Hey Guys!
Well, it was a good week! We had a blast, and worked hard!
Our really high goals as a branch were actually far from reached. The goal was 70 (on top of the 44 from the week before), with a total attendance of 114. We only had 9 investigators, and the attendance was 83, with a ton of stake leaders. It wasn't what we had hoped for, but, it went well. The highlight of the week was those investigators.
We have prayed hard for men and families to bring into the branch, and hadnt had a single baptism of a man, much less a complete family. However, its always in the last moments that our faith is paid off.
On Sunday afternoon, we stopped and asked a man for directions, and he kindly helped us out. We then asked Lúcio if we could leave a message with him, and he invited us to his house. The first lesson went well, normal i guess. He was really interested in the Book of Mormon. When we came back, we were able to teach his wife as well, and things started looking interesting. She had a hard time with the eternal family thing, but we could tell she wanted to believe it. The Spirit was strong as we testified and spoke of the blessings of eternal marriage, and how that power is on the earth. We have gone back 3 more times, and taken them to a branch family night, and a branch activity at the chapel. They are loving it! Incredible family. Well-educated, successful people. And are loving the gospel. We are praying and hoping their baptism will be this sunday!
Antonio. This awesome older man. About 50 I think, and has a sweet beard. Super humble, and smart, and interested in the gospel. His family isnt as interested, but he said heś gonna start putting things into practice in his home. He loved church, and is loving the Book of Mormon. Finally, after a lot of work and prayers, we are seeing the men and families coming out of the woodwork and into the branch! Woohoo! we will pray for him and and his baptism this week as well.
Luciene. A single woman, 25 yrs old. Her boyfriend is a less-active member, and she is an elect. She loves the church, and since the first day she went to church, said she wanted to be baptized into it. Oh gloria!
Our branch had a plague of Young women. There is one. Finally, through a member reference, we will baptized another one this week. She is the cousin of a member, Pretty cool girl.
My mission goal is 5 away. And we have 7 would could be baptized this week. I am hoping and praying and working so that I can reach this on the last week! Its now or never!
Well, I love yous, hope ya have a great week!
Love, Elder Jake
Monday, September 26, 2011
Sept 19, 2011 Letter
Dear Wonderful family and other lovely creatures:
Thank you for the great letters! Mom Im glad that the letters I sent were of some good! The missionary spirit truly is powerful. I think itll hurt when its gone. I love those people of whom you have spoken. I am so pumped to have met them. On the bus today a lady commented that it must be great to do this work because you get to make great friendships. I would have to agree! These people are great! I love Brasil!
I have been, as you said Mom, "toiling" quite a bit here, and while we are having great success, it is not at the level we have been praying and hoping for. I have been especially disappointed with the number of investigators at church. We arent finding the men or families that we want. But its always after the trial of our faith that the miracles come, so we will see what happens this week...
One of the greatest things happened last week! On Sunday, the branch announced there will be a bus picking people up for church next week! wonderful! Our chapel is out of our area (the new chapel will open on October 29th...a lil late if ya ask me.) Anyways we got a bus! Woohoo! Also, after the Sacramento meeting, they a had a quick branch leadership meeting. Each organization made a goal for how many investigators and less-actives they will bring. The total goal turned out to be about 50! aside from those that we will bring. That will be a huge answer to my prayers. I love this branch. Great people.
There are a few members that will drop everything to help the missionaries. Geraldinho is one of the best members of this branch. And Deolinda, a Sister who also helps a ton. Its incredible how much the testimony of a member can completely fill the room with the Spirit.
This week is a super important week. Its gotta be incredible. We have to load that chapel. So that next week we can load the baptismal font. I made a mission baptismal goal a while back for the mission, and I need to reach it. we are gonna need some miracles here. And we are gonna have to work like its no ones business.
Sure, Ill speak at both wards. I don't even think I could handle a Sunday afternoon with nothing to do. So weird. And good luck with the school thing, Im sure itll work out. Im not worried.
One of the things Ive started doing, at the suggestion of President Tanner is pray out loud. It is really helping me to express myself more fully to the Lord (and not fall asleep). we can see the power of a spoken prayer in the First Vision. It wasn't Joseph's first prayer, just his first spoken pérsonal prayer. Its helping me a lot.
