Hallelujah y'all,
This week was another great week in paradise!! We were just out evangelizing and praising the Lord and what have you, and it was fantastic!
Elder Jensen and I are just having a great time serving, working hard, and laughing along the way. One day last week during personal study I didn't realize Elder Jensen had gotten up and as I walked out of the study room next thing I know I am staring up at a massive blow up Duck that he had found in the closet and strung up on the wall hahaha. Bless my heart for sure!
We have been working with this part member family, Jeremy and Becky Nelson, and they had us over last week for a lesson. Jeremy has been asking questions about the word of wisdom, and some wheels have been turning. Unfortunately some missionaries in the past were a little too blunt and ended up offending him about a year ago. He has just recently been attending church with his wife, and so hopefully been thinking more about the gospel. We shared a lesson on faith and the stripling warriors, and made sure to try and gain trust. Jeremy then asked us if we could help him on Saturday put up a trampoline for the kids. It was an incredible opportunity to go and do service for him, but also to be able to talk with just him without any family pressure. We ended up talking to him for quite a while and hopefully mended a few bridges there. Still trying to figure out how to best help him, but definitely going to try and have some members invite him to Elder's Quorum since he feels like his only friends are those outside the church that are social drinkers, etc.
We also had a couple great lessons with our man Chris Corrona and were able to bring our ward mission leader with us as well one of the times since he is a convert that used to be Catholic as well. Nothing better than taking a convert to a lesson! He has been talking to his friends about the B.o.M and of course they are all like woah man that is crazy stuff. He stands strong though! He was like, "Do you believe in Moses and the burning bush? Jonah and the whale? What about Noah's ark? Yeah, then why not the Book of Mormon? Haha let's goo Chris!!
Danny was able to make it to church again this week, and we were able to have a great lesson on the priesthood with him. He is doing great and seems to really fit in High Priest's Group. Brother Helm invited him over to dinner this coming week as well, so that is great! The members all seem to be starting to jump all over the missionary work in this area, and it has been awesome! Only taken a little while to get some excitement, but it really seems like things are starting to pop over here :) A famous Mormon singer, Gladys Knight, is having a big testimony presentation in April where she sings and also shares her conversion story down in Slidell where the stake center is. We as missionaries/members are starting to rally the troops (reach out to neighbors/friends, etc) in preparation for that! Some amazing things are starting to come down here, and just trying to get some more outreach in the community. Last time Gladys Knight came to Louisiana was in Baton Rouge and the current Stake Relief Society president was found and ended up being baptized :D
I was able to go on exchanges with Elder Hoopes this week since they are doing exchanges with all of the new missionaries, and so that was a total highlight! The boys were back in business :D We had a great exchange preaching the gospel and reminiscing on the good times haha. Not to mention we got some good 6:30 a.m pinecone punting in :)
So many other investigators to talk about and amazing progress, but I will end with the miracle of the week:
Last night we decided we were going to finish the week with some pounding. We went to this big apartment complex and began tracting. We got there, parked, and then started walking since no inspiration comes from standing still. We said a prayer as we had no idea which building to hit, and felt prompted to hit building H. We ended up hitting all three floors with 4 doors on each floor, with very little interest even after getting a foot in the door after pointing out some nitrous oxide. Anyway, we get to the top and literally the last door. After knocking this lady opens and yells "Elders" and then her dog runs out. Before we could say anything we are chasing her dog around the complex. Well, turns out she was baptized in New Orleans about 30 years ago when there were 2 big buildings and several wards. Apparently she was sitting outside on her balcony and recognized us when we got out of the car. She didn't holler at us, but I guess she didn't need to! She knew the Lord would send us, and was so excited to see us when we knocked on her door. We got all of her information, and she even remembered the Elders that baptized her when she was 12. She lives with her daughter and granddaughter and is excited to have the sister missionaries over there! Total miracle to finish off a great week.
Well, I will leave it with that, but just so grateful for the opportunity to serve. I love my mission, and especially my Savior Jesus Christ.
Love,
Elder Wilson
Wednesday, March 7, 2018
FEBRUARY 26, 2018
Hey y'all,
What can I say this week was just great!! Elder Jensen is doing awesome and seems to be transitioning really well. He saw his first alligator in a little pond and boy it was like candy/butter to a baby haha. We also found a huge trailer park full of spanish people and are doing a little neighborhood study teaching English class as a second language every Wednesday afternooon :) Our first class was quite the hit! I mean how could it not be when you got 2 guys that don't speak spanish lol. Just kidding the spirit was really bringing a lot back and we were able to talk with the little kids that are fluent in both languages if we ever needed help. That was way cool! Since there isn't really a way for them to attend a spanish lds church here in Mandeville or Covington we figure the seeds will be planted for future opportunities if they ever move other places :D
We have been following up with many of our investigators and praying that they will start progressing. Our investigator Danny made it to church yesterday and seemed to love it. A ward member was kind enough to take him to High Priests with him, while we attended Elders Quorum with an investigator named Anthony that we have been helping. The work is good, and the joy is great!
