out she has read most of first Nephi. She is a reader, so that is why she considered it so little. She understood and said she feels that it is true. Now, we just need to set up firm appointments so that we can prepare a lesson for her. Her ex-husband is a member, whom she said clearly did not live the standards. She was orignally pretty closed off, but the Lord softened her heart as she has read!

I hope you all love Utah and enjoy it! Tell grandma and all my aunts, uncles, and cousins that I love them! I love you all too!

Elder Pearson

Hey there!

Hey Family Dearest!

Que tal? Everything here in phoenix is going relatively well. IT finally settled in that I am staying in an area for more than 3 transfers, and the first week of the transfer went relatively great. We were able to teach a lot of people and we cleared up some messy situations in which people had run across anti-mormon material. Testimony and the Spirit are pretty key in cleaning that kind of thing up. Elder Howard and I are finally teaching in stride with one another and things are just falling into place. Members are becoming a more active part of missionary work and due to that, great things should be going on in the near future! I am excited for the next 5 weeks.

Yesterday we finally, FINALLY, got to sit down and quickly teach the whole Martinez family -- mom dad and kids. It was great! We were able to talk about A Proclamation to the World and it really helped them all get a little excited. Our branch president was there with us and it was way cool! He invited them over to his house this next week to do a Carne Asada and then have a little lesson in his home! Alejandra, mom that is, is always busy and I know she would love to not have to cook in the evening one night in the next week. Also, our branch president supplies the bakery at the grocery store where Marco, dad, works. There is kind of a natural connection seeing as the two of them are kind of in the same business, and not vilest of enemies. Ivan is still planning on being baptized on the 3rd of September, hopefully the family will not be too long after. I am so, so happy to finally see this family united to learn about the Gospel. I have been needing this for a while.

Another great family is the Rodriguez II family (I put "II" because they are the second family with that last name that we are teaching...)! The wife previously has talked to missionaries and we have been teaching her husband over the last two weeks. We finally were able to introduce the Book of Mormon to them and they both understood well I think! They commited to coming to church, but unfortunately they did not. We were not able to make it by last night so we do not know what really went on to cause them to not come. We are excited for them in the future. The father accepted an invitation to be baptized on the stipulation of finding out if this church is true -- we would not want it any other way. He is a simple man with a very limited understanding, but I think there are a lot of good things to come in the future. They want what is best for their children and they really liked the idea of primary. We hope to see them in the chapel next sunday!

Saturday night Hugo, a recent convert of 6 months or so, came out with us. Our appointment cancelled, but we kept going by others. He is from Guatemala so we naturally tried to think of the paisano (countrymen) that we visit. Hno. Vasquez came to mind. We have been visiting him for about 4 weeks now I think. He and Hugo hit it off and we hardly got to talk. Hugo bore great testimony and I think he really got Pedro excited about the Gospel. Pedro really wants to come to church, but sometimes he has to work, and his wife always has to work. She is from honduras. They have a little girl named Melany who is a hoot. She is a little guatemalan version of Will I think. She reminds me a lot of how he was at age 7 and 8.

I won't go into detail, but we were asked to cast demons out of another home. This experience wasn't so powerful as the last, but the sister said the evil stuff was telling her she would be left alone if she didn't live up to some temple covenants. So, we blessed the home. All should be good now. That is one aspect of the Priesthood that I would love to never use if possible.

A recent convert we have been working with, Jose, is struggling. He has studied with 6-7 church and has all of the doctrine confused in his 55 year old mind. We had to clarify the nature of the Godhead and that Jehovah is Christ, etc. He previously studied with Jehovah's Witnesses. So, it is easy to understand his confusion. His children are JWs and so they bash on him a lot. He defends the Church, his understanding now is just very infantile. We are teaching him the investigator lessons again, but we are going to delve into the deep doctrines so that he can see through the Bible that the Church is true and the doctrine is scripturally supported. Studying for him and others with strong bible connections has really helped me come to a point of loving the Bible. The Old and new testaments are both so clear in some ways. I think my favorite books are John, Corinthians, Hebrews, Romans, and Ephesians. They all are very supportive and clear of the true doctrine of the Restored Gospel. I like the Bible, I never thought I would say that...

We have this family, Huinac, which we are teaching. We have explained simply and with scriptures and words of prophets what they Book of Mormon is -- a record of the ancient people living here in the Americas and their communications with God through ancient prophets. They cannot grasp it. They think still after three lessons that it is just Joseph Smith's interpretation of the Bible. Our next attempt will be watching the Restoration DVD. I think visuals will be quite clarifying of the ramifications that come if the veracity of the Book of Mormon can be proven through a spiritual witness. I have to really rely on the Lord to not get visibly upset and frustrated in these situations.

Despite our mission leader being less active, work is stilll being done here in Catalina of West Phoenix. I'm happy to be here and I am really growing to love Elder Howard. He is a great, humble missionary who likes to work. That is what this area needs! He is a good one.

I love you all and I won't hate you eternally if you are not able to email me in the next week. Try, but if not possible, it is ok! Tell grandma, and all my aunt, uncles, and cousins that I love them! Ask uncle doug how dallin is doing with College Football. I never really heard much other than that he got a scholarship.

Have a great week!

Con todo mi amor,

Elder Pearson

I'm Staying!

Hey There!

So we got the news for transfers and the news is that Elder Howard and I are staying together for another transfer here in Phoenix. I am happy to stay, I love the branch and the people we are teaching. I can not lie however, this area has a lot of stress. Elder Howard and I have learned to work incredibly hard together and we are really just doing our best to follow the Spirit. Honestly, it is really hard considering that we have not yet seen a baptism. The tought often comes how things are greener on the other side of the freeway, but that is most likely not true. I have come to realize that missionary work is hard, very hard most of the times. It requires all that I have to give, and I feel like I am giving all I have got and then a little more here in Catalina. I'm being pushed to my limits, but the sweet experiences I have every week are what keep me going back for more.