This week, I think my focus is going to be my companion. He is incredible. He has so much potential as a missionary. He has such a strong desire to do this work, and is always helping my to be better. I feel like we are a great team. I love Elder Kidd. He will definitely be a better missionary than I am, he has no fear of anything. He just does it. And I love that. He has a great way of making friendships, even if he doesnt speak so well. He will be an incredible, powerful missionary, and a life long friend. I'm stoked to meet his parents.
Sorry if this letter is scattered, I cant sit still. Haha so much to do in these last weeks! I hope you all know that I love this church, and that it is a huge blessing in my life. I hope that all goes well for you this week!
Love you!
Elder Jake
Thank you for the great letters! Mom Im glad that the letters I sent were of some good! The missionary spirit truly is powerful. I think itll hurt when its gone. I love those people of whom you have spoken. I am so pumped to have met them. On the bus today a lady commented that it must be great to do this work because you get to make great friendships. I would have to agree! These people are great! I love Brasil!
I have been, as you said Mom, "toiling" quite a bit here, and while we are having great success, it is not at the level we have been praying and hoping for. I have been especially disappointed with the number of investigators at church. We arent finding the men or families that we want. But its always after the trial of our faith that the miracles come, so we will see what happens this week...
One of the greatest things happened last week! On Sunday, the branch announced there will be a bus picking people up for church next week! wonderful! Our chapel is out of our area (the new chapel will open on October 29th...a lil late if ya ask me.) Anyways we got a bus! Woohoo! Also, after the Sacramento meeting, they a had a quick branch leadership meeting. Each organization made a goal for how many investigators and less-actives they will bring. The total goal turned out to be about 50! aside from those that we will bring. That will be a huge answer to my prayers. I love this branch. Great people.
There are a few members that will drop everything to help the missionaries. Geraldinho is one of the best members of this branch. And Deolinda, a Sister who also helps a ton. Its incredible how much the testimony of a member can completely fill the room with the Spirit.
This week is a super important week. Its gotta be incredible. We have to load that chapel. So that next week we can load the baptismal font. I made a mission baptismal goal a while back for the mission, and I need to reach it. we are gonna need some miracles here. And we are gonna have to work like its no ones business.
Sure, Ill speak at both wards. I don't even think I could handle a Sunday afternoon with nothing to do. So weird. And good luck with the school thing, Im sure itll work out. Im not worried.
One of the things Ive started doing, at the suggestion of President Tanner is pray out loud. It is really helping me to express myself more fully to the Lord (and not fall asleep). we can see the power of a spoken prayer in the First Vision. It wasn't Joseph's first prayer, just his first spoken pérsonal prayer. Its helping me a lot.
This week, I think my focus is going to be my companion. He is incredible. He has so much potential as a missionary. He has such a strong desire to do this work, and is always helping my to be better. I feel like we are a great team. I love Elder Kidd. He will definitely be a better missionary than I am, he has no fear of anything. He just does it. And I love that. He has a great way of making friendships, even if he doesnt speak so well. He will be an incredible, powerful missionary, and a life long friend. I'm stoked to meet his parents.
Sorry if this letter is scattered, I cant sit still. Haha so much to do in these last weeks! I hope you all know that I love this church, and that it is a huge blessing in my life. I hope that all goes well for you this week!
Love you!
Elder Jake
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Sept. 12, 2011 Letter
Hey Guys!
SO Sorry for last week! We went to the temple, which was an awesome experience. I love the Temple. How blessed we are to have it in our lives. It is such an incredibly peaceful place. In the temple I could feel that extra boost, and was able to rededicate myself to this wonderful work. I know that I will run and work until the end, I am no longer worried about that. I know the Lord wil help me, and Ill be able to give it my all.
Coming back from the temple, we got the bus that our bishop told us to get. And we accidently left the mission, by a lot! I have never been that north before in São Paulo. It was pretty crazy. We got to a bus station that was ridiculously far from our area/mission, and that got another bus to another bus station a little closer, and finally a last bus that was completely packed. We got back to our area at 7ish, and went straight to work. We had planned to use internet another day, but we ended up not having time. I asked my comp if he wanted to "fast" internet for the rest of the transfer. haha Our poor mothers would kill us. He knows well its a mission rule to write home every week, so no worries there mom!
Presidente and Sister Tanner are doing great. I want you to meet them. They really are like my second parents. They spoke in our sacrament meeting sunday and brought chocolate chip cookies for me and Elder K. Incredible people!
