Hey Family of Mine,
Apparently was just a bad week all around the world. I heard about the shooting in Jamaica and things like that. I really hope Niels is coping alright with that. I would be so freaked out if my companion was harmed seriously in any way. When my companion goes missing, just in Church, I get terrified. I met an RM here in Mesa who was companions with the Elder that died in the Portland Mission not too long ago. He said it was a really tragic experience and the mission really hit a slump. It really is scary to think of the many variables that can occur on a mission. That is why studying the plan of salvation has become such a focus for me these last few weeks. It is really hard for a lot of people to understand why bad things happen, but with the Plan of Salvation there is just a lot more peace in life.
That makes me way sad about Sister Piepgrass. She was truly an amazing woman who was always very sweet and kind. That is just kind of how that family is. Bishop Piepgrass is the first Bishop I can remeber and I never got to know them super well, but I am sure that she is in a better place now, preaching the gospel to others. Alma 40:11-12 is really all it takes to console people who have had loved ones pass away. A woman in our ward's daughter got in a car accident in Utah about a month ago. Then, her husband was killed in a work accident a few weeks later in Utah. They had three kids ages 5-17 and so now they are all orphaned. Sister Orona took it really hard, but those verses really calmed her down. Does Sis. Piepgrass have heart troubles in her families past? It is just weird having all of these things happen while I am not there.
Last week was a hard week for me here. We had a lot of success, but we also had a lot of disappointment. We had to drop a good number of investigators with baptismal dates, and another investigator with a date moved into another ward. We lost a lot of good people and it really made me sad. I was praying, studying, and working harder than ever trying to make my week feel better, but nothing was really doing to trick. I went to bed exhausted and I woke up every morning feeling kind of down because of a lot of the losses we suffered last week.
One was Jocabed. She has read almost the entire Book of Mormon. She knows it is true. She had a baptismal date. She saw the blessings that came into her life from living the Gospel. She has health issues and by living the Word of Wisdom one major one completely went away. She was truly a Golden Investigator in the beginning. We had high hopes. She came to church consistently. But as of late she has not come to church. 5 weeks straight. She always promises us she will come. We get her a ride. We go to pick her up, then she tells us she can not go for some reason. It broke my heart to do it, but we had to drop her. She was just not progressing. It was so hard for me that in my interview with President Ellsworth I just broke into tears because of her and the struggles our other investigators are having.
I am so into the mission now that I am making really strong connections with our investigators and I am really starting to feel a deep love for these people. It breaks my heart when people do not take the neccesary steps to repentance. I cry when I study the Book of Mormon because I read of people who are just like my investigators who in the end opt not to partake of the Tree of Life. It is so hard to see these people change, and then have to drop them because they will not act on their answers. It is really, really hard. Really hard. I 100% understand now why they say that a mission is the best, and hardest experience of our youth. I love every single day so much, but every day is mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausting. I put my heart and my soul on the line with these people in Mesa and I am rejected fairly often. It is tough. But, every week has at least, AT LEAST, one incredible miracle that makes it all worth it.
Last week, the miracle came when I was more or less in the depths of discouragment. I was just tired of last week and could not wait to go to Church just to feel the peace there. I kept on working because I know that is what I need to do, even when it is hard. We decided to knock some doors, just out of the rare chance that a prepared soul was somewhere on this street. We went to a rather ghetto part of our area and the miracle happened on the first door we knocked. 1806 N. Spring Apartment #202 was the door I had been looking for all week. The first time I knock, nothing happens. I wait. I knock again because I just feel like the person inside needed to open the door. No one answers. I knock a third time almost out of desparation. Slowly, the door is opened and a woman with a great big smile opens the door. I introduce myself and ask her name. Her name is Reyna. We talk about what we do as missionaries and why we knocked her door. We set an appointment, and as always I gave her our number in case they every need out help, or to cancel. Well, she said she was going to clear her Saturday afternoon for us. It gave me a new burst of energy that continued throughout the day. We did not have much more success, but that door knock was worth it.
Saturday. We go back and eat lunch after a rather dry morning. Two appointments cancel, but I was not frazzled and I kept on in excitement for our lesson with Reyna. We end lunch early to be sure we are on time. We go, and wait for the member who was going to come with us. He arrives and we knock. We go inside and begin to chat. Reyna is a woman with five kids. They are Beatriz, Reyna Jr., David, Alan, and Jordan. We sit and visit and she tells us how she does not think we are going to offer her anything different because she has gone to every church and they all say the same thing. She feels like she is judged when she goes to church and she feels like all members of all churches are hypocrites more or less. She spoke a majority of the time. I did not speak much, but in the end we just testified of how we know she will feel different in out church than in any other Church she has ever atteneded and she will find the peace she is looking for in life. She told us she was probably not going to come because she just hates churches. We left kind of sad and down. My miracle door was a dud.