We set another date with a man named Jose Leon in our area. He is an apartment manager, but his family lives in los angeles. It has been hard to keep steady contact with him. We taught him for the second time saturday evening and he said if he comes to feel that this is all true, he will be baptized on september 17th. He was all excited to come to Church and everything. We made the plans and everything. Sunday morning came and we were at Church. We called Jose and he said he was having second thoughts. He goes to a church already and feels bad looking into another one. He was so excited when we taught him, that we can only come to the conclusion that he went online to look for more and found a lot of anti-material. We could not stop by and teach him last night, but we NEED to teach him tonight.

Elder Howard and I have a ton of great lessons every week, and it just feels like as soon as we leave a strong spiritual impression, something else rolls along and leaves a negative one against us. Satan is trying very hard to keep these people from finding the light of the Gospel. We pray and fast and study, but sometimes, too often actually, these people become afraid of us. It is really tough on us. it saddends us that some people forget so quickly the spiritual impressions that they had. I hate the enemy. I'm coming quickly to that point of abhorring all evil.

Last night we had a sweet member come out with us. He is a convert of 8 months and he was "cristiano" before he was baptized in the Church. He investigated with the Jehovah's Witnesses and many other Churches. In fact, he antied the elders when they first talked to him (in the Phoenix mission). They were persistent and it paid off. He and most all of his family was baptized. He is facing some immigration issues. His son fled to Oregon to avoid deportantion, so the whole family is now at risk for being deported.

He came and taught a family with us. Initially, the family said they were busy and could not attend to us. Then, this brother began to testify and share his conversion and they let us in for a quick visit. We can see the potential power of this member and we are going to get him a preach my gospel so that he can study and be prepared to be an amazing member missionary.

Your story about _ is incredible! Keep on encouraging her with friendship and simple testimony. If the missionaries invite you over, please go! The Spirit will make up all the difference. I have 100% confidence in the Elders, so the Spirit will control the situation. Let the missionaries teach, but you teach by example and bearing testimony. Have patience with them, and just encourage them.

We got to teach a lot. We found some new families to teach in the last week. One is a part member family with whom we are doing a family home evening tonight. We are trying to get members to come, but everyone works. The people of our branch are battling hard and we are doing all that we can to help them.

I am about to finish the Book of Mormon again! I love reading it so much. Some of our investigators, a lot actually, have taken to reading. They read, and they are honest and express to us when they do not understand. We are really much more able to help people when they are open. One of our companionship goals is to develop a better relationship with our investigators. As we have done this, we have seen the fruits! We are having people be more open and honest with us. Yeah, they still have their trials, but I am learning to love them. That is part of the reason why I am so excited to stay for another transfer. I feel like I am going to be able to develop great relationships with these people and help them to progress. I have generally in life been a pretty closed off person. Slowly but surely, the Lord is softening my heart and allowing me to love these people. As I love them more and more, it saddens me more and more to see these people fall away or not keep commitments. Elder Howard and I are being more caring, but also more bold. In many ways, this is helping us to separate the wheat from the tares. Some people just like talking about God and what they believe is the truth; Others are in the search for truth and a better change in their lives. It is our responsibility to find and help these people. It is really hard, but when the times here in Phoenix are good, they are really good.

I felt the Spirit a lot last week. For myself, that is fruit enough to show that I am doing the Lord's Will. I am seeign blessings and all, but there will always be little struggles. My mission is not going how I thought it would go, but I know it is going how the Lord wants it to. This mission is not about me really, it is about the rest of God's Children and helping them come back to Heavenly Father. I'm here to do the Lord's will, even though it is harder than my own.

Also, speaking about the sacred unit of families, we have really been prompted more often to implement "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" a lot more in our teaching. If you have not all reviewed it recently, I reccomend that you do. It treats those sensitive subjects with the Spirit through the words of modern day prophets. I love my family. I cherish it. And I know that the Gospel of Jesus-Christ as taught in the Book of Mormon and Bible is the only way back to God.

I love you all and I will continue to pray for you! I hope you have a good week with plenty to do. EFY sounds like fun, let me know how it was.

I love you!

Elder J. A. Pearson

Wacky Week

HEY EVERYONE!

It was a pretty good week with its' fair share of struggles and miracles. It would not be missionary work if it did not go any other way. I ended the week happy and satisfied by Elder Howard and mine's effort. In my prayer to end the week, I felt as though the Lord was satisfied as well. I know I am doing my best out here and it is paying off in many respects.

The greatest thing this week is that Ivan Martinez FINALLY got back from all of his vacations and band camps. School starts for everyone here a week from today. We are praying that this will stabilize people's schedules and help them to be around on a more consistent basis. Ivan did not lose his testimony at all while he was away these last few weeks. In fact, he is now reading the Book of Mormon more than when we last visited with him and he defends the Church to those around him who attack it. That is a pretty incredible thing considering that this young man is only 17. There are not too many 17 year olds in the world who are seeking God. It gives me great pleasure to see this. We set a new baptismal date with him for the 3rd of September. He will be ready long before that date, but Elder Howard and I so badly desire that the whole family takes part in the Gospel. Ivan really understands the Plan of Salvation and he knows that his family needs the Gospel in order to recieve all the blessings. He is a great kid.