Things are going well! We are working hard, that I am sure of. We just arent having the success we would like. The Lord is definitly trying our faith. A lot. And that is the focus of our transfer, faith. We set some really high goals, felt like they were from God. And at the end of the week I was really doubting. I felt like there was no way we could do it. And then it came to me. Youŕe right! You can't! But luckily, you arent alone. He is. The God Of Isreal is the leader of your companionship. You can't do it alone, but He is working even harder than you are. So keep it up. Work even harder, and leave the rest up to Him. He'll do His part.
So thats our plan. Keep working, keep praying, and leave the rest up to Him.
THis week we had the baptism of Sabrina. She is 8, and wonderful. Her mother goes to church every week with her, and he brother did too. The story of the family rips me apart. We tught her father. Super great guy, and great lesson. He accepted the invitation to turn his life around, be honest with his work (some sketchy falsified documents), to not work on sunday, get married and to be baptized! All in the 2nd lesson! SO sweet! Then Satan got to him. Now he doesnt even want to talk to us. Doesnt want anything to do with anything He agreed to. Wont even marry his wife so that she can get baptized, something she really wants to do. Her son also lost interest because of his father and a few ridiculous uncles. All the men in that area are all scared of us now. haha im so confused. We walk around the corner and they scatter like rats, all to their lil hiding spots. Its wierd to see 5 grown men running away from you...haha. We will keep praying for them and do our best to help em out.
We have had a lot of investigators give up on us. Really started weighing me down. The wickedness is so great in this area. My heart yerns everytime someone chooses the world of God, or prohibits their children to choose to follow God. And many, many people who dont want to hear our message, or that reject it because they "already know the truth". It was an extremely trying and depressing week. But we kept praying for faith, for "hope for a better world". And the Lord gave that to us. We have found a few people that the Lord is preparing, an d this week, we will find many more!
My companion and I are doing really well. I love that kid so much. We are working out a ton as well. That helps me out a lot. Gets the stress outta me.
I know the Lord is with us. I know that He loves us, and wants us to be happy! And we all will be, each trial we go through is for that purpose. I love the Lord. I love the power off Hymns. So incredible.
Amo vocês! Tenham uma ótima semana!
Elder Loveland
SO Sorry for last week! We went to the temple, which was an awesome experience. I love the Temple. How blessed we are to have it in our lives. It is such an incredibly peaceful place. In the temple I could feel that extra boost, and was able to rededicate myself to this wonderful work. I know that I will run and work until the end, I am no longer worried about that. I know the Lord wil help me, and Ill be able to give it my all.
Coming back from the temple, we got the bus that our bishop told us to get. And we accidently left the mission, by a lot! I have never been that north before in São Paulo. It was pretty crazy. We got to a bus station that was ridiculously far from our area/mission, and that got another bus to another bus station a little closer, and finally a last bus that was completely packed. We got back to our area at 7ish, and went straight to work. We had planned to use internet another day, but we ended up not having time. I asked my comp if he wanted to "fast" internet for the rest of the transfer. haha Our poor mothers would kill us. He knows well its a mission rule to write home every week, so no worries there mom!
Presidente and Sister Tanner are doing great. I want you to meet them. They really are like my second parents. They spoke in our sacrament meeting sunday and brought chocolate chip cookies for me and Elder K. Incredible people!
Things are going well! We are working hard, that I am sure of. We just arent having the success we would like. The Lord is definitly trying our faith. A lot. And that is the focus of our transfer, faith. We set some really high goals, felt like they were from God. And at the end of the week I was really doubting. I felt like there was no way we could do it. And then it came to me. Youŕe right! You can't! But luckily, you arent alone. He is. The God Of Isreal is the leader of your companionship. You can't do it alone, but He is working even harder than you are. So keep it up. Work even harder, and leave the rest up to Him. He'll do His part.
So thats our plan. Keep working, keep praying, and leave the rest up to Him.
THis week we had the baptism of Sabrina. She is 8, and wonderful. Her mother goes to church every week with her, and he brother did too. The story of the family rips me apart. We tught her father. Super great guy, and great lesson. He accepted the invitation to turn his life around, be honest with his work (some sketchy falsified documents), to not work on sunday, get married and to be baptized! All in the 2nd lesson! SO sweet! Then Satan got to him. Now he doesnt even want to talk to us. Doesnt want anything to do with anything He agreed to. Wont even marry his wife so that she can get baptized, something she really wants to do. Her son also lost interest because of his father and a few ridiculous uncles. All the men in that area are all scared of us now. haha im so confused. We walk around the corner and they scatter like rats, all to their lil hiding spots. Its wierd to see 5 grown men running away from you...haha. We will keep praying for them and do our best to help em out.
