Well hey there!
Once again, I have like three seconds to type. We have been working like crazy. And today was a temple day!
So, I really love the temple! I feel so good in there. Unfortuneately, I feel so relaxed, and Im so tired, I usually sleep at least a lil. But Im trying. It was great to be there. As I was in the Celestial Room, I was thinking a lot about pride. And once again came back to the quote by Uchtdorf, where we dont need to think less of ourselves, just less about ourselves. Really like it a lot. So I decided I need to think more about my Savior, and my Father in Heaven, and also those around me. As a missionary, I am called to help everyone! So Im gonna try and think much more about those around me, especially now. The temple is so good. I also was able to stay a lil longer than usual to talk to a great friend about how the Lord anwers us, and how we need to follow. Great day. Just that i have no time now!
My area is super poor, and pretty much all ghetto. But, man, are these people amazing! Great peopl, especially the youth! They are so excited! At the baptism on Sunday, the there were a few investigaters there. One of the young men told em all about it, and even practiced with em! So great. Its my first area actuallly inside the city of Sao Paulo, and it is super different. Way sketchy. Mundão.
I love you guys! I gotta go! My comp is so patient! Well, thanks so much for the prayers, and for the great letters. Thanks for the part about the heart to hearts mom. I was needing that. Next week when I have more time, I ll have to fill yall in better, But I am super happy. I Love my new area and all. IT is a wonderful rewarding thing to be a servant of the Lord. I was just laying in bed last night thinking about how happy I am, even though its so hard at times.
Love ya!
Love, Elder Jake
Friday, March 25, 2011
Sunday, March 13, 2011
March 8 letter
Hey Guys!
Today I think I have once again, very lil time. Very Lil. So Ill let ya know how life is quickly :)
Well this week was great! We were really excited to help G, and to also baptize Thyan, who is a son of a less-active. However, G smoked. And drank. That was really sad for us. And he was pretty embarrassed and didnt really want to talk to us. I wasnt actually there, as i was in division. But it was still hard.
However, still with a goal for two people, one being a man to be baptized, my comp went to work!
I was in division for three days, so I didnt see this miracle, but it was a testimony for me. My companion found Weverton. A 19 yr old young man, who was taught many times by past missionaries, but didnt want anything at that time. He expressed to Elder HAwkins that he was ready to be baptized this month, and my companion, using the Spirit was able to make a goal for that week. And so 3 days later, he was baptized. I had nothing to do with it, but it really strenghtened my faith, and showed me true faith in this young man.
We also found this great family. Actually, a couple in the ward introduced us to them. GREAT family. They were really open and receptive to our message. During the first vision of Joseph Smith, Fatima started crying. We invited her to pray and ask if the Church was true, and she replied that she already had. And she felt that it was. Marcel, her fiance, agreed to pray about it that night. Then when, invited to be baptized, she said of course! And he also accepted the invitation, as soon as God shows him the church is true, he will follow! It was a really spiritual lesson. And then they went to church! How great! YEAH! It was amazing as well to see the look on Andrea's face (the member who gave the reference) as she saw her friends accept baptism.
How wonderful it is to share the gospel! Her friends will soon be members of His church, and will be able to receiave these wonderful blessings.
Well, I was transferred! I am sad to leave that area. It was a good area, great actually! I loved so much the members, and the investigators. It was sad to leave, but my new area should be great!
My new comp is Elder F. Rocha. Brazilian, and once again, an incredible missionary. I am excited to work with him! This morning I was a lil nervous about the transfer, but as I got to work, I felt the Lord fill me with His love, and confidence. He really loves us, and helps us to feel His constant help. I am so greatful for Him! We are not alone! Well, I have to go, I am sorry I dont have more time, but next week I hope I will have more time to write to everyone individually, especially S!
I just gotta run! I love you all! Have a great week!
See ya next week!
Love,Elder Jake!
Today I think I have once again, very lil time. Very Lil. So Ill let ya know how life is quickly :)
Well this week was great! We were really excited to help G, and to also baptize Thyan, who is a son of a less-active. However, G smoked. And drank. That was really sad for us. And he was pretty embarrassed and didnt really want to talk to us. I wasnt actually there, as i was in division. But it was still hard.
However, still with a goal for two people, one being a man to be baptized, my comp went to work!
I was in division for three days, so I didnt see this miracle, but it was a testimony for me. My companion found Weverton. A 19 yr old young man, who was taught many times by past missionaries, but didnt want anything at that time. He expressed to Elder HAwkins that he was ready to be baptized this month, and my companion, using the Spirit was able to make a goal for that week. And so 3 days later, he was baptized. I had nothing to do with it, but it really strenghtened my faith, and showed me true faith in this young man.
We also found this great family. Actually, a couple in the ward introduced us to them. GREAT family. They were really open and receptive to our message. During the first vision of Joseph Smith, Fatima started crying. We invited her to pray and ask if the Church was true, and she replied that she already had. And she felt that it was. Marcel, her fiance, agreed to pray about it that night. Then when, invited to be baptized, she said of course! And he also accepted the invitation, as soon as God shows him the church is true, he will follow! It was a really spiritual lesson. And then they went to church! How great! YEAH! It was amazing as well to see the look on Andrea's face (the member who gave the reference) as she saw her friends accept baptism.
How wonderful it is to share the gospel! Her friends will soon be members of His church, and will be able to receiave these wonderful blessings.
Well, I was transferred! I am sad to leave that area. It was a good area, great actually! I loved so much the members, and the investigators. It was sad to leave, but my new area should be great!
My new comp is Elder F. Rocha. Brazilian, and once again, an incredible missionary. I am excited to work with him! This morning I was a lil nervous about the transfer, but as I got to work, I felt the Lord fill me with His love, and confidence. He really loves us, and helps us to feel His constant help. I am so greatful for Him! We are not alone! Well, I have to go, I am sorry I dont have more time, but next week I hope I will have more time to write to everyone individually, especially S!
I just gotta run! I love you all! Have a great week!
See ya next week!
Love,Elder Jake!
March 1 letter
Hi Buddies!
This week was a good one. Pivital. Changed me a bit. I just hope I can pass a bit of this through my letter, well see!