I was not able to visit with his parents much this week due to exchanges. However, Elder Howard visited with his father and it sounded like a great lesson. His father is a workaholic -- de hueso colorado. The miracle is that Elder Howard committed Hno. Martinez to ask for Sundays off. He accepted that commitment. The only struggle is that only two people work in his department at the grocery store. They would need to find another employee. With the way the economy is right now, that is not looking all too likely. We will continue to pray and ponder over what we can do to help this family.

On wednesday I was on exchanges with an english elder who covers the same area as me, but in an english unit. We were on bike. The heat was no where near as bad as I thought it would be. We had some great experiences. We went to the Native American hosptial and gave a blessing to a woman with kidney failure and then to another hospital and gave a blessing to a 4 week old baby that has meningitis, he was in the NICU. The navajo woman was a member. The family of the sick baby are being baptized in a week! It was a sweet experience to bless the baby, we had a member who worked in the NICU participate and it was just fantastic.

Later in the evening, we taught a part member family. It was a spanish man married (maybe) to a navajo member. We taught the restoration and I extended a baptismal commitment. I was misinformed and I thought that both were nonmembers. I was pretty embarassed when the member sister said, "I was baptized a year and a half ago.", well. The miracle however was that the husband accepted the date for spetember 10th. It was a really great lesson.

We ate with some interesting members. We ate at an uppity restaurant. I had a pizza and pretty much a whole apple pie. I tried to justify that by being on bike...i think that was an unjust justification. I felt pretty lousy the rest of the evening.

The rest of the week was kind of tough. We are doing our best. We are refining our teaching skills and all, but we are having an incredibly difficult time hepling people to progress. Satan is battling hard against us. People continue to have large family issues that prevent their progress and we do all we can to help. We try our best to involve members, but the branch has it's own struggles and can not help itself let alone nonmembers. I pray a lot for this branch. It needs it so much. I love these people and it saddens me to see them barely making it through life.

The great thing is what Bishop Haycock spoke on. So long as we do our part, the Lord will ALWAYS, without exception, fulfill his promises. I really wish people had the faith and understanding to take that doctrine into their hearts. It is incredible! SO INCREDIBLE! There are some great, very righteous members of our branch who keep it going day by day. I love it here and by next week I will know if I shall stay or go!

I love you all so much and I am so happy to know you are all enjoying your time. Maddy's adventures sound fun, and I too remember staining the fence. Ask the Elder for his ward, stake, and address. There was a Johnson family I knew well when I was in Mesa. I met them at the Visitor's center.

Read your scriptures, say your prayers, and go to church/ the Temple! If you do, I promise all will go well and according to God's plan!

I love you!

Elder Pearson

Cars Stink... I want a bike

Dearest Loved ones,

12-14 hours of this week were spent in a Toyota dealership in Mesa. It was frustrating, but the greatest miracle of all was how it did not really seem to impede the Lord's work in any degree. We saw mountains of miracles and I was humbled often by my companion and by the Spirit of the Lord. One thing I really need to do is be more humble. I can be a cocky, self-centered goon at times. I am working on that one. The great thing is that I am in one of the greatest places to make this change. I am learning a ton, I think the key is just to internalize all of it.

One other characteristic that I need to develop is Chairty. I have always battles with trusting people, and when my investigators violate my trust, I have a hard time giving it back to them. I know that Christ could discern the hearts of the people at all times and in all places, but he always loved all of the people regardless of what they did to him. I am really struggling to love some people, but I pray and plead with the Lord for the blessing of Charity every day. I find my desire to follow Christ growing, and with that comes a realization of my faults. I think that is kind of illustrated by Ether 12:27.

Perhaps the saddest event of my mission happened this week. Hno. Beltran asked us to not come by any more. He told us he loves this church and wants to be baptized, he just does not want to do it alone and without the support of his wife and children. He has none of that. He knows that the members of the Church are there to support him, but he lacks the support he needs in the home. His Jehovah's Witness sister-in-law is always bringing up Russel Pearce and how he is the face of our Church. The Catholic people he lives with mock him for listening to the Book of Mormon so frequently. In his very home, what should be the 2nd most holy place on earth apart from the temple, he is mocked and scorned for choosing the right. It break my heart to not be able to see this man in the Gospel, but I really feel like I understand where he is coming from. He loves his family so much and wants to be unified. He does not want to do anything that will create contention in his family. We tried to get his wife to participate, but she says, "I am not a religious fantatic like the Mormons of the Jehovah's Wittnesses." That statement really scrambled my eggs. It is so sad how lving the Gospel as Christ asks us to is considered extremist.

The greatest miracle was the Sepulveda family! They used to live in Mesa and I have not a single idea of why the missionaries never visited them there. Their sons have gone to Church before and loved it. The parents (Mom AND Dad -- woohoo!!!) are both interested as well. They have tons and tons and tons of questions. Their 13 year old son told us the first visit that he wants to join the Church and asked us how. He also told us how he likes watching Mormon Messages on YouTube! Where on earth is this 13 year old boy from?!?! The 19 year old son plays soccer at junior college and has been to church 4 times and played soccer in the chapel numerous times. Mom and dad are great. The only obstacle currently is they live kitty-corner to a Kingdom Hall of the J.W.s. Therefore, the JW missionaries are visiting as well. This created some confusion in the first lesson when we shared the first vision. They thought that the two beings who appeared to Joseph Smith were Jehovah and Jesus Christ...yeah. We tried to clear it up, but they both committed to read and pray about the Book of Mormon. They want to come to Church sometime soon. I trust in the Lord that as these people keep commitments, they will come to understand the Godhead with greater clarity.