We have had a lot of investigators give up on us. Really started weighing me down. The wickedness is so great in this area. My heart yerns everytime someone chooses the world of God, or prohibits their children to choose to follow God. And many, many people who dont want to hear our message, or that reject it because they "already know the truth". It was an extremely trying and depressing week. But we kept praying for faith, for "hope for a better world". And the Lord gave that to us. We have found a few people that the Lord is preparing, an d this week, we will find many more!
My companion and I are doing really well. I love that kid so much. We are working out a ton as well. That helps me out a lot. Gets the stress outta me.
I know the Lord is with us. I know that He loves us, and wants us to be happy! And we all will be, each trial we go through is for that purpose. I love the Lord. I love the power off Hymns. So incredible.
Amo vocês! Tenham uma ótima semana!
Elder Loveland
August 29, 2011 Letter
Hey Guys!
Sorry I didn't get a letter out last week, I didn't have time! I think if I had organized a lil better, I could have gotten a quick letter out, but there were a lot of crazy things to do.
I am pretty pumped about Jeremy starting up his new season! Thats sweet! Id like to take this moment to remind you of a great game from my past.
In 2008, Canby started out the season with a fantastic battle against Sprague High School. It was epic for sure, and a blast. In this game, Sprague, running the wing-T offense, was rotating their quarter-backs every series. The defensive line found great fun in trying to destroy the both of them. One of the quarter-backs, a sophomore, was named J K. He was an active member of the Church, and after two more years of High School, decided to serve a full-time mission.
Elder Jeff Kidd is now my companion. I try not to remind him who won that game.
I got transferred! After just one transfer in Jardim Apurá, I had to repack my bags and hit the road. It was really hard to leave my last area. The members were incredible, and the is a lot of wonderful people there. Especially Elder Augusto. It was really hard to say good-bye to him, and to my other responsiblities. Im going to miss a lot it. At least Elder Augusto is still in the zone, and I can talk to him all the time. That kid changed my life, I owe a lot to him.
On the upside, Elder Kidd and I are opening the area, a new branch in the mission. Ramo Campanário! Its actualy really close to my last area, its in the same zone. Actually, its the fourth area Ive passed in the zone haha. Sweet. The branch was opened about 7 weeks ago. The Zone leaders were taking care of the branch, and the ward which it had broken off from, and now we entered to just take care of the branch, and the Zone Leaders will take care of the ward. The branch has 8 complete families, and the attendance is around 40 I think. I'm pretty excited. Way excited. We need 7 men to become a ward. So thats the goal, baptize a least 8 men in the transfer, a long with many others.
We I orginally was told by President about the new area, we didn't even have a house! But we are now living with another dupla of Elderes in a neighbooring area. Its a pretty nice house. We were sleeping on air matresses for awhile, but now we have bunk beds! We just gotta finish putting it together...
My companion is a stud. I like him a lot. Even in his first weeks, he is speaking with EVERYONE in the streets. He is determined to learn fast and to work hard. He has an incredible atitude. He is helping me out a ton already. I love working with him. His Portuguese isnt where he would like it to be, but we are working on it! We are living in a house of all Americas unfortunately, and two of the missionaries are in their first transfer. But we made a goal to only speak Portuguese. Its pretty fun.
Just to let you know how incredible my companion is, the other day on a bus, I overheard my companion invite someone to be baptized! So cool! The guy is my hero. I couldn't ask for a better companion. The Lord sent me exactly the Elder I needed at this point in my mission.I can tell we will be great life-long friends.
The branch had their first baptism this week! And we hope for many, many more. The Lord truly is wonderful to me, and I hope that he continues to bless you, my family and friends. I realize that i am not perfect. I have a lot of weaknesses, but i thank you all for always loving me despeit them. I pray that the Lord can give me strength and energy to continue His work and at His pace. Which i assume is rather accelerated.
