Hey Family,
You would not believe it, but once again I am being transferred, and this time it is back to Phoenix. I am getting kind of frustrated with not staying in one area for a long time. Liahona 4th was my longest area, three transfers. The reason that I am leaving is that president Ellsworth decided to rejoin the two areas into one because we are just not having enough success I suppose. It kind of makes me feel like all of my work here these last six weeks has been for naught. We have really improved the area a lot. We have set a lot of dates and made a lot of progress with less active members. The Delgado Family is active again! I guess you could say a lot of what I have been doing is just reactivation? I do not know. I guess that kind of falls under invite people to come unto christ, with a greater focus on the part about enduring to the end.
I am headed to Catalina branch in West Phoenix. It is the mission boundary with the Phoenix mission. It is a pretty rough part of town that I will take lots of pictures in for sure. I am going to be companions with Elder Faldmo from Dallas, TX. He was in my MTC district. I am kind of confused as to why we are companions. Maybe president thinks I am a bad missionary or something?!?! No idea. But, I am having to pur my trust, faith, hope, and confidence in President Ellsworth and the Lord on this one. Elder Scherbel is headed out to Apache Junction. We will both still be in car. I would have enjoyed being companions with him a little longer. He is a little prideful, but he and I really got along, worked hard, and had a good time.
Carlos Jaimes was not able to be baptized. His parents would not let him leave the house to go to the interview. They think he is wicked and needs to be perfect before being baptized. They say he gets angry -- he is mute. I would be fairly angry if I could not express myself. Elder Isom and Lake are going to continue to nurture his testimony by helping him understand the true healing power of the atonement. I think this may tone down his anger to a point where his parents will understand the whole purpose and power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
It was HOT on Friday. 102 degrees was what the car read in the shade. It is in the 80's now, which I have decided is about perfect. I like it 85 and partially cloudy. It is really nice to work in! And, more people are outside.
We taught a lot at the beginning of this week. One set of brother and sister, Mauricio and Cristina, will probably be getting baptismal dates here fairly soon. They both read and pray with us. They both have a great interest in the gospel.
The hardest thing is that so many of these people are at a point in their progress towards baptism that is just so close. I will have to keep them in my prayers and in my thoughts! I am going to miss all of these people even though I was here for just 6 weeks.
Conference was fantastic. I am very excited to read the Ensign next month because a lot of talks really made me do some self reflecting. Some really helped me feel my savior's love, while others helped me make note of a few things that I can change to be a better missionary and a better person. The themes that I noticed were Repentace, Doing our Duty as members by serving others, and the sacredness and eternal power of families.
I love you guys so much. The internet went out today so my time is limited. I apologize for not writing more, but I need to let the other 3 elders use a computer that works! I loved your Israel pictures. I will need to go there some day. It looks incredible. You all looked like you stood out like sore thumbs.
I love you and keep you in my prayers. Please continue to pray for me that I may be guided to those prepared people in Phoenix. Pray for me to have health and strength, and diligence. I love you so much and especially thought of you all when I went to the temple on Friday. It was my favorite temple visit yet here in Mesa. There was a lot more peace for me in the Celestial Room!
With all my love,
Elder Jonathan Pearson
(posted by Maddy)
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