The other elders in the branch had a beautiful baptism this week. TONS of people came and the Spirit was strong. I directed the music...not even kidding. It went pretty well. We sang a beautiful hymn that I had never before heart, "Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me." I like it, a lot. We had an investigator come -- the baptist wife of a member. She enjoyed and the women of the branch really reached out to her. We have taught her twice. She believes that Christ is the only one who can save us. We don't need a Church. Well, we are going to take the appraoch of teaching her simply, directly, and with a lot of testimony. This brother desires so badly that he and his wife can be sealed. We pray that the Lord helps us to be able to help this family become and eternal family.

Your trip to the beach sounded eventful and exciting. I really enjoyed the pictures a lot and could tell that you all had a good amount of fun. I am sure you made a couple of trips to that bakery in "downtown". I get chilly when it is 80 degrees now, so I think the ocean water of Long Beach would about kill me.

It is funny you made mention of me coming home. I still have more than 11 months left, so we can just keep that idea out of the focus for about 10.5 more months. I still have a lot the Lord wants me to accomplish and I am doing my best to do that. Yeah, I am not a baptism machine, but I do my best and I know I am becoming a better missionary as I serve here. I know I have success and that sometimes, people use their agency poorly. There are a lot of things in missionary work that I cannot control. I am controlling all that I can and am doing it to its fullest.

The Westview Ward huh. Odd name to me. I have learned on my mission that sometimes people are in leadership positions for reasons other than "they are the cream of the crop". I know I am a good servant of the Lord, but I have yet to be district leader, zone leader, or trainer. Would I like to do those things? Yeah, but I have no control over that and I realize that the Lord has a plan for me. I don't think I will ever become a mission legend or a well known person in the world at that, but I know that if we just do what the Lord asks of us here on this earth, we will all earn the same reward in the life to come. Whether you are High Priest Group Leader or Assistant Toilet Scrubber, you are fulfilling a divine responsibility that allows the Church of Christ to function. When I find myself aspiring to be a leader, I realize that I have some room for improvement. I know that you (dad) are a great man and a wonderful leader. You have lead so many times in the church. You have changed people's lives. I will always remember the rave reviews of your Gospel Doctrine classes. I will always remember the meeting you had for EQ in our living room. You are a leader. Sometimes, leaders are more silent than others.

I love you all so much and am so glad I hear from you weekly. Some missionaries do not have that blessing. I pray for you and hope you have a great week!

Love,

Elder Jonathan Pearson

P.S. -- I spent so much money on fast food because so often our trips to Mesa were unexpected and we had no time to prepare lunch. Also, we hardly ever ate dinner with members this week. But, just figured I would keep you posted. Love you!

It was a tough one

Dearest Family and Friends of mine,

This week was tough. Really tough. Elder Howard and I taught very little and we had about 90% of our lessons fall through. However, the ones that went through were very incredible and the Spirit was always strong. Elder Howard and I sat talking last night after planning and turning in numbers and discussed the past week. We agreed that it was hard, but we also agreed that we did our very best in every aspect. We prayed, planned, studied, taught, found, and followed the Spirit the very best we could. Though the fruits of the last week were not so grand, I know the Lord was pleased with our efforts and will bless us with many miracles due to our diligence, obedience, and faith. I guess one could say, for our following our personal Liahonas.

The worst of it all was friday we spent nearly the WHOLE day in Mesa due to car troubles. We had to replace a tire. Then, as we get back to Phoenix, our airbag light came on. We had to drive back to Mesa to the dealer where we spent hours waiting for them to fix whatever was wrong. The whole time Elder Howard and I were just antsy and sought to find some way to make our time effective to the Lord. We called potentials, referrals, and members to try and set down some plans for the weekend. In the end, that did turn out pretty well. It lead to members coming out with us and some lessons being set for this week. Just yesterday, the airbag light came on again. Tomorrow we have to go back to Mesa, get that fixed, and get our brakes replaced. Sometimes, I really would enjoy being on bike again.

We had Zone Development Meeting on Thursday, which was FANTASTIC! We learned about having effective dinner appointments and boldness. Those are both two things in which I can improve. Preach My Gospel says rarely should we speak to others without extending a commitment. We are now more focused on commiting members to do things, whether it be inviting a friend to FHE, or taking someone to the Visitors' Center in Mesa, we will now always commit everyone to doing something. This will really strengthen our branch. It needs it.

About boldness. It is neccesary. It is powerful. And, it is so important. In Alma it talks about being bold, but not overbearing. What is the difference? Love and a lack thereof. As I develop a love and charity for these people, it will permit me to speak more plainly and with boldness. As we speak more boldly, the Spirit will more powerfully testify of the truth and the people will much more easily understand. This morning I studied 2 Nephi 31 -- The Doctrine of Christ. Nephi begins his address by stating that he will speak with plainness. It is by plainness that God works among the Children of men. The beauty of 2 Nephi 31 is that its' clarity and boldness is what makes it so powerful. We all need to be baptized and follow Christ's example. There is no fluff around it.

Elder Howard and I did our very best to apply this training and we saw the fruits of it. With 3 new investigators, we spoke boldy and with confidence in the doctrine of Christ. These people now know from the get-go that we are there to help them develop faith in Christ so that they repent and are baptized, so that the Holy Ghost can guide them and help them endure to the end with obedience so that they can inherit the peace and joy of our Father's kingdom. As a result of this, our investigators payed a lot more attention from the beginning of the lesson and they accepted our commitments that we gave to them.

Also, we had some great member help this week. Our members were powerful and as we were bold, they were, too. Our members (without us asking!!!) were inviting people to read the Book of Mormon and to ask Heavenly Father if it is true. They also always invited the investigators to Church! Way awesome. Way, way awesome. It left Elder Howard and I really happy upon leaving these lessons. It is so nice to feel the power of our members' testimonies. I am sure our investigators felt it as well.