I am out of words. Just pray for us :) Especially for Elder K so he can keep learning so quickly the language. You guys should hang out some time with his folks. Seem pretty cool. And pray that we can baptize these 8 men, and their families, and many more! I love you all! Have a great week! Appreciate ya!
love, Elder Jake
Sorry I didn't get a letter out last week, I didn't have time! I think if I had organized a lil better, I could have gotten a quick letter out, but there were a lot of crazy things to do.
I am pretty pumped about Jeremy starting up his new season! Thats sweet! Id like to take this moment to remind you of a great game from my past.
In 2008, Canby started out the season with a fantastic battle against Sprague High School. It was epic for sure, and a blast. In this game, Sprague, running the wing-T offense, was rotating their quarter-backs every series. The defensive line found great fun in trying to destroy the both of them. One of the quarter-backs, a sophomore, was named J K. He was an active member of the Church, and after two more years of High School, decided to serve a full-time mission.
Elder Jeff Kidd is now my companion. I try not to remind him who won that game.
I got transferred! After just one transfer in Jardim Apurá, I had to repack my bags and hit the road. It was really hard to leave my last area. The members were incredible, and the is a lot of wonderful people there. Especially Elder Augusto. It was really hard to say good-bye to him, and to my other responsiblities. Im going to miss a lot it. At least Elder Augusto is still in the zone, and I can talk to him all the time. That kid changed my life, I owe a lot to him.
On the upside, Elder Kidd and I are opening the area, a new branch in the mission. Ramo Campanário! Its actualy really close to my last area, its in the same zone. Actually, its the fourth area Ive passed in the zone haha. Sweet. The branch was opened about 7 weeks ago. The Zone leaders were taking care of the branch, and the ward which it had broken off from, and now we entered to just take care of the branch, and the Zone Leaders will take care of the ward. The branch has 8 complete families, and the attendance is around 40 I think. I'm pretty excited. Way excited. We need 7 men to become a ward. So thats the goal, baptize a least 8 men in the transfer, a long with many others.
We I orginally was told by President about the new area, we didn't even have a house! But we are now living with another dupla of Elderes in a neighbooring area. Its a pretty nice house. We were sleeping on air matresses for awhile, but now we have bunk beds! We just gotta finish putting it together...
My companion is a stud. I like him a lot. Even in his first weeks, he is speaking with EVERYONE in the streets. He is determined to learn fast and to work hard. He has an incredible atitude. He is helping me out a ton already. I love working with him. His Portuguese isnt where he would like it to be, but we are working on it! We are living in a house of all Americas unfortunately, and two of the missionaries are in their first transfer. But we made a goal to only speak Portuguese. Its pretty fun.
Just to let you know how incredible my companion is, the other day on a bus, I overheard my companion invite someone to be baptized! So cool! The guy is my hero. I couldn't ask for a better companion. The Lord sent me exactly the Elder I needed at this point in my mission.I can tell we will be great life-long friends.
The branch had their first baptism this week! And we hope for many, many more. The Lord truly is wonderful to me, and I hope that he continues to bless you, my family and friends. I realize that i am not perfect. I have a lot of weaknesses, but i thank you all for always loving me despeit them. I pray that the Lord can give me strength and energy to continue His work and at His pace. Which i assume is rather accelerated.
I am out of words. Just pray for us :) Especially for Elder K so he can keep learning so quickly the language. You guys should hang out some time with his folks. Seem pretty cool. And pray that we can baptize these 8 men, and their families, and many more! I love you all! Have a great week! Appreciate ya!
love, Elder Jake
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Aug 8, 2011 letter
Dear Mom and family,
Today will be the start of one more crazy week! We wont have P-day. But I'm pretty excited, we have Zone Conference this week. I love Zone conference because of the many incredible missionaries which I get to see and interact with. They are such great examples and inspirations to me. I love our mission. Pretty sure its the best in the whole world :)
So the plan is that Elder Augusto and his sister (Don't laugh too hard, her name is Wayne) will be coming to our house for thanksgiving week (23rd until who knows when). Elder Augusto will arrive from Brasil, and Wayne will be coming down from Canada where she will be doing some sort of exchange program. Should be a pretty fun week. They both speak some decent English, so they will have a blast. They are both crazy people as well, you'll love em.
Lucia and the others are doing great! Lucia even helped us out picking people up for church in her car (which was lowered-shes 50 and so funny). SHe has such a strong testimony. She is really happy. She said some people have tried to convince her it was the wrong choice, but she said that she knows it was the right thing to do, so she'll stay strong.