This was the last week of February, as I hope you already knew, and as such we were trying to reach our baptismal goal for the month. As we started out the week on Monday, we were missing one more man to baptisze. (The goal is a the overall number/number of men.) Because you have to go to church two times before being baptized, we made a list of all the men who had been to church in the last year, and weren´t baptized. And we went about visiting them.
On Wednesday, we found Douglas. Douglas had been to church a few times with his girlfriend, but was never taught by the missionaries. We met him at his girlfriends house, and taught him a lot about eternal families, and how God restored the priesthood to seal our families through Joseph Smith. A really different way to teach the first lesson, especially to an 18 yr old kid. But at the end of the lesson, my companion invited him to, using his faith, be baptized 4 days later. He accepted! We quickly taught him the word of wisdom and the law of chastity, and marked to come back to the next day. The Spirit really touched him for sure.
So Thursday, we got behind with our appointments and we weren't able get to his house, so we marked to go back there. When I got there on Friday (in division with my good ol comp Elder J. Harris, a DL in our zone) Douglas dropped a bomb on us. He said he had thought about it, and had felt it was too fast, and he needed more time. He had complete reason to think that. Was extremely fast, but we felt it was right. So we asked to share a message with him.
We thought the problem at first was the law of chastity, but after a few questions, discovered it wasn't. He had a desire to "be Mormon", but wanted to wait to find a job, and get started on the marriage arrangements and everything, and then get baptized. So, we were able to ask him why he acepted the invite the first time. He replied that he just felt it was right. So Elder J. Harris told him that I would invite him one more time to be baptized this week, and that he wanted him to pay attention to the spirit. I invited him, and his answer was more or less "holy...". He felt the Spirit really strong one more time, and acepted the invitation, and he was interviewed on the spot. Was a great learning experience for me, and helped me trust in the Lord.
As he was being interviewed, I went into the bathroom to pray, and thank the Lord for the miracle which he had made happen. I felt the words which I had uttered in my testimony to Douglas come back in to my mind. The Lord wants the same thing you do, you just have let him take the lead, and hell get you there. Douglas wanted an eternal family, and wanted to be able to be able to support this family as well. I wanted to reach our goal, that we felt was from the Lord. These things God also wants, but if we try and do it our way, for example put of the baptism until later, he can bless us and help us get that goal. I was so worried about getting my goal, but I was putting off the promptings cause I thought I didnt have time to do some things that I didnt think would help. But as I was able to fully turn myself over to Him, he was able to work miracles.
As I left that house, I decided to let the Lord guide me. I got close to the next house where we had two baptismal interviews, and the Lord said, "Don't go there." WHAT?! I'm trying to reach the goal which I made with the Lord, and their interviews are marked now! But, we stopped and prayed in the middle of the street and turned around.
Until now, I dont know why, but I know I did the Lords will. Was an incredible test.
Through these experiences, and a few more from this week, I have learned so much more about how to follow the spirit. I am so gratful for that week.
That couple we didnt interview was G and C. G had smoked again, and wasnt around when we came back the next day to do the interviews. But C was there, was interveiwed and passed. Saturday night, we passed by there house and G was so excited about his baptism for the next day. He didnt know that he couldnt be baptized because he had smoked that week. We told him, obviously, various times, but he hadnt understood. We marked his interview for the next day during church, even though we knew he couldnt be bapttized.
That night I had a great talk with my companion about following the spirit, and really helped me to realize that I needed to follow my first promtings, instead of prayin and praying and praying for a stronger or different answer. Just do it. I think because of my pride, I dont accept answers at first, and I feel I need to pray a lot over em.
As I prayed the next morning, I got an answer that it wasnt right to interveiw G. We got to church and everyone told us in ward council and in the hallwayt that we should, at least give him a chance. This was another trial of my faith. But we decided to give president a call (as he would be at the baptism). He told us not to do it, that he neeeded to go one week with out smoking. So we grabbed the bishop and met with G and C during church.
It was a special lesson, w let him know the standards and what the Lord expected of him. We even gave him a blessing during the meeting. C was invited to be baptized if she wanted to that night at the baptism.
She showed up there that night and decided she wanted to be baptized. It was a really spçecial meetng. It was really hard for G. My heart was broken as I looked at this great friend of mine cry because he wanted so bad to be baptized, but couldnt. This moment really gave me a better understand of our Savior. But he will be baptize next week I believe.
Well. sorry if that lettter was long and intense, but thats pretty much how the week was. As I sat in church sunday morning, I was filled with an immense peace. I knew I wasnt perfect, but I knew I had turned myself over to the Lord, and had done what he wanted me too. One of the greatest feelings.
I love you all! I dont have time to respoond to everything, my companion is patiently waiting, so Ill make it up next week! (transfers! Already!?) I love you all!
Love, Elder Jake
This week was a good one. Pivital. Changed me a bit. I just hope I can pass a bit of this through my letter, well see!
This was the last week of February, as I hope you already knew, and as such we were trying to reach our baptismal goal for the month. As we started out the week on Monday, we were missing one more man to baptisze. (The goal is a the overall number/number of men.) Because you have to go to church two times before being baptized, we made a list of all the men who had been to church in the last year, and weren´t baptized. And we went about visiting them.
On Wednesday, we found Douglas. Douglas had been to church a few times with his girlfriend, but was never taught by the missionaries. We met him at his girlfriends house, and taught him a lot about eternal families, and how God restored the priesthood to seal our families through Joseph Smith. A really different way to teach the first lesson, especially to an 18 yr old kid. But at the end of the lesson, my companion invited him to, using his faith, be baptized 4 days later. He accepted! We quickly taught him the word of wisdom and the law of chastity, and marked to come back to the next day. The Spirit really touched him for sure.
So Thursday, we got behind with our appointments and we weren't able get to his house, so we marked to go back there. When I got there on Friday (in division with my good ol comp Elder J. Harris, a DL in our zone) Douglas dropped a bomb on us. He said he had thought about it, and had felt it was too fast, and he needed more time. He had complete reason to think that. Was extremely fast, but we felt it was right. So we asked to share a message with him.