We really only taught 8 lessons though, so there is not much to tell in regards to that. We taught mostly new people. Vigelio, Pedro, Jose, Maria, Viki, and Jose. All of those lessons were great though. People accepted commitments with a smile and some have already fulfilled them.

Elder Howard and I are just really worried about some other investigators like the Beltran and Rodriguez families. We do NOT want them to fall through the cracks and be lost. These people are our friend, and more importanly, sons and daugthers of God. We are charged with the responsibility of teaching them and helping them obtain peace and joy. We will continue to labor with these people so that they come nearer to God and Christ.

One sweet experience came via Jose Lopez, a recent convert. He works for our branch president. He ran out of money and food this week and was not able to deposit his check from work. He had no phone either. Therefore, he did not make it to Church. Elder Howard and I passed by yesterday afternoon and he was sick and depressed. He did not have much hope and had gone two days without any real food (he had maruchan cup of noodles...worthless). We frist fed him spiritually by studying D&C 121 with him. His frown turned to a smile and his whole countanance changed. He expressed great gratitude to God in a wonderful prayer. I had some food in the apartment I was not going to use -- a few chicken breasts, some rice, some oats, and an orange or two. So, after teaching him, we rtan back to the apartment and gathered that food. I put it all in a bag and brought it to him. He so gratefully and humbly accepted it. Yeah, we could have gone for numbers and looked for another lesson to teach, but I did what I felt Christ would do were he in my shoes. I helped someone in dire need. I really felt a great deal of love for this man. I hope he felt the Lord's love -- well, I am sure he did. It was was obvious. It was a tender mercy of the Lord.

We then did a youth fireside at our branch president's house last night. It was on the Book of Mormon. We grouped them up and had them each read strong stories such as Alma the younger, Enos, and the Liahona. They then taught the others about it. We (Elder Howard and I) then shared somet thoughts on the Book of Mormon and how it testifies of Christ. It was a great experience. We have good youth. Too bad we have only two young men.

It was a tough, challenging week. A lot of people chose to use their aganecy poorly, but some used it valiantly and came a bit closer to Christ. Elder Howard and I will continue to press forward with a Faith in Christ that we will find those searching the truth. I still love being a missionary, a servant of the Lord, a lot. It is the greatest thing ever. I wish you all could experience it right now. But, I am sure you are all enjoying the coast. Enjoy your time and take pictures. You are all sure traveling a lot! You are truly blessed.

I was wondering where the Ryser package was, but I am glad that one was settled up. There is no rush at all. I have too many other things to worry about!

What is the new ward's name? Who got taken out of bethany? Hancocks? Hardys? Davis'? Probably some new people I never met either.

Also, it was cool this week -- low 100's. One night it dipped down to 85 and I was cold. Maybe I won't be so into winter sports by the end of this. Maybe I'll want to leave the Northwest, nah. Never. I love the green too much!

Have a great week and remember that I love you all and pray for you tons!

Sincerely,

Elder Jonathan Alma Pearson

Last Weeks Letter

Hey family!

It has been a stormy week here in Arizona. That dust storm rolled in tuesday evening just as I was leaving a teaching appointment. It was pretty scary to drive in. Luckily, we were near our apartment so we just drove home and hunkered down in our little humble abode. I really think the storm was overrated though, it was not anything too crazy. Just strong winds and dust. We had washed the car the day before. That was the only upsetting part to me.

Something new in missionay work is that within the next 6 months, all companionships will have DVD players in the apartment with a Preach My Gospel DVD to assist in training and daily preparation. The Church is really changing a lot, but for the better. One elder from NYC says the Church has an e-billboard in Times' Square. Pretty cool.

That is crazy about the ward being divded, split, reorganized, etc. I would have never guessed, but it is not suprising. The Lord keeps sending families to Zion of the West Coast, the Cedar Mill stake. Let me know what happens. Who the Bishop is, etc. I am sure this choice in inspired. I have come to gain a great testimony of inspired leadership in the Church over the last year. Ever decision that has been made, has been for the benefit of God's children. Some of those decisions are hard to accept, but for the better of us.

Monday evening we were street contacted by Jehovah's Wittness Missionaries. The first question from them is always, "What is the name of God?" I just didn't even both with Eloheim. I know the truth and their hearts and minds are not open to learn or ponder new things that could be possible truths. I let my frustration get the best of me when I was in the apartment. I took all of my free time at lunch, in the morning, and after planning towards using the Bible to show how Jehovah is our Savior, Jesus Christ. Isaiah 43:11 cross referenced to Acts 4:10-12 pretty much sums it up, even in the Jehovah's Wittness New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures. This study may have been sparked by frustration, but it ended up being an enlightening experience that helped me more fully understand how Jesus Christ has always been prophesied of from the beginning. I just need to give it up with the JW's. They drive me nuts, but I know that as people feel the truthfulness of this message, they will feel AND understand true doctrine revealed through a modern prophet.

Tuesday we had an interesting experience while trying to contact a member refferal. Sure enough, she way home, but locked out of the house. She was very stressed out and panicking in the 112 degree heat. So, instead of teaching her, we served her -- by breaking into her house for her. Never thought I would do that on my mission. That one is checked off of my list for things to do in life.