Jessica is a young women (24) who was baptized this week. She is a trooper. She said everything was going wrong, everything seemed to turn for the worse when she decided to get baptized. Everything. She lost her job, had some family issues, missed her hair appointment (oh no!) and a whole lot more. Many people tried to convince her as well that it wasn't the right choice. I will get the full story later today I think. even with all these struggles, she was another great example. She expressed that she knew what she felt and knew what she needed to do, and nothing would stop her. What a wonderful example. IT was great to see her get baptized.
Mateus who was baptized last week gave a wonderful testimony in sacrament meeting yesterday. He said "I feel like Joseph Smith". He has visited many churches, and had searched for the truth. And finally found it. He is an excellent member of the church already. He will get a calling this week and will ordained to the preisthood a well. Woohoo!
Joseph Smith said: "After all that has been said, the greatest and most important duty is to preach the Gospel." My testimony about missionary work has really grown in this ward. When a ward gets excited about missionary work, things change and everything else falls in to place. When we arrived in the ward, we realized this ward was excited. And we all started running. As the ward has gotten truely involved with missionary work, the ward has taken great strides. Attendance has gone up - passed their trimester goal by almost 40! Less actives are coming back. New members are entering. Both active and less active members are strentghening their testimonies as they share the gospel with others. And they are loving it. There is such a great love and desire in the ward to help one another. I love it." . . . Member-missionary work is one of the great keys to the individual growth of our members. It is my conviction that member-missionary work will raise the spirituality in any ward where applied"- Ezra Taft Benson. The promise of that prophet is being fulfilled. For this, I am eternally grateful. These members are changing my life, as well as the lives of many others.
So basically, I love this ward. Its incredible. I love my live.
It sounds like the Lord is blessing our family a lot. I am so proud of you and all the things which you are able to get done, and get done well! My family is a great example. I am super blessed with so many many things in my life!
This week will be a great one! And I hope its great for you all as well!
Love, Elder Jake
Today will be the start of one more crazy week! We wont have P-day. But I'm pretty excited, we have Zone Conference this week. I love Zone conference because of the many incredible missionaries which I get to see and interact with. They are such great examples and inspirations to me. I love our mission. Pretty sure its the best in the whole world :)
So the plan is that Elder Augusto and his sister (Don't laugh too hard, her name is Wayne) will be coming to our house for thanksgiving week (23rd until who knows when). Elder Augusto will arrive from Brasil, and Wayne will be coming down from Canada where she will be doing some sort of exchange program. Should be a pretty fun week. They both speak some decent English, so they will have a blast. They are both crazy people as well, you'll love em.
Lucia and the others are doing great! Lucia even helped us out picking people up for church in her car (which was lowered-shes 50 and so funny). SHe has such a strong testimony. She is really happy. She said some people have tried to convince her it was the wrong choice, but she said that she knows it was the right thing to do, so she'll stay strong.
Jessica is a young women (24) who was baptized this week. She is a trooper. She said everything was going wrong, everything seemed to turn for the worse when she decided to get baptized. Everything. She lost her job, had some family issues, missed her hair appointment (oh no!) and a whole lot more. Many people tried to convince her as well that it wasn't the right choice. I will get the full story later today I think. even with all these struggles, she was another great example. She expressed that she knew what she felt and knew what she needed to do, and nothing would stop her. What a wonderful example. IT was great to see her get baptized.
Mateus who was baptized last week gave a wonderful testimony in sacrament meeting yesterday. He said "I feel like Joseph Smith". He has visited many churches, and had searched for the truth. And finally found it. He is an excellent member of the church already. He will get a calling this week and will ordained to the preisthood a well. Woohoo!
Joseph Smith said: "After all that has been said, the greatest and most important duty is to preach the Gospel." My testimony about missionary work has really grown in this ward. When a ward gets excited about missionary work, things change and everything else falls in to place. When we arrived in the ward, we realized this ward was excited. And we all started running. As the ward has gotten truely involved with missionary work, the ward has taken great strides. Attendance has gone up - passed their trimester goal by almost 40! Less actives are coming back. New members are entering. Both active and less active members are strentghening their testimonies as they share the gospel with others. And they are loving it. There is such a great love and desire in the ward to help one another. I love it." . . . Member-missionary work is one of the great keys to the individual growth of our members. It is my conviction that member-missionary work will raise the spirituality in any ward where applied"- Ezra Taft Benson. The promise of that prophet is being fulfilled. For this, I am eternally grateful. These members are changing my life, as well as the lives of many others.