We thought the problem at first was the law of chastity, but after a few questions, discovered it wasn't. He had a desire to "be Mormon", but wanted to wait to find a job, and get started on the marriage arrangements and everything, and then get baptized. So, we were able to ask him why he acepted the invite the first time. He replied that he just felt it was right. So Elder J. Harris told him that I would invite him one more time to be baptized this week, and that he wanted him to pay attention to the spirit. I invited him, and his answer was more or less "holy...". He felt the Spirit really strong one more time, and acepted the invitation, and he was interviewed on the spot. Was a great learning experience for me, and helped me trust in the Lord.
As he was being interviewed, I went into the bathroom to pray, and thank the Lord for the miracle which he had made happen. I felt the words which I had uttered in my testimony to Douglas come back in to my mind. The Lord wants the same thing you do, you just have let him take the lead, and hell get you there. Douglas wanted an eternal family, and wanted to be able to be able to support this family as well. I wanted to reach our goal, that we felt was from the Lord. These things God also wants, but if we try and do it our way, for example put of the baptism until later, he can bless us and help us get that goal. I was so worried about getting my goal, but I was putting off the promptings cause I thought I didnt have time to do some things that I didnt think would help. But as I was able to fully turn myself over to Him, he was able to work miracles.
As I left that house, I decided to let the Lord guide me. I got close to the next house where we had two baptismal interviews, and the Lord said, "Don't go there." WHAT?! I'm trying to reach the goal which I made with the Lord, and their interviews are marked now! But, we stopped and prayed in the middle of the street and turned around.
Until now, I dont know why, but I know I did the Lords will. Was an incredible test.
Through these experiences, and a few more from this week, I have learned so much more about how to follow the spirit. I am so gratful for that week.
That couple we didnt interview was G and C. G had smoked again, and wasnt around when we came back the next day to do the interviews. But C was there, was interveiwed and passed. Saturday night, we passed by there house and G was so excited about his baptism for the next day. He didnt know that he couldnt be baptized because he had smoked that week. We told him, obviously, various times, but he hadnt understood. We marked his interview for the next day during church, even though we knew he couldnt be bapttized.
That night I had a great talk with my companion about following the spirit, and really helped me to realize that I needed to follow my first promtings, instead of prayin and praying and praying for a stronger or different answer. Just do it. I think because of my pride, I dont accept answers at first, and I feel I need to pray a lot over em.
As I prayed the next morning, I got an answer that it wasnt right to interveiw G. We got to church and everyone told us in ward council and in the hallwayt that we should, at least give him a chance. This was another trial of my faith. But we decided to give president a call (as he would be at the baptism). He told us not to do it, that he neeeded to go one week with out smoking. So we grabbed the bishop and met with G and C during church.
It was a special lesson, w let him know the standards and what the Lord expected of him. We even gave him a blessing during the meeting. C was invited to be baptized if she wanted to that night at the baptism.
She showed up there that night and decided she wanted to be baptized. It was a really spçecial meetng. It was really hard for G. My heart was broken as I looked at this great friend of mine cry because he wanted so bad to be baptized, but couldnt. This moment really gave me a better understand of our Savior. But he will be baptize next week I believe.
Well. sorry if that lettter was long and intense, but thats pretty much how the week was. As I sat in church sunday morning, I was filled with an immense peace. I knew I wasnt perfect, but I knew I had turned myself over to the Lord, and had done what he wanted me too. One of the greatest feelings.
I love you all! I dont have time to respoond to everything, my companion is patiently waiting, so Ill make it up next week! (transfers! Already!?) I love you all!
Love, Elder Jake
Feb 21 Letter
Okay, I am a slacker and haven't posted Elder Jake's letters for a few weeks. I apologize and will try to do better. He is entering the fourth quarter and is gearing up for it.
Hey guys!
Once again, i got the sweet computer that has a broken shift key1 wohoo1
So this week has been pretty crazy, but i suppose that really just means its normal.
G and C they didnt go to church on sunday. that just broke my lil heart. We went there Sunday night, and he was drunk. Tear my heart out and throw it on the ground and stomp on it til I die. It was pretty crazy. His brother was also there, and even though he also was drunk, he took Gilson's beer so "he wouldnt drink anymore". Or probably so he could drink it. but i didnt mind. He's our next project.
Anyways, we went back Monday night, and we were able to talk to him and he said he drank as his "good-bye party" to drinking. Even though I dont fully agree with that concept, I could already see a change in him. He is changing. This week he is good. He hasn't been drinking or smoking. Last night, we were able to give them both preisthood blessings. How great it is to have the power of God on our side. I appreciate it. im sure they are going to be baptized.
There is a dude getting a tattoo in the back right now. I can hear it. Maybe i'll get a tatoo of the Portland Temple. I wont regret that, will I?
Today we went for our usual run to wal mart, and to celebrate, we went to a super nice churrascaria (brasilian grill). Was delicious, and expensive. and definatly canceled whatever workouts I've done this week.
Since you are in Utah, I would love a BYU t-shirt. I dont have one! Cant think of anything else. and the shoes havent arrived yet, but they might be at the office.
Here in the big city, we meet lots of crazy people. For example. last week this guy stopped us and was talking to us about the USA. He asked me what state I lived in. I said, because U was sure he had never heard of Oregon, that i lived in Califorina for a time. [One summer at his grandparents.] He smiled and me and said excitedly "TEXAS!" I just looked at him for a sec, smiled and said yea, something like that. Another kid and other time asked me if I was German. I said yup. "Really? You were born in switzerland?! So you speak english?!" Poor kid slept through every geography class hes ever had. Also, we were walking with a trucker who was so excited that they were building a highway from Mexico to Spain, (that didnt cross the ocean) cause he has always wanted to visit Europe. The big city has got a lot of good laughs.
We got the news about the new President of our mission! Oresident John S Tanner, vice -pres of BYU and his wife i guess was the general President of the Young Women. Seems poderosos. He'll enter July 1. So Ill get him for a good three months.
However, its gonna be really hard to take the Richardsons spot. They are such an incredible couple. Dont think it gets better then them, but maybe as good. I hope so!
I saw a horse crossing the crosswalk yesterday, by itself, just roaming around, abiding by traffic laws. Such a weird city, I love it!
Well, I'm not sure what else I got. We had a great training this week on faith. and how as we do everything we can, and trust in the Lord, he will make the miracles happen. and we can reach our goals. so we should have a great bit of miracles this week. I'm pretty excited, gonna be a great week!