Well. Sunday morning rolls around. We go out to remind people of Church. We go eat lunch. We go to Church a half hour early. We welcome people, hold the doors, etc. Without even noticing, Reyna and Beatriz come to the door. The say hi, I show them to a seat, and they sit and read the hymns. Sisters from the Relief Society swarmed them and surrounded them with love. OH MY GOSH! This was the miracle of the week. Reyna, who usually hates churches told us she loved it and will be coming with all of her kids next week. This made my entire week worth it! I love my mission because of the ways the Lord picks me up when I was down.
I am loving it. I do not care entirely that no one has really written me in like 8 weeks. I am too busy to write back most of them time. The mission is way hard. I am exhausted. But I love it. I love you all. It is crazy to hear about Maddy growing up and doing things it felt like I did yesterday. Will is writing with amazing grammar and you are all just incredible people. Thank you so much for letting me be here. Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for your love. I love you all so much and I hope we all have a better week than last week! Love you!
With love,
Elder Pearson
(posted by Maddy)
Friday, January 28, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
Week 1, Transfer 4
Familia Mia!
Como estan! Lo siento por no escribir ayer, pero tuvimos un entrenamiento como una zona! Tambien, yo tuve mi entrevista con Presidente Ellsworth.
So yeah, overall this last week went great. Having a new Elder come into the area I had a lot of doubts and fears that our success levels would take a big dip, especially seeing as he is a fairly inexperienced Elder. Well, I should have never doubted him. He is 100% the follower type, and we have established a tradition of hard work in our area. He is more than willing to work hard. I think it is especially easy for him to work hard because in his last area he told me they were teaching 7-10 lessons a week at best. Well, the evening of transfers, we taught 4 member present lessons and he was just excited as could be. He said he did not think that was possible. He thought one lesson every day was really good. That first day has motivated him to keep on working really hard. We got 19 lessons last week, which I think is pretty good considering the fact that we were a day short in our area.
His name is Elder Nerveza and he is from Hilo, Hawaii, the Big Island. He is a big boy. He can eat like an islander, and out members love that. They love when we eat them out of house and home because they know we enjoyed the food. He is a big help there, haha. He also has the true islander spirit. He is gentle, kind hearted, and loving. He knows what his responsibilities are as a missionary, and he is willing to work through challenges. His biggest challenge right now is the language. His last two companions were fairly apostate missionaries who apparently could find any reason to stay in the apartment half the day due to injury or illness. When they did teach, they never really gave him the time to speak. Therefore, he never really had the chance to improve from where he was when he left the MTC.
Well, when I prayed that first night personally, I was overwhelmed with the impression that during lessons I just need to let him teach. I need to let him struggle and I need to let him learn by trial and error. The first day or two is was really hard. Seconds would pass between single words. He really, really struggled. But, this drove him to study harder in all of his spare time. He studies the language at night until he falls asleep. Due to his diligence and faith, he has been really blessed. I think the light bulb finally turned on last night. We were teaching a lessons and It was his turn to teach, testify, ask questions, etc. I was worried because he had still be struggling. Well, once he began talking, he talked, and talked. His grammar was far from perfect, but he taught the principle with sufficient correctness to be understood. This really invited the spirit into the lesson and from then on we taught with great unity and power.
I do not think that could have come in a more crucial lesson either. It was with the parents of one of our members who come from Obregon, Mexico. they are devout catholics and I guess were highly disappointed when their daughter was baptized. Well, we taught them and really, I felt like I was not talking. It was totally all of the spirit guiding my words and Elder Nerveza's. In the end when we came to the restoration and the book of mormon (usually the hardest part for people to accept and understand, especially devout catholics...) it was accepted by them almost too easily. We both bore testimony, their daughter bore testimony. Their grandson bore testimony. The end result was grandpa saying, "You know what, I was raised in the catholic church and that is why I have always gone. Since I was a young man, I have had some doubts about the Church, but I never found anything that made me feel any better. The words you two young men have said tonight really interest me. That Book of Moroni really interests me and I will read it. I felt something when all of you said you know it was true. My daughter is a good girl and my grandson is a good boy. I will give it a chance." We then proceeded by promising him blessings and understanding from reading, praying, and coming to church. He said, "I would like that." So, I think the Spirit really did testify to him. I do not know if he recognized what it was, but I think it was like Alma 32:28. The word we shared with him illuminated his understanding and was delicious to him. I loved that lesson so much. It is written in my journal in detail.