Miracle: On Friday it was really rainy and we were without the car, which just adds to the miracle :) I love biking out in the rain and I am pretty sure the blessings of missionary work are increased like 10 fold. We decided to head up to our Gold Mine apartment complex and just go to town knocking. When we got there we prayed and specifically told Heavenly Father of the circumstances and our desire to serve him regardless. We started walking around, but weren't feeling any spiritual promptings. At first I was kinda getting frustrated, because nothing was happening/we weren't feeling any promptings. How easy we are to forget what patience and faith can do. I then heard a faint whisper to talk to people outside. I then saw this lady trying to get this massive desk/furniture out of her car and ran over to help her. She said she didn't need help at first, (like everyone does) but I already had my arms grappled underneath and wasn't going to let go. We started talking to her and turns out she was baptized 10 years ago and used to live in the house of our investigator Chris! She said she loved the LDS church, but after her divorce went back to her southern roots. She invited us over for dinner next week to talk more though! It was a miracle and the Hand of the Lord was definitely present.
My good friend, Erik C. Parry, shared this quote with me, "If you are truly on the right path, it will always be uphill." What an interesting thought. I think it means that when we are striving to follow the Savior Jesus Christ than the harder the adversary tries to hit us off the path. Furthermore the path that we are on seems to be an uphill battle. This thought came to me at what seems like the perfect time as usual. Elder Jensen and I have been giving what seems to be everything to the Lord and working hard trying to find investigators to teach and strengthen/invite members to reach out to others. However, the missionary work funnel seems to be growing at the top, but those dropping through the funnel by making commitments to coming closer to Christ seems small. Lately, Elder Jensen has especially been asking me why this is the case when we are trying to do everything we can. I have been really thinking and pondering about this and a few scriptures have seemed to enlighten me along with now this powerful quote. Mosiah 23: 21-22 states, "Nevertheless the Lord seeth fit to chasten his people; yea, he trieth their patience and their faith. Nevertheless-- whosoever putteth his trust in him the same shall be lifted up." This has brought me peace knowing that the Lord is mindful of each of us with our individual struggles and challenges. I believe that He tries our patience and our faith along the uphill battle, because he is molding us into the sons and daughters that he wants us to become. It allows us to further trust him and his timing. I like to think of the obstacles set in our paths as opportunities to show our commitment to the Savior.
Well, I love y'all and thank you so much for your prayers and support. Stay blessed!
Love,
Elder Wilson
What can I say this week was just great!! Elder Jensen is doing awesome and seems to be transitioning really well. He saw his first alligator in a little pond and boy it was like candy/butter to a baby haha. We also found a huge trailer park full of spanish people and are doing a little neighborhood study teaching English class as a second language every Wednesday afternooon :) Our first class was quite the hit! I mean how could it not be when you got 2 guys that don't speak spanish lol. Just kidding the spirit was really bringing a lot back and we were able to talk with the little kids that are fluent in both languages if we ever needed help. That was way cool! Since there isn't really a way for them to attend a spanish lds church here in Mandeville or Covington we figure the seeds will be planted for future opportunities if they ever move other places :D
We have been following up with many of our investigators and praying that they will start progressing. Our investigator Danny made it to church yesterday and seemed to love it. A ward member was kind enough to take him to High Priests with him, while we attended Elders Quorum with an investigator named Anthony that we have been helping. The work is good, and the joy is great!
Miracle: On Friday it was really rainy and we were without the car, which just adds to the miracle :) I love biking out in the rain and I am pretty sure the blessings of missionary work are increased like 10 fold. We decided to head up to our Gold Mine apartment complex and just go to town knocking. When we got there we prayed and specifically told Heavenly Father of the circumstances and our desire to serve him regardless. We started walking around, but weren't feeling any spiritual promptings. At first I was kinda getting frustrated, because nothing was happening/we weren't feeling any promptings. How easy we are to forget what patience and faith can do. I then heard a faint whisper to talk to people outside. I then saw this lady trying to get this massive desk/furniture out of her car and ran over to help her. She said she didn't need help at first, (like everyone does) but I already had my arms grappled underneath and wasn't going to let go. We started talking to her and turns out she was baptized 10 years ago and used to live in the house of our investigator Chris! She said she loved the LDS church, but after her divorce went back to her southern roots. She invited us over for dinner next week to talk more though! It was a miracle and the Hand of the Lord was definitely present.