Heard one yesterday. when I was in santo andre, i taught a young woman (22). She didnt accept our message but yesterday, she knelt down and asked God to direct her in her life. and then the missionaries called. They had found her name in the Area Book and decided to call her cause they have one week to baptize 3 people, and had no one. she had been to church, so she could be baptized (you have to go twice). she accepted everything this time around, and will be baptized sunday. people change. miracles exist.
I love the Lord. and im gonna keep trucking along and try to be a lil better this week, so that we can see some miracles happen.
Have a great week! I love you all!
Love, Elder Jake
Hey guys!
Once again, i got the sweet computer that has a broken shift key1 wohoo1
So this week has been pretty crazy, but i suppose that really just means its normal.
G and C they didnt go to church on sunday. that just broke my lil heart. We went there Sunday night, and he was drunk. Tear my heart out and throw it on the ground and stomp on it til I die. It was pretty crazy. His brother was also there, and even though he also was drunk, he took Gilson's beer so "he wouldnt drink anymore". Or probably so he could drink it. but i didnt mind. He's our next project.
Anyways, we went back Monday night, and we were able to talk to him and he said he drank as his "good-bye party" to drinking. Even though I dont fully agree with that concept, I could already see a change in him. He is changing. This week he is good. He hasn't been drinking or smoking. Last night, we were able to give them both preisthood blessings. How great it is to have the power of God on our side. I appreciate it. im sure they are going to be baptized.
There is a dude getting a tattoo in the back right now. I can hear it. Maybe i'll get a tatoo of the Portland Temple. I wont regret that, will I?
Today we went for our usual run to wal mart, and to celebrate, we went to a super nice churrascaria (brasilian grill). Was delicious, and expensive. and definatly canceled whatever workouts I've done this week.
Since you are in Utah, I would love a BYU t-shirt. I dont have one! Cant think of anything else. and the shoes havent arrived yet, but they might be at the office.
Here in the big city, we meet lots of crazy people. For example. last week this guy stopped us and was talking to us about the USA. He asked me what state I lived in. I said, because U was sure he had never heard of Oregon, that i lived in Califorina for a time. [One summer at his grandparents.] He smiled and me and said excitedly "TEXAS!" I just looked at him for a sec, smiled and said yea, something like that. Another kid and other time asked me if I was German. I said yup. "Really? You were born in switzerland?! So you speak english?!" Poor kid slept through every geography class hes ever had. Also, we were walking with a trucker who was so excited that they were building a highway from Mexico to Spain, (that didnt cross the ocean) cause he has always wanted to visit Europe. The big city has got a lot of good laughs.
We got the news about the new President of our mission! Oresident John S Tanner, vice -pres of BYU and his wife i guess was the general President of the Young Women. Seems poderosos. He'll enter July 1. So Ill get him for a good three months.
However, its gonna be really hard to take the Richardsons spot. They are such an incredible couple. Dont think it gets better then them, but maybe as good. I hope so!
I saw a horse crossing the crosswalk yesterday, by itself, just roaming around, abiding by traffic laws. Such a weird city, I love it!
Well, I'm not sure what else I got. We had a great training this week on faith. and how as we do everything we can, and trust in the Lord, he will make the miracles happen. and we can reach our goals. so we should have a great bit of miracles this week. I'm pretty excited, gonna be a great week!
Heard one yesterday. when I was in santo andre, i taught a young woman (22). She didnt accept our message but yesterday, she knelt down and asked God to direct her in her life. and then the missionaries called. They had found her name in the Area Book and decided to call her cause they have one week to baptize 3 people, and had no one. she had been to church, so she could be baptized (you have to go twice). she accepted everything this time around, and will be baptized sunday. people change. miracles exist.
I love the Lord. and im gonna keep trucking along and try to be a lil better this week, so that we can see some miracles happen.
Have a great week! I love you all!
Love, Elder Jake
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Calmer week
Hey People!
I hope you guys finally got last weeks letter, I sent it for the ninth time today haha. But This week was a good one. I think. I cant really remember it...Let me go through it in my brain real quick.
Last week was actually a rather calm week. We only did one division, pretty rare haha. we had stake conference, so that was pretty inspiring, and also means we only had 2 hours of church on sunday instead of 10 straight hours in the same chapel. Not even sure if I told you guys that, but because we are taking care of two wards here, that are at different times, usually the whole Sunday is spent in meetings and church, with a quick lunch thrown down in the kitchen in the breif interval (often times eating rice and beans and spagetti with our hands as there was no silverwear, until we hid some).
So this Sunday was gonna be pretty normal. However, President and Sister came up to us after stake conference, where they spoke and destroyed, and said they would love to do a surprise inspection of our house... Luckily, our house was clean. phew. But it was great to have a few more moments with those great people.
In stake conference, the Stake president said good-bye to them cause they wont be coming back to that stake conference anymore. That made me think about how sad thats gonna be we they go home. Love those guys.
Hmmm We are really trying to use the Book Of Mormon more. A lot more. And its doing miracles. We are reading it more, and we are teaching it WAY more, andusing it to teach a lot more. I am loving it. Brings such a strong spirit o the work. to life.
Last night, we went to a families house where we had a FHE marked. They had invited some friends to hear aboput the gospel. When we got there however, the husband told us that his wifes brother had passed away, and decided not to invite the families over. They allowed us to do a family night with them. My companion lead out in a great lesson, sharing a personal story of the death of his grandfather and other things that happend to him in the first few weeks on the mission. And then we read 1 Nephi 11:17. I heard it in a John Bytheway talk once. Super great scripture. We were able to talk about how God loves us, and that we just have to trust him. Let him do His job, and itll all work out as we do our best.
One of my favorite stories lately is of Peter walking on the water. I like it best told in Mathew. The other day, we were teaching Giãn. He really wants to be baptized, but his mom wont let him, despite all we try. However. We were speaking with him the other day and felt the need to share with him that story. An interesting part of that story is how it starts. The Lord tells the apostles to cross the sea, but they are making it, despite their efforts, the "wind was against them". We then read that at that point they saw Jesus walking on the water. Sometimes we have trials, and arent able to do waht we want to do-even something nessisary like baptism- when we want to. But because we are made to wait, we get to see a greater miracle. As long as we dont give up, we will be exactly where the Lord wants us to be and he will come "walking over the water". Interesting lesson I learned this week on patience.