Rafael continues to progress. He is blind, so instead of reading the Book of Mormon, he listens to the discs in spanish. Well, the trouble was that he was not listening. He needs more faith in Christ before accepting a baptismal date, so we got serious and chastened him with love. I was worried we had been too harsh, but I felt the Spirit's guidance as Elder Howard and I spoke. The lesson had the desired effect. He is now listening to the Book of Mormon daily and his knowledge and understanding of it is growing. One issue he faced was that he could not wrap his mind around the idea of praying to the father in the name of Jesus Christ. So, we told him to use those exact words. When we kneeled at the end of the lesson to pray with him, it was such a great, spiritual prayer from his heart. The Spirit of Promise was there and I know Rafael felt the spirit just as Elder Howard and I had. He came to church yesterday with his kids. Our stake High Council rep gave them a ride in his $65,000 Lexus IS-F and the little boy, Lalo, about peed his pants when he saw his ride to church. He had the biggest grin when he got out at the chapel. Haha. I loved that little experience. Also, Rafael's wife has noted a change in her husband and is now taking more interest. She said, "Some day soon, I will go to Church with you all." She is asking for a sunday off. We are so thrilled.

Sister Rodriguez continues to read the Book of Mormon. She still loves it and is encouraging her family to read it with her. Seeing as it is summer, her children sleep until 3pm and don't read, but she reads to them. Last night we visited with her husband. He installs wood floor and is always exhausted upon arriving at home. I think we helped motivate him to be a more active participant in the Gospel with his family. We committed him to being present for a lesson tuesday evening. This family will be a great blessing to the branch, while the Gospel will be a great blessing to the family.

Ivan Martinez is back from band camp in Flagstaff. We should be seeing him tonight. We worked with his parents while he was gone and I now feel as though it will be more of a family thing instead of just Ivan. We will ask Ivan's parents tonight for permission for him to be baptized the 23rd of this month. I do not see any reason why there will be existence. His mother is excited that her son has taken to something that brings him closer to God. We will be working with the Primary Presidency to get the whole family at Church. Hna. Martinez primary fear is her two sons with autism at Church. We spoke to the primary president and she said there is no issue. There are many special needs children. We are praying a lot for them.

We worked with a lot of less actives. Hna. Jimenez committed and followed through on her committment to come to Church. I know that as she set forth an example to her husband, he too will reactivate. I do not know when, but I know that his time will come. She came to Church and loved it!

It was a tough week with many challenges, but I saw many more miracles than challeneges.

I did indeed get the letter and card from the hancock's and replied as well. The package from The Ryser's has still not arrived. Our new mission office secretary is still getting in the hang of things!

I love you all so much. I hope you have an amazing week! I know I will!

Elder Pearson

Happy U.S. day!

Dearest family,

Today feels just like any other day. It is hot, and it is p-day. No mention was made of today due to the fact that I am serving in a spanish unit, which means the 4th of July has about 0% significance to them. It feels odd. The closest I got to firworks was there was a monsoon just north of me last night. It was so awesome to see thunder clouds and lightning. I would definitely say that was a sweet thing to see. It was 117 degrees and fast sunday. It was not a great combo if I may say so myself. I got so exhausted from walking around in the heat after church with no food or liquids, that we just went in an hour early and broke the fast. I then found out that sister Ellsworth recommends that we do not include fasting from water seeing as we are expected to work after Church. I will remember that for the August fast.

I did indeed get the brithday package. I think one thing to remember for future summer packages is that chocolate and gummy bears melt. They all stayed in their packaging, but were melted. The Lemon Chiffon was amazing. I ate it way too quickly however and it made me feel sort of sick. The clif bars are what I got most excited about. I have no need to buy lunch for a month! Today my total bill at the grocery store was $9.18. Pretty awesome. And don't worry, I am still eating well. Also, the garment tops are the best. the deep cut neck is so neccesary in the heat. It just lets your body breath a little more. The bottoms are nice, too. They are very comfortable and though they are not what I was thinking of, they fit and I am happy with them. I loved the pictures of the Pearson family world adventures as well. I am glad you are all having such a great time. I have yet to recieve the snail mail card, but I am sure it will show up shortly.

A new Elder came into my zone this week at transfers. His name is Elder Francis and he is from the Skyline ward. Small world. He is in the english ward that does its meetings in combination with ours. He is a good kid. I had met him before once or twice. I just feel so bad that he was immediately subjected to this wretched heat and sun. I am wearing SPF 45 and sometimes I still get burned. Some members told me to drink Aloe water. I did. It tastes good, and took away some of the pain!

It was a pretty trying week. It was hot, and almost none of our appointments held through. Elder Howard and I had to be very diligent and use every fiber of will power that we had to continue to work effectivelty and by the Spirit. We did not get to teach near as much as the previous week. But, I can not see we did not see miracles. We found a new family, the Rodriguez family. We taught them and Hna. Rodgriguez was very powerfully touched by the Book of Mormon. We taught her on tuesday and had an appointment on thursday. We were accompanied by the relief society president and her daughter to the lesson. We asked Hna. Rodriguez how her reading was going. She had read 52 pages of the Book of Mormon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She said that she could not put it down. She remembered even the tiniest of details about the Tree of Life, Nephi breaking his bow, him building the ship, the significance of the Liahona, and more. It was so incredible. I truly know that when someone takes the time to read the Book of Mormon, they will feel the spirit of it and be converted to the truth by its power. She is continuing to read. The lesson would have turned out miraculously, but we were thrown a curveball by the adversary. After having dicussed more how she felt, we were going towards setting a baptismal date. There then came a knock at the door. She answered and it was her friend, who introduced herself as a Jehovah's Witness. Elder Howard and I were not going to take away the Spirit by arguing, but her friend quickly began by trying to bible bash in sorts. I did as I know the Lord would do. I taught of the Book of Mormon, and it's purpose. I explained to her that I know it is true not by logic or the words of men, but rather by the testimony I recieved by the Holy Ghost. Elder Howard did the same. The action was also repeated by our relief society president. Her friend really did not have anything to say. I know the power of the Book of Mormon. Even Hna. Rodriguez testified to her friend somewhat of the power of the Book of Mormon. It was a great experience. Hna. Rodriguez continues to read. She is encouraging her sons and husband to read as well. We are so excited and blessed to be able to continue teaching them.