Speaking of journals, I finished my first one! You know, the one Sis. Jensen gave me way back in like 2006! I kept it and never used it until my mission. Now, it is full of my thoughts, memories, and desires. I went back to read a few pages of it and it really is visible how much my testimony of the Gospel has grown in these 6 and a half months. I have a testimony of so many more gospel truths now. I know have a much greater knowledge and understanding of the Atonement and it's importance in everything. In Preach My Gospel, Chapter 3, Lesson 2, it is pretty much all summed up. At the bottom of the little Plan of Salvation chart, it says, "The Atonement of Jesus Christ makes all of this possible." This is true. Every single aspect of the gospel comes back to the Atonement. Everything. I never realized that before my mission. I love my mission because of the many things such as that, that I am learning.
I am also really tired, but I told that to President yesterday and he said,"I am glad to hear that, it means you are serving the Lord with all you heart, might, mind, and strength." It was good to be told why being tired is good. I understand the mission a lot more because of that. I love President Ellsworth by the way. Every time that he speaks, I can just feel love radiate in his words. I am blessed to have him as my leader.
Well, it is time to go! I love you all so much and I am glad you are all doing well. I know as I work hard, the Lord will continue to bless you all! I also know that as you all work hard to serve the Lord, he will bless me. You are in my prayers. I love you and think about you all often! Keep on working hard in all of your endeavours. Also, I hope you are are all doing FHE weekly! I love FHE on the mission. I wish we did it all the time growing up!
Love you all!
Elder Jonathan Alma Pearson
Como estan! Lo siento por no escribir ayer, pero tuvimos un entrenamiento como una zona! Tambien, yo tuve mi entrevista con Presidente Ellsworth.
So yeah, overall this last week went great. Having a new Elder come into the area I had a lot of doubts and fears that our success levels would take a big dip, especially seeing as he is a fairly inexperienced Elder. Well, I should have never doubted him. He is 100% the follower type, and we have established a tradition of hard work in our area. He is more than willing to work hard. I think it is especially easy for him to work hard because in his last area he told me they were teaching 7-10 lessons a week at best. Well, the evening of transfers, we taught 4 member present lessons and he was just excited as could be. He said he did not think that was possible. He thought one lesson every day was really good. That first day has motivated him to keep on working really hard. We got 19 lessons last week, which I think is pretty good considering the fact that we were a day short in our area.
His name is Elder Nerveza and he is from Hilo, Hawaii, the Big Island. He is a big boy. He can eat like an islander, and out members love that. They love when we eat them out of house and home because they know we enjoyed the food. He is a big help there, haha. He also has the true islander spirit. He is gentle, kind hearted, and loving. He knows what his responsibilities are as a missionary, and he is willing to work through challenges. His biggest challenge right now is the language. His last two companions were fairly apostate missionaries who apparently could find any reason to stay in the apartment half the day due to injury or illness. When they did teach, they never really gave him the time to speak. Therefore, he never really had the chance to improve from where he was when he left the MTC.
Well, when I prayed that first night personally, I was overwhelmed with the impression that during lessons I just need to let him teach. I need to let him struggle and I need to let him learn by trial and error. The first day or two is was really hard. Seconds would pass between single words. He really, really struggled. But, this drove him to study harder in all of his spare time. He studies the language at night until he falls asleep. Due to his diligence and faith, he has been really blessed. I think the light bulb finally turned on last night. We were teaching a lessons and It was his turn to teach, testify, ask questions, etc. I was worried because he had still be struggling. Well, once he began talking, he talked, and talked. His grammar was far from perfect, but he taught the principle with sufficient correctness to be understood. This really invited the spirit into the lesson and from then on we taught with great unity and power.
I do not think that could have come in a more crucial lesson either. It was with the parents of one of our members who come from Obregon, Mexico. they are devout catholics and I guess were highly disappointed when their daughter was baptized. Well, we taught them and really, I felt like I was not talking. It was totally all of the spirit guiding my words and Elder Nerveza's. In the end when we came to the restoration and the book of mormon (usually the hardest part for people to accept and understand, especially devout catholics...) it was accepted by them almost too easily. We both bore testimony, their daughter bore testimony. Their grandson bore testimony. The end result was grandpa saying, "You know what, I was raised in the catholic church and that is why I have always gone. Since I was a young man, I have had some doubts about the Church, but I never found anything that made me feel any better. The words you two young men have said tonight really interest me. That Book of Moroni really interests me and I will read it. I felt something when all of you said you know it was true. My daughter is a good girl and my grandson is a good boy. I will give it a chance." We then proceeded by promising him blessings and understanding from reading, praying, and coming to church. He said, "I would like that." So, I think the Spirit really did testify to him. I do not know if he recognized what it was, but I think it was like Alma 32:28. The word we shared with him illuminated his understanding and was delicious to him. I loved that lesson so much. It is written in my journal in detail.