My good friend, Erik C. Parry, shared this quote with me, "If you are truly on the right path, it will always be uphill." What an interesting thought. I think it means that when we are striving to follow the Savior Jesus Christ than the harder the adversary tries to hit us off the path. Furthermore the path that we are on seems to be an uphill battle. This thought came to me at what seems like the perfect time as usual. Elder Jensen and I have been giving what seems to be everything to the Lord and working hard trying to find investigators to teach and strengthen/invite members to reach out to others. However, the missionary work funnel seems to be growing at the top, but those dropping through the funnel by making commitments to coming closer to Christ seems small. Lately, Elder Jensen has especially been asking me why this is the case when we are trying to do everything we can. I have been really thinking and pondering about this and a few scriptures have seemed to enlighten me along with now this powerful quote. Mosiah 23: 21-22 states, "Nevertheless the Lord seeth fit to chasten his people; yea, he trieth their patience and their faith. Nevertheless-- whosoever putteth his trust in him the same shall be lifted up." This has brought me peace knowing that the Lord is mindful of each of us with our individual struggles and challenges. I believe that He tries our patience and our faith along the uphill battle, because he is molding us into the sons and daughters that he wants us to become. It allows us to further trust him and his timing. I like to think of the obstacles set in our paths as opportunities to show our commitment to the Savior.
Well, I love y'all and thank you so much for your prayers and support. Stay blessed!
Love,
Elder Wilson
FEBRUARY 20, 2018
Hey y'all,
This week was just a superb week!! We are really trying to help our investigators make the steps to church as well as just finding tons more people to teach. Alvin's fiance, Desiree has 4 daughters and we were able to have a great lesson with them and bring some members with us to invite the 16 year old to the stake dance this coming weekend. We are praying she accepts! That family is great and just trying to help them. Also just trying to keep following up with all our other investigators. It has been a bit tough with Mardi Gras and vacations, but we are making it work. We also had our final technology training for smart phones in the mission. Luckily it hasn't been too much of a change, and has been nice having the few apps to help the missionary work. We also have been sharing Mormon messages too so that has been way cool. Another tidbit about Elder Jensen: He butters his bread with the bread already in his mouth... We're doing great haha.
If anyone knows the south they would know that the people down here don't mess around when it comes to Mardi Gras. Like the celebration lasts the entire month haha, it is unreal. And I'm not just talking partying with fruit punch and apple sauce, even if it is Smuckers. I'm talking all out butter. Bless their hearts I love the people here. So what do missionaries do to share the gospel and adapt to the culture while still striving to maintain the sacredness of the call to serve? Well, with full approval we got ourselves in the Covington Parade to show a little Mormon publicity. Just trying to get the name out here honestly! Fear No man! We just started hip hop dancing and my days back in the Fried Rice dance group and China town in Sacramento really came in clutch. What can I say, the people seemed to love the Mormon missionaries :D Also, Elder Jensen just out of nowhere starts doing back flips and it was intense. Talk about using your talents. I made sure to keep him safe though, no worries. Many members took pictures so I will attach those at the bottom :) Throughout the week people kept approaching us asking if we were the ones in the parade too which led to some great conversation starters and transitions to the gospel. Just baby stepping, and in this case hip hop stepping. I think I may petition to add that into a new "Finding Tool" for missionaries ;)
On to a more spiritual note, this week was one of learning. We attempted to graciously drop an investigator that has been calling us from Colorado (referred to us by SLC--still not sure why us other than it was Elder Jensen's first week and anti always seems to be a part of Satan's weaponry) After many tries at bringing the spirit to answer questions, we were reminded that only a sincere heart can receive an answer that the Book of Mormon is true. Though opposition it brought conviction. On Thursday we had planned out our entire day and who we were going to try and visit. However, after the plans were set the spirit seemed to prompt a need for change. We felt like we needed to scrap all our plans and just tract/knock doors the entire day. After a little hesitation we did. We prayed about 2 different complexes to go to and started pounding. We met a few very nice people and taught several great lessons. However, it just didn't seem like anything extraordinary although the spirit was felt and we really thought that was where Heavenly Father wanted us to go. I have been pondering about this for several days now, and throughout the rest of the week I felt like I received an answer: Just like members that have to trust the missionaries before giving them a referral of a close friend/family member, the Lord does the same by testing us a little bit to see if he can trust us with his special children to find and teach. By showing our faith and willingness to follow His promptings regardless of the result he then begins to trust us. I believe that through that trust we can ultimately end up in with a referral from the Lord. Ether 12:6- "And ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith."
Miracle: We have been trying to take the advice of Elder Costa of the seventy in inviting members to reach out to neighbors and friends. We decided to pray all week about a family to reach out to this investigator family (John and Jessica) we met. We wrote Sister Helm down in our notes before going to church, and then at church she gave such a powerful prayer about missionary work in sacrament meeting. It was then that I realized that Heavenly Father was preparing her all week for the invitation to reach out, and we didn't' even know it. We approached her after sacrament and then went over to their house in the afternoon after church for a very short visit with a short spiritual thought. We told them about the family and the promptings to have them reach out. Sister Helm later that day brought the investigator family a plate of cookies and invited them over for dinner and a lesson when Jessica's husband comes back in town. LET's GOOOOO!!! We are going to make them out to be heroes next Ward Council and try and pump up other members!!