Please have Ward email me! I can totally respond, just need to know asap to see if Pres-Man will let us do somethin.
I love running. I miss it a ton. We go running every week to walmart, and its awesome. I gotta find some way to get more active. Jump rope aint cutting in any more. Physical activity is a huge stress killer, and maybe thats why Im so stressed. Was something I was thinking about last night. Gotta do somethin different! gotta find someway to relax a lot more... Read the talk by Joe B Worthlin from the oct. 2008 conf. this morning. That was a great talk. Helped a bit :) ANy ideas?
Hmmm i cant think of anything else. and my bed is calling my name! I Love yous, have a great week!
Oh, got the calender! Thanks! I loved it! Its already up on the wall!
Love elder jake
I hope you guys finally got last weeks letter, I sent it for the ninth time today haha. But This week was a good one. I think. I cant really remember it...Let me go through it in my brain real quick.
Last week was actually a rather calm week. We only did one division, pretty rare haha. we had stake conference, so that was pretty inspiring, and also means we only had 2 hours of church on sunday instead of 10 straight hours in the same chapel. Not even sure if I told you guys that, but because we are taking care of two wards here, that are at different times, usually the whole Sunday is spent in meetings and church, with a quick lunch thrown down in the kitchen in the breif interval (often times eating rice and beans and spagetti with our hands as there was no silverwear, until we hid some).
So this Sunday was gonna be pretty normal. However, President and Sister came up to us after stake conference, where they spoke and destroyed, and said they would love to do a surprise inspection of our house... Luckily, our house was clean. phew. But it was great to have a few more moments with those great people.
In stake conference, the Stake president said good-bye to them cause they wont be coming back to that stake conference anymore. That made me think about how sad thats gonna be we they go home. Love those guys.
Hmmm We are really trying to use the Book Of Mormon more. A lot more. And its doing miracles. We are reading it more, and we are teaching it WAY more, andusing it to teach a lot more. I am loving it. Brings such a strong spirit o the work. to life.
Last night, we went to a families house where we had a FHE marked. They had invited some friends to hear aboput the gospel. When we got there however, the husband told us that his wifes brother had passed away, and decided not to invite the families over. They allowed us to do a family night with them. My companion lead out in a great lesson, sharing a personal story of the death of his grandfather and other things that happend to him in the first few weeks on the mission. And then we read 1 Nephi 11:17. I heard it in a John Bytheway talk once. Super great scripture. We were able to talk about how God loves us, and that we just have to trust him. Let him do His job, and itll all work out as we do our best.
One of my favorite stories lately is of Peter walking on the water. I like it best told in Mathew. The other day, we were teaching Giãn. He really wants to be baptized, but his mom wont let him, despite all we try. However. We were speaking with him the other day and felt the need to share with him that story. An interesting part of that story is how it starts. The Lord tells the apostles to cross the sea, but they are making it, despite their efforts, the "wind was against them". We then read that at that point they saw Jesus walking on the water. Sometimes we have trials, and arent able to do waht we want to do-even something nessisary like baptism- when we want to. But because we are made to wait, we get to see a greater miracle. As long as we dont give up, we will be exactly where the Lord wants us to be and he will come "walking over the water". Interesting lesson I learned this week on patience.
Please have Ward email me! I can totally respond, just need to know asap to see if Pres-Man will let us do somethin.
I love running. I miss it a ton. We go running every week to walmart, and its awesome. I gotta find some way to get more active. Jump rope aint cutting in any more. Physical activity is a huge stress killer, and maybe thats why Im so stressed. Was something I was thinking about last night. Gotta do somethin different! gotta find someway to relax a lot more... Read the talk by Joe B Worthlin from the oct. 2008 conf. this morning. That was a great talk. Helped a bit :) ANy ideas?
Hmmm i cant think of anything else. and my bed is calling my name! I Love yous, have a great week!
Oh, got the calender! Thanks! I loved it! Its already up on the wall!
Love elder jake
Trying to follow the Spirit
[Elder Jake had trouble emailing this on Jan.25, so we didn't receive it until Feb. 1.]
Hey Folks!
Brasil is just as hot as ever! Actually its getting way hotter here. Its really heatin up. We are about in the middle of summer though, so itll proly cool down. But It just POURS rain every afternoon. Like buckets. It always seems like the end of the world. But it goes away and gets all nice again. Faz Parte.
Its been an incredible week for the zone. President gave the mission a promise/challenge that every dupla could baptize 2 people per month. And we have been working hard for that. This week, the baptismal goal for the zone (the number of people who were scheduled to be baptized this week) was 6/2. 6 people, with 2 being men. We prayed and fasted and were following up really well with the missionaries, and it was a great, driven week. 3 of the these fell, werent able to be baptized. However, 3 more fell from heaven! At the last minute the Lord blessed us with those baptisms. 3 duplas who didnt even have a person with date found people to baptize. even 1 man! Aleluia! It was a good testimony to me that the Lord blesses us, but many times, its at the last minute.
Pres. R talked about that a bit in his email to the mission today, how the Lord didnt save abraham from sacrificing his son until the last minute, and Nephi getting the plates, and a bunch of other exaples. Its true. He pushes us to the last thread, til we´re hanging with one finger and He saves us. Dont ever give up, don't ever surrender!
Fransico! First off, he finished the Book of Mormon. Before his baptism as planned. What a stud. And now, hes reading it again! Hes in 2 Nephi! Hes baptism was really simple. There was us, the four missionaries for the chapel, the Bishop (the MAN) and Fransico. SÓ. But it was a great little meeting still. He bore such a pure testimony, and said how greatful he was for the gospel. Made my day. Then the Bishop gave the welcoming to the ward! After he had welcomed him, he made a request. That he wouldnt miss one sunday. And that he would have contact with the scriptures daily. if all members of the church did that! There would be such a stronger spirit with us all, and we would be able to help so many people! I made those two things a goal. I guess it was a goal I always had. (even those i did miss church once on my mission ...was on an "Errand" for the zone) But I defintely reaffirmed and officialized the goal. Nunca Falte! I know that will make a tremendous diffence in my life!