Speaking of journals, I finished my first one! You know, the one Sis. Jensen gave me way back in like 2006! I kept it and never used it until my mission. Now, it is full of my thoughts, memories, and desires. I went back to read a few pages of it and it really is visible how much my testimony of the Gospel has grown in these 6 and a half months. I have a testimony of so many more gospel truths now. I know have a much greater knowledge and understanding of the Atonement and it's importance in everything. In Preach My Gospel, Chapter 3, Lesson 2, it is pretty much all summed up. At the bottom of the little Plan of Salvation chart, it says, "The Atonement of Jesus Christ makes all of this possible." This is true. Every single aspect of the gospel comes back to the Atonement. Everything. I never realized that before my mission. I love my mission because of the many things such as that, that I am learning.
I am also really tired, but I told that to President yesterday and he said,"I am glad to hear that, it means you are serving the Lord with all you heart, might, mind, and strength." It was good to be told why being tired is good. I understand the mission a lot more because of that. I love President Ellsworth by the way. Every time that he speaks, I can just feel love radiate in his words. I am blessed to have him as my leader.
Well, it is time to go! I love you all so much and I am glad you are all doing well. I know as I work hard, the Lord will continue to bless you all! I also know that as you all work hard to serve the Lord, he will bless me. You are in my prayers. I love you and think about you all often! Keep on working hard in all of your endeavours. Also, I hope you are are all doing FHE weekly! I love FHE on the mission. I wish we did it all the time growing up!
Love you all!
Elder Jonathan Alma Pearson
Hey!!
How are you all doing?
I am doing pretty great out here. It was the last week of the transfer and we set all kinds of good records these last few weeks. We taught the most lessons that we have ever taught together last week. We found tons of new investigators and we had some really good, friendly conversations. I am going to miss Elder Williams. He is being transferred to Apache Junction and I am staying here in my area. I am going to be senior companion and I will be getting a super new missionary. His name is Elder Nerveza. Interestingly enough, he is from Hawai'i.
Moises and Graciela should be getting her birth certificate in the mail before this Saturday. As soon as that happens, we will just need to have them have another baptismal interview and then plan the wedding and baptism. They are so beyond ready to get baptized. The biggest thing that is holding them back is that it is way hard for them to stay at Church for all 3 hours. Graciela just get's really antsy and can't sit for 3 hours and she is scared to put her son in nursery. He is younger than the age limit, but we got the Stake President's approval to put him in nursery. We are merely waiting to get that piece of paper and then we will have two AWESOME new members of the Church. Moises will be coming out to teach with us all of the time and they will get sealed FOR SURE!!! I am so excited for them. I am just sad that Elder Williams will not be here for it. He will not be too far away, so he will come back.
The Cruz family is doing spectacularly! We had dinner and FHE with them last night. We always eat pizza and wings when we go to their place. We taught the the plan of salvation for FHE and then we played JENGA. That is our favorite game out here. Things are going great and we are getting them ready to go do baptisms for the dead in the Temple. They did not quite understand how it works, but we taught them about that, too.
Another investigator that is just dying to get baptized is Maria Aragon. Her daugher is a member and she wants to be baptized sooooo bad. The worst part of it all is that her "husband" is married to another woman. Every visit we call their lawyer to get an update on the divorce process. As soon as they are divorced, Maria and the Senor will get married and Maria will get baptized. Hopefully this will light a fire in the heart of the husband and he soon will join them by entering the waters of baptism. She is the sweetest lady ever and she is pretty much a member. She participates in class and everything. She is one strong lady. I love her and I will miss her a ton once I leave.
A really cool lesson that we had was with Jocabed. She is in the same marriage situation as Maria. That seems to be the curse of Hispanic Culture. No one every really gets divorced. They just move out and shack up with someone else. Thay may sound a bit racist of sorts, because I am generalizing, but I am just slowly learning the norms of the culture out here. It is truly something to behold. She prayed to God and asked Him to see a verse in the Bible referencing the Book of Mormon. Well, in our lesson with her, Elder Williams pulled out Ezekiel 37:16 on her. The one about the stick of Judah and the Stick of Joseph. Well, she is a very intelligent woman and she immediately recongized this as God's answer of sorts. We later on shared the verse in Revelations about the new angel bringing forth a new and eternal gospel. That pretty much sealed the deal. It was only after this that she told us what she had asked God for in her prayers. When worthy of the Holy Spirit's guidance, it is truly there.