Sorry this became a little lengthy, but I want y'all to know that I know that the gospel is true. There is no other witness needed than from the Holy Ghost. I can't imagine my life without it or without the blessing of being a missionary. Life is good in the vineyard of the Lord no matter what.
Love,
Elder Wilson
This week was just a superb week!! We are really trying to help our investigators make the steps to church as well as just finding tons more people to teach. Alvin's fiance, Desiree has 4 daughters and we were able to have a great lesson with them and bring some members with us to invite the 16 year old to the stake dance this coming weekend. We are praying she accepts! That family is great and just trying to help them. Also just trying to keep following up with all our other investigators. It has been a bit tough with Mardi Gras and vacations, but we are making it work. We also had our final technology training for smart phones in the mission. Luckily it hasn't been too much of a change, and has been nice having the few apps to help the missionary work. We also have been sharing Mormon messages too so that has been way cool. Another tidbit about Elder Jensen: He butters his bread with the bread already in his mouth... We're doing great haha.
If anyone knows the south they would know that the people down here don't mess around when it comes to Mardi Gras. Like the celebration lasts the entire month haha, it is unreal. And I'm not just talking partying with fruit punch and apple sauce, even if it is Smuckers. I'm talking all out butter. Bless their hearts I love the people here. So what do missionaries do to share the gospel and adapt to the culture while still striving to maintain the sacredness of the call to serve? Well, with full approval we got ourselves in the Covington Parade to show a little Mormon publicity. Just trying to get the name out here honestly! Fear No man! We just started hip hop dancing and my days back in the Fried Rice dance group and China town in Sacramento really came in clutch. What can I say, the people seemed to love the Mormon missionaries :D Also, Elder Jensen just out of nowhere starts doing back flips and it was intense. Talk about using your talents. I made sure to keep him safe though, no worries. Many members took pictures so I will attach those at the bottom :) Throughout the week people kept approaching us asking if we were the ones in the parade too which led to some great conversation starters and transitions to the gospel. Just baby stepping, and in this case hip hop stepping. I think I may petition to add that into a new "Finding Tool" for missionaries ;)
On to a more spiritual note, this week was one of learning. We attempted to graciously drop an investigator that has been calling us from Colorado (referred to us by SLC--still not sure why us other than it was Elder Jensen's first week and anti always seems to be a part of Satan's weaponry) After many tries at bringing the spirit to answer questions, we were reminded that only a sincere heart can receive an answer that the Book of Mormon is true. Though opposition it brought conviction. On Thursday we had planned out our entire day and who we were going to try and visit. However, after the plans were set the spirit seemed to prompt a need for change. We felt like we needed to scrap all our plans and just tract/knock doors the entire day. After a little hesitation we did. We prayed about 2 different complexes to go to and started pounding. We met a few very nice people and taught several great lessons. However, it just didn't seem like anything extraordinary although the spirit was felt and we really thought that was where Heavenly Father wanted us to go. I have been pondering about this for several days now, and throughout the rest of the week I felt like I received an answer: Just like members that have to trust the missionaries before giving them a referral of a close friend/family member, the Lord does the same by testing us a little bit to see if he can trust us with his special children to find and teach. By showing our faith and willingness to follow His promptings regardless of the result he then begins to trust us. I believe that through that trust we can ultimately end up in with a referral from the Lord. Ether 12:6- "And ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith."
Miracle: We have been trying to take the advice of Elder Costa of the seventy in inviting members to reach out to neighbors and friends. We decided to pray all week about a family to reach out to this investigator family (John and Jessica) we met. We wrote Sister Helm down in our notes before going to church, and then at church she gave such a powerful prayer about missionary work in sacrament meeting. It was then that I realized that Heavenly Father was preparing her all week for the invitation to reach out, and we didn't' even know it. We approached her after sacrament and then went over to their house in the afternoon after church for a very short visit with a short spiritual thought. We told them about the family and the promptings to have them reach out. Sister Helm later that day brought the investigator family a plate of cookies and invited them over for dinner and a lesson when Jessica's husband comes back in town. LET's GOOOOO!!! We are going to make them out to be heroes next Ward Council and try and pump up other members!!
Sorry this became a little lengthy, but I want y'all to know that I know that the gospel is true. There is no other witness needed than from the Holy Ghost. I can't imagine my life without it or without the blessing of being a missionary. Life is good in the vineyard of the Lord no matter what.
Love,
Elder Wilson
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