Oh yeah! Transfers. We both be staying. First time on my mission that I am with a comp for two transfers! (Elder Rocha was for one and a half). Luckily my comp is chill. we have some good times. We had to chill it down a bit though, we were joking around WAY too much in the lessons and there wasnt that strong of a spirit there. Balance. Balance.
My shoes died. Destroyed! Not sure what I did too them, but they are unusable now haha. They are in pieces. I had to resort to the good ol trustys which have holes big enough to put my hand through. They are in way better condition. But I like them. Been with me though everything. I got some replacements for church though, a bit small and awkward a bit for walking, but i think theyll be great. I could use those eccos, did you get those out? you guys are the best!
So this week, we were teaching this wonderful young mother the message of the restaration.I had just finished reciting Josephs first vision, usually the most spiritual moment in the lesson, and out of nowhere, my companion clapped his hands and shouted FETCH! There was this nice awkward silence and we all looked at him. I thought he had snapped, gone insane. He just said, sorry, its was a misquito. haha what a spaz. Its always a good day with him. So funny.
I have been really trying to figure out how to recognize, and follow the spirit more. Its been buggin me. I gotta relax and just trust in Him! Thats a really solid and high goal of mine. To figure out how to use the best tool Ive got. Im sure itll work out. Any advice?
Ive been tearin up the General Conference Addresses. They are so good. Written for me, at least half of em, specifically for me. Im making progress. He has blessed me to know what to say in my talk last week, and it was a spiritually uplifting talk, at least for me. I'm getting there!
We are working with this wonderful less-active family. We showed up there last week and talked about the triangle of God-Husband-Wife. I think Mom taught me this. Dont remember. anyways we just felt like we should talk about that, and them being a strong, united couple is what there daughter needs more than anything in the world. On they way home, the husband said it was interesting that we stopped by, an what we said. He said they were planning on getting a divorce two days later. They had it set up I think. I was so grateful at that moment to be able to be an instrument in the Lords hands. They decided to stay together, and are doing much better right now. Such a great blessing it is to be able to be a tool for the Lord. He has so much work to do, we gotta get to it!
I hope you guys have a great day! The Lord is blessing me so much, and I know he is blessing you guys as well! Thanks for your wonderful ewxamples, and your prayers. I know that the Lord hears them, as he does with all prayers. You people please have a tremdous week, and keep smiling!
Love Jake
Hey Folks!
Brasil is just as hot as ever! Actually its getting way hotter here. Its really heatin up. We are about in the middle of summer though, so itll proly cool down. But It just POURS rain every afternoon. Like buckets. It always seems like the end of the world. But it goes away and gets all nice again. Faz Parte.
Its been an incredible week for the zone. President gave the mission a promise/challenge that every dupla could baptize 2 people per month. And we have been working hard for that. This week, the baptismal goal for the zone (the number of people who were scheduled to be baptized this week) was 6/2. 6 people, with 2 being men. We prayed and fasted and were following up really well with the missionaries, and it was a great, driven week. 3 of the these fell, werent able to be baptized. However, 3 more fell from heaven! At the last minute the Lord blessed us with those baptisms. 3 duplas who didnt even have a person with date found people to baptize. even 1 man! Aleluia! It was a good testimony to me that the Lord blesses us, but many times, its at the last minute.
Pres. R talked about that a bit in his email to the mission today, how the Lord didnt save abraham from sacrificing his son until the last minute, and Nephi getting the plates, and a bunch of other exaples. Its true. He pushes us to the last thread, til we´re hanging with one finger and He saves us. Dont ever give up, don't ever surrender!
Fransico! First off, he finished the Book of Mormon. Before his baptism as planned. What a stud. And now, hes reading it again! Hes in 2 Nephi! Hes baptism was really simple. There was us, the four missionaries for the chapel, the Bishop (the MAN) and Fransico. SÓ. But it was a great little meeting still. He bore such a pure testimony, and said how greatful he was for the gospel. Made my day. Then the Bishop gave the welcoming to the ward! After he had welcomed him, he made a request. That he wouldnt miss one sunday. And that he would have contact with the scriptures daily. if all members of the church did that! There would be such a stronger spirit with us all, and we would be able to help so many people! I made those two things a goal. I guess it was a goal I always had. (even those i did miss church once on my mission ...was on an "Errand" for the zone) But I defintely reaffirmed and officialized the goal. Nunca Falte! I know that will make a tremendous diffence in my life!
Oh yeah! Transfers. We both be staying. First time on my mission that I am with a comp for two transfers! (Elder Rocha was for one and a half). Luckily my comp is chill. we have some good times. We had to chill it down a bit though, we were joking around WAY too much in the lessons and there wasnt that strong of a spirit there. Balance. Balance.
My shoes died. Destroyed! Not sure what I did too them, but they are unusable now haha. They are in pieces. I had to resort to the good ol trustys which have holes big enough to put my hand through. They are in way better condition. But I like them. Been with me though everything. I got some replacements for church though, a bit small and awkward a bit for walking, but i think theyll be great. I could use those eccos, did you get those out? you guys are the best!
So this week, we were teaching this wonderful young mother the message of the restaration.I had just finished reciting Josephs first vision, usually the most spiritual moment in the lesson, and out of nowhere, my companion clapped his hands and shouted FETCH! There was this nice awkward silence and we all looked at him. I thought he had snapped, gone insane. He just said, sorry, its was a misquito. haha what a spaz. Its always a good day with him. So funny.
I have been really trying to figure out how to recognize, and follow the spirit more. Its been buggin me. I gotta relax and just trust in Him! Thats a really solid and high goal of mine. To figure out how to use the best tool Ive got. Im sure itll work out. Any advice?
Ive been tearin up the General Conference Addresses. They are so good. Written for me, at least half of em, specifically for me. Im making progress. He has blessed me to know what to say in my talk last week, and it was a spiritually uplifting talk, at least for me. I'm getting there!