Some bad-ish news on my part is that the free bike I was given had some low quality parts on them. As a missionary, I am riding the bike a ton....Well, the crankset stripped out and my pedals straight up fell out. It is in the shop having some repairs done on it that may cost a pretty penny or two. I also have been borrowing a helmet from another Elder. Well, he is being transferred to a bike area and needs it back so I am going to need to be purchasing one of those! AHHH! Other than that though, the bike store owner said that bike is in perfect working order and as long I keep the chain and moving parts well greased, I should not have to replace anything other than the chain every 6 months or so. I am taking really good care of it, it just had about a $5 crankset on it. I am getting in replaced with a nice Shimano Acera crank. I am going to be putting down a pretty chunk on it coming up here soon, so maybe just watch my bank account and if you feel like it, you could tansfer some extra money in there. I still have like $500-$600 still, I think. No big rush.
Other than that I am doing great. I am healthy and active. My testimony is growing and I am loving it out here. I hit my official six month mark on Friday so I burned a tie to follow the cruel tradition. I have pictures and all so I should shortly be sending those your way. I can not believe I am 25% of the way. I do not feel super comfortable in the language around people from Cuba and Puerto Rico still, but hey, as a senior companion with a companion who knows very little spanish, I will be forced to learn. I am excited though. I think I should progress a lot in the coming months. The mission is young and a lot of changes are being made. We now have texting and we can now use LDS.org or Mormon.org any day of the week. We have internet priviliges when we need to use it, we just need to be sure not to abuse this opportunity. I hope some Elders don't do anything dumb because of it.
I am going to pray and fast for Grandma's surgery. I really hope everything goes well there. Well, I trust modern medicine and I am fairly sure that it will go well. The Lord with be with her and bless her with health and strength according to her Faith in Him. That is something else I have learned on the mission. If I wake up at night feeling sick, I pray to Heavenly Father to bless me with health in the morning so that people can hear His Gospel. I have not had a sick day since day 3 in Phoenix. I know the Lord is there for Grandma. All she has to do is ask in Faith and all will be well!
Well, I had best be going! I have a lot to do today seeing as Elder Williams has to pack and all. I also have to go pick up my bike! Well, I love you all so much. Please keep me in your prayers. I miss you, but you all as well as myself know that I need to be here. You all should not want me to come home. Being trunky this early is bad for you all. If you think about me, you will not be able to enjoy traveling to the land of our Savior! That should be one of the greatest experiences of all of your lives. I expect a full like 30 page report with pictures and all on that. I love you and pray for you always!
With my love,
Elder Jonathan Alma Pearson
I am doing pretty great out here. It was the last week of the transfer and we set all kinds of good records these last few weeks. We taught the most lessons that we have ever taught together last week. We found tons of new investigators and we had some really good, friendly conversations. I am going to miss Elder Williams. He is being transferred to Apache Junction and I am staying here in my area. I am going to be senior companion and I will be getting a super new missionary. His name is Elder Nerveza. Interestingly enough, he is from Hawai'i.
Moises and Graciela should be getting her birth certificate in the mail before this Saturday. As soon as that happens, we will just need to have them have another baptismal interview and then plan the wedding and baptism. They are so beyond ready to get baptized. The biggest thing that is holding them back is that it is way hard for them to stay at Church for all 3 hours. Graciela just get's really antsy and can't sit for 3 hours and she is scared to put her son in nursery. He is younger than the age limit, but we got the Stake President's approval to put him in nursery. We are merely waiting to get that piece of paper and then we will have two AWESOME new members of the Church. Moises will be coming out to teach with us all of the time and they will get sealed FOR SURE!!! I am so excited for them. I am just sad that Elder Williams will not be here for it. He will not be too far away, so he will come back.
The Cruz family is doing spectacularly! We had dinner and FHE with them last night. We always eat pizza and wings when we go to their place. We taught the the plan of salvation for FHE and then we played JENGA. That is our favorite game out here. Things are going great and we are getting them ready to go do baptisms for the dead in the Temple. They did not quite understand how it works, but we taught them about that, too.
Another investigator that is just dying to get baptized is Maria Aragon. Her daugher is a member and she wants to be baptized sooooo bad. The worst part of it all is that her "husband" is married to another woman. Every visit we call their lawyer to get an update on the divorce process. As soon as they are divorced, Maria and the Senor will get married and Maria will get baptized. Hopefully this will light a fire in the heart of the husband and he soon will join them by entering the waters of baptism. She is the sweetest lady ever and she is pretty much a member. She participates in class and everything. She is one strong lady. I love her and I will miss her a ton once I leave.