We had some other great experiences like that as well. We found a former investigator who was so excited to see us. He read the Book of Mormon and his challenge is just that he really struggles to have his spirit overcome his flesh. We are just really going to help him feel and use the power of the Atonement to overcome these things. He said he will come to church with us next week. I am excited to be able to begin teaching him as well.

I began reading the old testament. The Jehovah's Witness really sparked my interest in knowing the bible better. So, before studies or with remaining lunch time, I am readind the Old Testament. I am in Exodus. It is kind of dull. One really cool thing is that so many Book of Mormon names appear in the old testament. I just find that interesting. I think that it is also helping me to understand the Atonement and plan of salvation a little better. I will keep you posted.

Apart from that, it was a pretty challenging, but rewarding week. Rafael Beltran is living the law of chastity and the word of wisdom. Those are the two biggest obstacles to conversion generally. We are now just trying to warm the rest of his family up to the Gospel. This man is so prepared. He listens to the scriptures, and participates in Church. I really love the man and I think of what we can do to help him so often.

The branch has drama, but there is no need to depress you all. We, in combination with Church leadership, are trying to resolve it.

I hope you are all loving your time this week! Don't burn anything down, but enjoy yourselves. I am glad maddy is having so much fun. I hope Will is, too. I pray for you all and think of you all often! You are such a blessing and inspiration to me! Keep on being so awesome and firm in the gospel! Next week when I write, I have less than a year left. My companion just made mention of that...scary. Humbling.

With all my love,

Elder Pearson

Family!

Hey Family!

Sorry about last week's email. I sent it but for some reason it did not go through. The computers we use are fairly old and in a church building. The Internet is not too great. Half of the time, my weekly letters to president Ellsworth do not make it to him, but I just keep on trying. Just remember that I love you and I do write you every week! IF you do not get one, it is due to the computer, not me.

Elder Howard and I are staying together for another transfer. I am so happy and grateful to be able to stay in an area for more than a month or two. I love this branch and we are seeing so many blessings. I don't want to leave for a while. Elder Howard still has a lot that he can teach me and I think every companion teaches me something new and valuable about myself. I think with Elder Howard, I am learning that I do not always need to be so serious. Also, I think I have been shown a lot of my personal pride -- something I am trying to get rid of.

I can not name names or specifics anymore due to us wanting to preserve people's privacy. I will use first names, but it is just something president has asked.

We now have two people we are teaching with baptismal dates for July. The 16th and 23rd. I think both will hold through strong as long as we give the love, time, and attention that Rufino and Ivan need. Rafael should be getting baptized. He knows that it is all true, he just is scared of being baptized and then falling away from the Gospel. I love these three people so much. I just want some of the families that we are teaching to progress.

One family in particular is really on my mind. The husband and wife have had some trust issues and it causes a lot of depression in the husband. They told us how every time we enter the home, they feel something that they can not feel when we are not there. They realize that it is the Spirit. The Virgin came up in our visit a few weeks ago and they were both raised to believe and pray to her. The wife made mention that she loves how she feels when we come over and she always wants to feel like that, but at the same time she feels like she is betraying the virgin. I am not one to Bible Bash...I could show them many verses in the bible that speak specifically on that issue, but I hate contention. My prayer is just that they continually feel the spirit and seek it. As they learn, and put the Gospel into practice, they will have the Spirit more frequently in their home. My hope, is that eventually the Virgin altar comes down....it is like a spirit repellent.

We got to teach a lot this week, but not so much with members. Many went out of town, or were not up to bearing the 115 degree heat, which is hot. My blood is thinning and I am getting used to the heat. Oregon is going to really chill my bones. Not too many people are just out wandering around in this heat, so finding has become more of an evening activity.

We found one great new family. They live right in front of the Jehovah's Witness Kingdom Hall. They seem to be very interested and we have a visit with them later this week. They were a referral from our zone leaders. I am excited. We have a lot of families that we visit, we just do not get the chance to visit them frequently because they struggle to keep their appointments.

Our real battle this week was Church. Rufino and Rafael told us that they would come, but neither did. We even had members stop by to pick them up. It makes it tough for the members to want to help again when they do what they asked, but our investigators flake. I have been praying a lot for member participation, and we are seeing it. I just do not want that to fade. Rafael's reason was legitimate. His power went out and he had to pay the bill. 115 without A/C would be death indoors. Rufino, said he had to go to the grocery store. That one could have waited a bit I believe. Elder Howard and I have decided to focus on the sabbath day this coming week. People need to come to Church. We plan to focus on that commitment with our investigators.

I am glad to hear that you enjoyed your time in Seattle. You two are great parents and I am grateful that I was able to grow up and be taught by you both. I probably have only made it these 20 years because of you both! Thank you so much. I love you a lot.

Things just keep on getting better here in East Catalina. We are seeing a lot of growth. I feel like this area is my baby and we are nurturing it into adolescence, then it will be an adult with a lot of fruit, being many converts and a lot of missionary work. We are focusing on strengthening a number of less active families. Laziness is the common thread. They all still have testimonies, they just lack the drive and desire. We have FHE with one family tonight and we hope to reactivate them soon. They would be a powerful missionary resource.

Saturday I got to go to 2 baptisms of people that I taught. Amparo, who live in the west side of this branch. And Monica, an investigator from my greenie area. Both are such strong converts and I feel so blessed to have been able to see the fruits of my labors here in the mission. I often feel like I am a seed planter, and other missionaries are harvesters. What is important is that these people are eventually getting baptized. It is more than my joy and pleasure to have found them and taught them. I will try and send some photos next week!