We are working with this wonderful less-active family. We showed up there last week and talked about the triangle of God-Husband-Wife. I think Mom taught me this. Dont remember. anyways we just felt like we should talk about that, and them being a strong, united couple is what there daughter needs more than anything in the world. On they way home, the husband said it was interesting that we stopped by, an what we said. He said they were planning on getting a divorce two days later. They had it set up I think. I was so grateful at that moment to be able to be an instrument in the Lords hands. They decided to stay together, and are doing much better right now. Such a great blessing it is to be able to be a tool for the Lord. He has so much work to do, we gotta get to it!
I hope you guys have a great day! The Lord is blessing me so much, and I know he is blessing you guys as well! Thanks for your wonderful ewxamples, and your prayers. I know that the Lord hears them, as he does with all prayers. You people please have a tremdous week, and keep smiling!
Love Jake
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Listening to Prompts
Dear Yous,
What an inspiring letter. I was touched by the thought of the Spirit teaching my mother, and then my two parents sharing these spiritual experiences together. Really how this whole thing is supposed to work, right?
I'm impressed lately about how one of the simplest things, like attending Sacrament can have such a big impact on us weekly. At times, especially as a missionary, I think that receiving revelation at church, is something that is for new members or investigators. Sometimes I even forget that its possible to receive revelation at church, I think we just go there because its a commandment. Oh how foolish I am. I don't think we really recognize how good we feel after each meeting, and how, if we let it, every meeting can be a spiritual experience.
But today, I wanna talk a little bit about prayer. (I kinda feel like I'm writting a talk, but whatcha gonna do, haha.) This incredible thing has been happening on my mission. This transfer has been tough, with a lot of challenges, with missionaries and with investigators. Things I never really thought I would confront on my mission, as well as the normal day-to-day confusion and list of tasks to do. In the midst of this storm, I have learned how to receive help from someone else.
My whole life I have been praying for help, but lately something changed in me. I'm positive I don't think I know what it is. But I am suddenly able to hear, understand, and act on the promptings of the Holy Spirit. And that has changed my testimony a lot. We aren't alone! We just have to keep working and asking, and most importantly, listening. Usually, as I go to bed, I say a prayer, ask for help, and pass out. Lately, I've been staying up just a bit longer and the Lord has been filling my mind with ideas. As I sit there with a pen and a small notepad, the Lord has been blessing me with so much wonderful knowlegde and help on what the problems really are, and how to fix them! Or what to say, what to teach. I am so grateful for this cause I know that I'm alone, and if I do His will, it will all be alright. "And every lil thing, is gonna be al-ri-ight!"
On Sunday, I was speaking to this couple in the ward about we are taking care of two wards. I explained the shortage of missionaries. and they were asking me about Senor Couple Missionaries. I told her about my wonderful Grandparents, and about my experiences as a missionary. As I was talking about my mission I was just so grateful that Im here and Im so glad I have so much time left. I am not sure why the Lord has blessed me with this great love for the work, but I pray that it continues! I love being out here. Its super hard. I have to go do some stuff right now that I dont really want to. But it is so incredible to be involved in this work. The lord is just pouring blessings like crazy. You people should definitely try and leave with the missionaries sometime. It is so awesome to be here, and to spread the Good news.
I love you all! Have a great week!
Love Elder Jake
Remember to spay and neuter your pets!
What an inspiring letter. I was touched by the thought of the Spirit teaching my mother, and then my two parents sharing these spiritual experiences together. Really how this whole thing is supposed to work, right?
I'm impressed lately about how one of the simplest things, like attending Sacrament can have such a big impact on us weekly. At times, especially as a missionary, I think that receiving revelation at church, is something that is for new members or investigators. Sometimes I even forget that its possible to receive revelation at church, I think we just go there because its a commandment. Oh how foolish I am. I don't think we really recognize how good we feel after each meeting, and how, if we let it, every meeting can be a spiritual experience.
But today, I wanna talk a little bit about prayer. (I kinda feel like I'm writting a talk, but whatcha gonna do, haha.) This incredible thing has been happening on my mission. This transfer has been tough, with a lot of challenges, with missionaries and with investigators. Things I never really thought I would confront on my mission, as well as the normal day-to-day confusion and list of tasks to do. In the midst of this storm, I have learned how to receive help from someone else.
My whole life I have been praying for help, but lately something changed in me. I'm positive I don't think I know what it is. But I am suddenly able to hear, understand, and act on the promptings of the Holy Spirit. And that has changed my testimony a lot. We aren't alone! We just have to keep working and asking, and most importantly, listening. Usually, as I go to bed, I say a prayer, ask for help, and pass out. Lately, I've been staying up just a bit longer and the Lord has been filling my mind with ideas. As I sit there with a pen and a small notepad, the Lord has been blessing me with so much wonderful knowlegde and help on what the problems really are, and how to fix them! Or what to say, what to teach. I am so grateful for this cause I know that I'm alone, and if I do His will, it will all be alright. "And every lil thing, is gonna be al-ri-ight!"
On Sunday, I was speaking to this couple in the ward about we are taking care of two wards. I explained the shortage of missionaries. and they were asking me about Senor Couple Missionaries. I told her about my wonderful Grandparents, and about my experiences as a missionary. As I was talking about my mission I was just so grateful that Im here and Im so glad I have so much time left. I am not sure why the Lord has blessed me with this great love for the work, but I pray that it continues! I love being out here. Its super hard. I have to go do some stuff right now that I dont really want to. But it is so incredible to be involved in this work. The lord is just pouring blessings like crazy. You people should definitely try and leave with the missionaries sometime. It is so awesome to be here, and to spread the Good news.
I love you all! Have a great week!
Love Elder Jake
Remember to spay and neuter your pets!
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Lions and fireworks
Hey Hey hey!
Today I am completely wet. We went to the zoo! It was pretty fun. I love the zoo! Feel closer to my family :) We decided the other day that we dont use our P-days like we should, that we needed to get out and do stuff, for our own sake. So we are gonna have to do some other fun stuff comin up. But the zoo was a blast. Just as we left the lions cage (the last animal to see), it started pouring hard. We got destroyed. Im still dripping and it was a few hours ago. But it was worth it. Reminded me of good ol' Oregon, except people were running for cover instead of just taking the rain like a man.
New Years eve. I was super tired! SO, as always, went to bed at 10:30 and was able to sleep. As I mentioned before, there is a full-on firework show that they light off above our house - SUPER close to our house. But, with my incredible skills, I slept through it all! I only woke up at 12:00 because my comp woke me up and I muttered out "Feliz Ano Novo," and was back asleep, I think before I finished the phrase.