A really cool lesson that we had was with Jocabed. She is in the same marriage situation as Maria. That seems to be the curse of Hispanic Culture. No one every really gets divorced. They just move out and shack up with someone else. Thay may sound a bit racist of sorts, because I am generalizing, but I am just slowly learning the norms of the culture out here. It is truly something to behold. She prayed to God and asked Him to see a verse in the Bible referencing the Book of Mormon. Well, in our lesson with her, Elder Williams pulled out Ezekiel 37:16 on her. The one about the stick of Judah and the Stick of Joseph. Well, she is a very intelligent woman and she immediately recongized this as God's answer of sorts. We later on shared the verse in Revelations about the new angel bringing forth a new and eternal gospel. That pretty much sealed the deal. It was only after this that she told us what she had asked God for in her prayers. When worthy of the Holy Spirit's guidance, it is truly there.
Some bad-ish news on my part is that the free bike I was given had some low quality parts on them. As a missionary, I am riding the bike a ton....Well, the crankset stripped out and my pedals straight up fell out. It is in the shop having some repairs done on it that may cost a pretty penny or two. I also have been borrowing a helmet from another Elder. Well, he is being transferred to a bike area and needs it back so I am going to need to be purchasing one of those! AHHH! Other than that though, the bike store owner said that bike is in perfect working order and as long I keep the chain and moving parts well greased, I should not have to replace anything other than the chain every 6 months or so. I am taking really good care of it, it just had about a $5 crankset on it. I am getting in replaced with a nice Shimano Acera crank. I am going to be putting down a pretty chunk on it coming up here soon, so maybe just watch my bank account and if you feel like it, you could tansfer some extra money in there. I still have like $500-$600 still, I think. No big rush.
Other than that I am doing great. I am healthy and active. My testimony is growing and I am loving it out here. I hit my official six month mark on Friday so I burned a tie to follow the cruel tradition. I have pictures and all so I should shortly be sending those your way. I can not believe I am 25% of the way. I do not feel super comfortable in the language around people from Cuba and Puerto Rico still, but hey, as a senior companion with a companion who knows very little spanish, I will be forced to learn. I am excited though. I think I should progress a lot in the coming months. The mission is young and a lot of changes are being made. We now have texting and we can now use LDS.org or Mormon.org any day of the week. We have internet priviliges when we need to use it, we just need to be sure not to abuse this opportunity. I hope some Elders don't do anything dumb because of it.
I am going to pray and fast for Grandma's surgery. I really hope everything goes well there. Well, I trust modern medicine and I am fairly sure that it will go well. The Lord with be with her and bless her with health and strength according to her Faith in Him. That is something else I have learned on the mission. If I wake up at night feeling sick, I pray to Heavenly Father to bless me with health in the morning so that people can hear His Gospel. I have not had a sick day since day 3 in Phoenix. I know the Lord is there for Grandma. All she has to do is ask in Faith and all will be well!
Well, I had best be going! I have a lot to do today seeing as Elder Williams has to pack and all. I also have to go pick up my bike! Well, I love you all so much. Please keep me in your prayers. I miss you, but you all as well as myself know that I need to be here. You all should not want me to come home. Being trunky this early is bad for you all. If you think about me, you will not be able to enjoy traveling to the land of our Savior! That should be one of the greatest experiences of all of your lives. I expect a full like 30 page report with pictures and all on that. I love you and pray for you always!
With my love,
Elder Jonathan Alma Pearson
Happy 2011!
Hey Family!
This last week was a good one. We were so busy with wrapping up the year and such that we actually only worked our area 3 of 7 days last week. Miraculously, the Lord blessed us and we still ended up teaching 19 lessons in 3 days! 17 with members! The young men of the ward have finally stepped it up and we have set times every week when each of them comes out with us missionaries. We got a new Young Men's President and missions are his #1 focus. We love it. It is something I wish I would have done a little more often back home.
Friday we spent half of the day practicing for the Missionary Choir at the Temple. That night all the missionaries from the Mesa Mission performed and sang 10 pieces or so. Though we made mistakes and such in our singing, the Spirit was strong. Our closing song was, "This is the Christ". It was way hard to sing, but the words of that song are incredible. I think that was my best new years to date. The temple was packed. The Spirit was there. I was with all of my missionary friends, and I am glad the Christmas season is over. I am tired of standing out in the cold (It snowed last week...hahahah I know!!!) and having sore feet. I am ready to jump back on the bike and get some people on the path to Eternal Life.