I am loving this. I am so grateful to be here. I am so glad the Lord is blessing you all while I am here serving. You seem to all be having fun and living life to the fullest. Just keep on doing your thing, and I will keep doing mine.

I spent some money last week because we don't have dinners quite frequently now since some members can not handle feeding four extra people. It is kind of a downfall. I am trying to gauge what to do. Sorry, I do not want to spend, but eating is needed in this heat!

I love you all a lot. Please be safe, physically and spiritually! Study the scriptures, and say your prayers! I think and pray for you oft. Have an awesome week! Happy 22 years mom and dad!

Love,

Elder Jonathan Alma Pearson

A week late, don't know why it didn't send?

Hey Family,

I hope you had a happy father's day Dad! In hispanic culture, parents play a less emotional role and more of a means to an end. Thus, yesterday really took on no special meaning to anyone that we visited. It was pretty sad, because dads and moms both are so crucially important to their children. I missed you dad, but I am sure you all had a wonderful time. I am grateful for the example of humility and diligence that you set before me. Having an exemplary father most assuredly makes it easier to succeed in life. Slowly I am beginning to grasp the eternal significance of families in this life and the next. Sadly, a lot of people do not believe in eternal life. Many Christians say that we will sing and praise to God for eternity and nothing more. I am grateful that the plan of salvation gives me a better sense of purpose in this life.

Elder Howard and I were blessed to see many miracles in all shapes, sizes, and forms. We had people chase us down and ask for missionaries to come over. We met people who had previously had baptismal dates who had moved and lost contact. We also found a family with amazing parents who love and care for their children. They are the Beltran family from Acapulco. Rafael, the father is blind. He has a 4 year old daughter and a 12 year old son. The wife has not taken much interest in the gospel as she is more of the father figure. The great part was that we taught them, and then yesterday they made it to church. They loved it and told us they will keep on coming. We had a recent convert give them a ride, so it was awesome! The men of the Elders' Quorum slowly, but surely, warmed up to rafael and some even found out they came from the same neighborhood. It was a really sweet experience.

Ivan Martinez has a baptism date! We set it for a ways out to give the family a chance to catch up. Our Branch President really wants the Martinez family to be baptized and confirmed. We are slowly seeing his enthusiasm reach the members. It has been hard to get member participation, but we are getting it. Our branch is growing a lot, really fast. I am thrilled to be a part of that. Ivan was excited when we asked him to be baptized. It was kind of rough extending the committment (It has been a while since I did it...) but the Spirit helped me out and touched the heart of Ivan. He will be baptized on July 23rd, 2011. Hopefully with three other family members. I pray a lot for them.

Another man, Rufino Sanchez, was found when walking in the 110 degree heat on Wednesday. He was being taught in Plano, Texas by sister missionaries. He went to church often and went to multiple baptisms. This was all about 5 years ago. His job moved to Phoenix and he had to take off in the middle of the night. He lost contact with the Church and told us that he has been looking for us ever since. He has talked to english missionaries, but they cannot understand him because he speaks not one bit of English. Well, now he has been found and we are so thrilled with the opportunity to teach him.

We had our downs of course. I am a little sick still from Food Poisoning once again. I had a 101 fever. It is going down. I know it was not too smart to go out and work, but our area needs it. As I worked hard and trusted in the Lord, we were able to see these miracles. My faith increased in a lot of ways in this last week. My testimony is strogner. It was a great week.

I hope you (Mom and Dad) enjoy your anniversary trip to seattle. I miss bodies of water, a lot. Take lots of pictures and just have a good time! Be safe, say your prayers...you know what to do.

Will and Maddy, enjoy summer while you can. Youth goes away fast. As I was reading General Conference talks again, I realized I will not be a kid anymore once I get home. Life will be way different. Be kind, and try to develop Christlike attributes in your youth. I can tell from my experience here in the mission that it is much harder to do here than at home. Here, there is too much to worry about! One thing I am learning by the Spirit, is patience, and stress-control. I rarely find myself "stressed" anymore. I know the Lord has me in His hands. If I do my best, he will push me in the right direction.

My mission is going too fast. I am terrfied to think that I am almost half way over. If it were not for the complete exhaustion that comes at the end of 2 years, I would love to do this for longer. I have never seen the Gospel and the Church in the way I do now. I will be honest. I was not 100% excited to be going on a mission. I liked working. I loved learning at BYU. I liked sleeping in. The Gospel had provided me with those things, so in some way I felt like I was obligated. As soon as being in the MTC for a month, my perspective changed. Time was crawling by. Now, it is going at the speed of sound. I have repented and have a fresh view on nearly every aspect of life and the Gospel. I was ill-prepared to come out here. The Lord has blessed me and taught me by the Spirit. I love my mission so much. The thought that it is hald way over nearly drives me to tears. I just love it here, no matter how good or bad every day is. I really just want my good friends to have the same opportunities. Grateful to you mom and dad for letting me make my own mistakes, and showing me love the whole time through. I think your love and sincerity as my parents is what drives me to become better every day. I do all I can so that we can be together forever. I am trying to help the people of Phoenix realize that. A lot of them are, and nothing has ever made me smile more! I wasn't a very smiley person, but now I crack one pretty often. The Gospel brings us joy.

As for my birthday, it is not going to happen. I can not turn 20. I hope to stay here in Phoenix for my birthday. We find out what is happening next Saturday. I am pretty sure Elder Howard and I will continue to see growth in these people. The area is taking off, and I do not want to leave. I would not mind spending another 2-3 transfers here. I love the people, I love the branch, and I love my companion. Elder Howard is a good one! mailing my package to the mission office probably would be best.

I love you all so much! Have an incredible week!

Elder Pearson