I read in Matthew today that Im not the only one with selective narcalepsy (?). Jesus Christ sleep on the boat during the storm! That made my day.
Well we are working like lil slave pigs here. I'm pretty much always tired now. Its crazy. But its worth it. Last night, we had an incredible lesson. We had a Family home Evening marked with one active family, and one family who is coming back to church. When we were trying to plan the lesson, we found this dvd in the house we had never seen or heard of called "Our Heavenly Father's Plan." My comp said he really wanted to watch it, but I wasnt so sure because the TV didn't have sound there and we had had a game planned for after the message about the Restoration of the Church. But he thought it would be good. We got everything set up, and went to get the family and they bailed!
So we decided to try and get everyone else we could to go, even contacts on the street. We finally got Regis, recently reactivated member, Evanildes a recent convert, and Paula, who's 18. She has always been around when we taught but never really paid much attention and always, ALWAYS said she would go to church but never did.
Anyways, we were able to rig two TVs together to get sound and image, and started the movie. Super good movie. Cheesy, but good. The spirit was strong. After the movie, we went around talking about what we felt, and learned.
We decided to come back to Paula a second time and she opened up. She said she had been praying to know what her purpose was in life. And that was her answer. And in seeing all those happy families, she realized what she wanted in her current family, and her future. Her family is messed up. have some real struggles that I couldn't even imagine. Anyways, she really felt the Spirit. That movie was made for her! She accepted a baptismal date. One of the best lessons, where the Spirit was so strong, she couldn't say no. Really made my day; Helped me one more time to realize that we are merely instuments in the Lords hands, and he does it all!
Well, as is custom, I am out of time! I love you all!
Elder Jake
Today I am completely wet. We went to the zoo! It was pretty fun. I love the zoo! Feel closer to my family :) We decided the other day that we dont use our P-days like we should, that we needed to get out and do stuff, for our own sake. So we are gonna have to do some other fun stuff comin up. But the zoo was a blast. Just as we left the lions cage (the last animal to see), it started pouring hard. We got destroyed. Im still dripping and it was a few hours ago. But it was worth it. Reminded me of good ol' Oregon, except people were running for cover instead of just taking the rain like a man.
New Years eve. I was super tired! SO, as always, went to bed at 10:30 and was able to sleep. As I mentioned before, there is a full-on firework show that they light off above our house - SUPER close to our house. But, with my incredible skills, I slept through it all! I only woke up at 12:00 because my comp woke me up and I muttered out "Feliz Ano Novo," and was back asleep, I think before I finished the phrase.
I read in Matthew today that Im not the only one with selective narcalepsy (?). Jesus Christ sleep on the boat during the storm! That made my day.
Well we are working like lil slave pigs here. I'm pretty much always tired now. Its crazy. But its worth it. Last night, we had an incredible lesson. We had a Family home Evening marked with one active family, and one family who is coming back to church. When we were trying to plan the lesson, we found this dvd in the house we had never seen or heard of called "Our Heavenly Father's Plan." My comp said he really wanted to watch it, but I wasnt so sure because the TV didn't have sound there and we had had a game planned for after the message about the Restoration of the Church. But he thought it would be good. We got everything set up, and went to get the family and they bailed!
So we decided to try and get everyone else we could to go, even contacts on the street. We finally got Regis, recently reactivated member, Evanildes a recent convert, and Paula, who's 18. She has always been around when we taught but never really paid much attention and always, ALWAYS said she would go to church but never did.
Anyways, we were able to rig two TVs together to get sound and image, and started the movie. Super good movie. Cheesy, but good. The spirit was strong. After the movie, we went around talking about what we felt, and learned.
We decided to come back to Paula a second time and she opened up. She said she had been praying to know what her purpose was in life. And that was her answer. And in seeing all those happy families, she realized what she wanted in her current family, and her future. Her family is messed up. have some real struggles that I couldn't even imagine. Anyways, she really felt the Spirit. That movie was made for her! She accepted a baptismal date. One of the best lessons, where the Spirit was so strong, she couldn't say no. Really made my day; Helped me one more time to realize that we are merely instuments in the Lords hands, and he does it all!
Well, as is custom, I am out of time! I love you all!
Elder Jake
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Typing skills decrease.
Hey Family and Frndnis!
This computer is dislexic. Kinda annoying, its slow, o sit randomin aevels out or scrambles words. For example. But its okay! Youll have to use a lot of faith to read. I oo try to fix it when I see it.
Be happy, it happens!
Well it was eremtxly extremely great to talk to you guys on christmas! I loved I got really excited and motivated to do work. Which is good caues i am incredibly tired. Incredibly. I got up this morning and looked at my comp and said something to the effect of "I have no idea how Im not dead right now". Nor did I know how I was going to get trough the day, but Im ggettin there, just oen step at a time and we get there!
This morning we dd ia serviec project and painted the wall of a school yard. It was pretty fun, proba ylbthe third service project of my mission! But as a result, it was proly the 6th time Ie been out in the sun in shorts for an exended period of time, and therefore, I am roasted. Bt uit jkhfagsjçoajfjgiaoisasoigfasgjlaçkfsjglkasçjtgir but it was very fun. I miss good ol slave labor.
WOW. Took 15 mins to get to this point. Ths icomputer is incredible. But ii guess its better than a letter or a telegraph :) Gonna be a short one today ladies and gentlemen!
Yesterday we got to do a interview with Verônica, who will be baptized! Her and her fiance are some of the coolest recent converts I know. He is greek-american, and she is, obviously, brasilian. They met in the states, but cause some crazy old black dude named fred told them they should date. So she returned to brasil, and he fould the church and got baptized. And he introduced her. When i taught her in a division 6 weesk ago, she didnt have a testimony of Joseph Smith. ANd now, as i interviewed her, I saw one of the strongest testimonies in her. She has grown a lot. its aamzing how the gospel can make such a great change in us! If we let it. And eyht were just so excited about the chrcuh (he came down to visit her) and made me want to be a better person. They were just so happy!
well, I have got to go, and get to worK! I hope you all have a great wee! 2k!" I love you all!
with loe,v elefeii jake
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