I would say that this past Sunday was the Highlight of the week. We had a priest come out with us in the morning and we went around and knocked the doors of every single one of our investigators to remind them about Church. We have Church at 2pm so we have all day to go teach before. We talked to a good dozen families, most of which who said they would come. We taught them all lessons and prayed with them. I was way excited. Hispanics enjoy their sleep, and with church at 2pm they are all bien-awake. In some ways however, Sunday separated the Wheat from the Tares. We had dozens of people promise to come, and yet only four did. Ironically enough, these are our investigators who are taking steps of progression. They are repenting and comign unto Christ.
To myself, I took it as a sign that I need to work harder to help people feel and recognize the Spirit. In Preach My Gospel it talks about how when people feel the Spirit they are more likely to keep committments. Keeping committments is taking steps to repentance. I need to do a better job of helping people realize the importance of repentance in their lives.
Moises and Graciela are STILL awaiting the arrival of Graciela's birth certificate. We bought them nice copies of the Triple Combination and The Bible as new year's gifts. It is funny because Moises' favorite book of the book of Moses (Moises is spanish for Moses). My favorite book is Alma (That is kind of my name...). I want them to get baptized so bad. They are ready. They are going to be solid members of the Church.
Emilio decided he may have to end up leaving his wife to get baptized because she does not want to get married/divorced from her other husband. Emilio so badly wants to be baptized. We do not want to break up the family though because they have children, one of which is baptized. Tearing a family apart will not be good. We are looking for a way into the heart of his wife at the moment. She used to talk to missionaries, but then she got offended. Apparently they got fairly bold with her.
Jocabed is our next person lined up for baptism. Unfortunately she has not come to church the last two weeks. She is finding odd excuses and it really has me worried. She is almost in the book of Jacob in the Book of Mormon, so I would suppose that she should have ans answer. We are planning on teaching her a lesson more focused on FEELING the Spirit. That is what she needs. She needs to understand what the Spirit is and why it is important. She is coming from a Pentecostal background which makes it hard. Their interpretation of the Spirit is very skewed. Very skewed.
We found a new family last week that we hope to keep teaching. Their are Jorge, Alma, & Letti. They used to talk to missionaries but were dropped because they moved and did not tell the Elder's where to. We have only taught them once, but I think they should progress quite well. The husband is always willing to pay attention and so we are excited. I will keep you posted.
On Saturday I will be getting transfer news. I will find out if I am staying or going. I think I am going to stay and Elder Williams is going to go. He has been here for 4.5 months. I think they will bring in someone more aged in the mission because Elder Williams only has one more transfer than I and he is the oldest Elder. I have really gotten used to him and I enjoy having him as a companion. I have finally grown to care about him and I have gotten over his quirks. We are starting to have a lot of success, but I think that will continue regardless of what we find out on Saturday.
I feel like for myself that has already passed by, BUT it is continually tested and tried every single week and day here. The big difference comes from what you say dad. I am reading and praying every single day. With those things my testimony grows and I recieve repeated confirmations of my testimony. A chapter that has taken great effect on me during my mission has been Moroni chapter 7. It talks about the Light of Christ. I know how I can know if something is true or not. If it brings me closer to God, it is good. If it distances me from him, it is not....fairly simplified, I know, but it is the basis of how to gain a testimony.
On New Years I did get to take a quick nap of 45 minutes or so. Other than that I played soccer, basketball, and fixed bikes all day. I feel like I should charge money, but I do not want to profit in any way on the mission. Working on bikes is something I enjoy. I completely revamped one bike on saturday that would not change gears, stop, or other basic things. In about an hour of tooling around I had it shifting and braking like new. It was kind of cool to do something like that. I enjoy helping others, a lot. I hope that characteristic follows me throughout life.
Well, I had best be going. Just know that I love you all and miss you. I think of you often and pray for you daily. I am so proud to call you my dad, mom, sister, and brother. You are all so great. Keep reading and praying. Have family home evening. If you do, everything will be a-o.k. I miss you, but not to the point of homesickness. I know that Heavenly Father is watching over you! Keep enjoying the winter for me. And mom, you should go up to the mountain with them some day. I would love a picture of you all in my favorite place! You don't have to ski! Haha, Well, I love you!
con amor,
Elder Jonathan Alma Pearson
This last week was a good one. We were so busy with wrapping up the year and such that we actually only worked our area 3 of 7 days last week. Miraculously, the Lord blessed us and we still ended up teaching 19 lessons in 3 days! 17 with members! The young men of the ward have finally stepped it up and we have set times every week when each of them comes out with us missionaries. We got a new Young Men's President and missions are his #1 focus. We love it. It is something I wish I would have done a little more often back home.
Friday we spent half of the day practicing for the Missionary Choir at the Temple. That night all the missionaries from the Mesa Mission performed and sang 10 pieces or so. Though we made mistakes and such in our singing, the Spirit was strong. Our closing song was, "This is the Christ". It was way hard to sing, but the words of that song are incredible. I think that was my best new years to date. The temple was packed. The Spirit was there. I was with all of my missionary friends, and I am glad the Christmas season is over. I am tired of standing out in the cold (It snowed last week...hahahah I know!!!) and having sore feet. I am ready to jump back on the bike and get some people on the path to Eternal Life.
I would say that this past Sunday was the Highlight of the week. We had a priest come out with us in the morning and we went around and knocked the doors of every single one of our investigators to remind them about Church. We have Church at 2pm so we have all day to go teach before. We talked to a good dozen families, most of which who said they would come. We taught them all lessons and prayed with them. I was way excited. Hispanics enjoy their sleep, and with church at 2pm they are all bien-awake. In some ways however, Sunday separated the Wheat from the Tares. We had dozens of people promise to come, and yet only four did. Ironically enough, these are our investigators who are taking steps of progression. They are repenting and comign unto Christ.
To myself, I took it as a sign that I need to work harder to help people feel and recognize the Spirit. In Preach My Gospel it talks about how when people feel the Spirit they are more likely to keep committments. Keeping committments is taking steps to repentance. I need to do a better job of helping people realize the importance of repentance in their lives.
Moises and Graciela are STILL awaiting the arrival of Graciela's birth certificate. We bought them nice copies of the Triple Combination and The Bible as new year's gifts. It is funny because Moises' favorite book of the book of Moses (Moises is spanish for Moses). My favorite book is Alma (That is kind of my name...). I want them to get baptized so bad. They are ready. They are going to be solid members of the Church.
Emilio decided he may have to end up leaving his wife to get baptized because she does not want to get married/divorced from her other husband. Emilio so badly wants to be baptized. We do not want to break up the family though because they have children, one of which is baptized. Tearing a family apart will not be good. We are looking for a way into the heart of his wife at the moment. She used to talk to missionaries, but then she got offended. Apparently they got fairly bold with her.
Jocabed is our next person lined up for baptism. Unfortunately she has not come to church the last two weeks. She is finding odd excuses and it really has me worried. She is almost in the book of Jacob in the Book of Mormon, so I would suppose that she should have ans answer. We are planning on teaching her a lesson more focused on FEELING the Spirit. That is what she needs. She needs to understand what the Spirit is and why it is important. She is coming from a Pentecostal background which makes it hard. Their interpretation of the Spirit is very skewed. Very skewed.
We found a new family last week that we hope to keep teaching. Their are Jorge, Alma, & Letti. They used to talk to missionaries but were dropped because they moved and did not tell the Elder's where to. We have only taught them once, but I think they should progress quite well. The husband is always willing to pay attention and so we are excited. I will keep you posted.
On Saturday I will be getting transfer news. I will find out if I am staying or going. I think I am going to stay and Elder Williams is going to go. He has been here for 4.5 months. I think they will bring in someone more aged in the mission because Elder Williams only has one more transfer than I and he is the oldest Elder. I have really gotten used to him and I enjoy having him as a companion. I have finally grown to care about him and I have gotten over his quirks. We are starting to have a lot of success, but I think that will continue regardless of what we find out on Saturday.
I feel like for myself that has already passed by, BUT it is continually tested and tried every single week and day here. The big difference comes from what you say dad. I am reading and praying every single day. With those things my testimony grows and I recieve repeated confirmations of my testimony. A chapter that has taken great effect on me during my mission has been Moroni chapter 7. It talks about the Light of Christ. I know how I can know if something is true or not. If it brings me closer to God, it is good. If it distances me from him, it is not....fairly simplified, I know, but it is the basis of how to gain a testimony.
On New Years I did get to take a quick nap of 45 minutes or so. Other than that I played soccer, basketball, and fixed bikes all day. I feel like I should charge money, but I do not want to profit in any way on the mission. Working on bikes is something I enjoy. I completely revamped one bike on saturday that would not change gears, stop, or other basic things. In about an hour of tooling around I had it shifting and braking like new. It was kind of cool to do something like that. I enjoy helping others, a lot. I hope that characteristic follows me throughout life.
Well, I had best be going. Just know that I love you all and miss you. I think of you often and pray for you daily. I am so proud to call you my dad, mom, sister, and brother. You are all so great. Keep reading and praying. Have family home evening. If you do, everything will be a-o.k. I miss you, but not to the point of homesickness. I know that Heavenly Father is watching over you! Keep enjoying the winter for me. And mom, you should go up to the mountain with them some day. I would love a picture of you all in my favorite place! You don't have to ski! Haha, Well, I love you!
con amor,
Elder Jonathan Alma Pearson
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