So basically, I love this ward. Its incredible. I love my live.
It sounds like the Lord is blessing our family a lot. I am so proud of you and all the things which you are able to get done, and get done well! My family is a great example. I am super blessed with so many many things in my life!
This week will be a great one! And I hope its great for you all as well!
Love, Elder Jake
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Aug 2, 2011 Letter
Hey Guys,
I am grateful for you all! This week was insane! So insane. I cant explain how crazy it was, but it was fun. And tiring. And crazy.
We were able to have a wonderful baptismal meeting on Sunday evening, which was the highlight, and the focus of the whole week. The "Big Game" you could say.
Every single person we had been committed to be baptized this week fell at least once during the week. They all at one point said that they didn't want to baptized, or this week isnt going to work. We were able to see the Lord working miracles in our area, but also the "Enemy" working his lil tail off. The Lord was able to touch each one, and help them to come unto Him this week.
Lucia was baptized this week. She is a funny lady. She is a single mom, and her daughter (17) was baptized a few months ago. She was a little unsure at first, but after the baptismal interview, she said she would be baptized this week! On Sunday, we got to the church and she wasnt there! NOOO!! So we called her up and she said she was coming, but she wasnt going to be baptized.
After a lil miracle, she agreed to bring a towel and all and decide at the church. After a few minutes I decided to call and ask em if they wanted a ride. Her daughter said that Lucia wasnt going to church, and wasnt going to be baptized. NOOO! So, with faith, we grabbed this awesome brother (who was on crutches and in a neck brace-thats faith!) to drive us to her house and pick her up. Finally we finally got there and were able to, through one more miracle, help her to go to church, and bring her towel! She was able to be baptized! Our faith was being tried until the last moment! But she was able to make that covenant with the Lord.
I love the Lord. He is teaching me so many things, and helping me to feel - and follow - the Spirit. He knows so much better than I do. He loves us so much, and if we trust in Him, great things can happen!
I love my life here, a vida é a luta sem quartel (hino 142), but i love it. I am grateful for all you! More next week!
Keep up the great work, and dominating life! congrats on the intense work out plans Mom! My hero!
Have a great one! Love Elder Loveland
I am grateful for you all! This week was insane! So insane. I cant explain how crazy it was, but it was fun. And tiring. And crazy.
We were able to have a wonderful baptismal meeting on Sunday evening, which was the highlight, and the focus of the whole week. The "Big Game" you could say.
Every single person we had been committed to be baptized this week fell at least once during the week. They all at one point said that they didn't want to baptized, or this week isnt going to work. We were able to see the Lord working miracles in our area, but also the "Enemy" working his lil tail off. The Lord was able to touch each one, and help them to come unto Him this week.
Lucia was baptized this week. She is a funny lady. She is a single mom, and her daughter (17) was baptized a few months ago. She was a little unsure at first, but after the baptismal interview, she said she would be baptized this week! On Sunday, we got to the church and she wasnt there! NOOO!! So we called her up and she said she was coming, but she wasnt going to be baptized.
After a lil miracle, she agreed to bring a towel and all and decide at the church. After a few minutes I decided to call and ask em if they wanted a ride. Her daughter said that Lucia wasnt going to church, and wasnt going to be baptized. NOOO! So, with faith, we grabbed this awesome brother (who was on crutches and in a neck brace-thats faith!) to drive us to her house and pick her up. Finally we finally got there and were able to, through one more miracle, help her to go to church, and bring her towel! She was able to be baptized! Our faith was being tried until the last moment! But she was able to make that covenant with the Lord.
I love the Lord. He is teaching me so many things, and helping me to feel - and follow - the Spirit. He knows so much better than I do. He loves us so much, and if we trust in Him, great things can happen!
I love my life here, a vida é a luta sem quartel (hino 142), but i love it. I am grateful for all you! More next week!
Keep up the great work, and dominating life! congrats on the intense work out plans Mom! My hero!
Have a great one! Love Elder Loveland
Sunday, July 31, 2011
July 26, 2011 letter
Hey Guys!
Well, I was super grateful to hear you were all praying for me during the reunion. I felt it. It was a hard week, but it turned out to be the best week of my entire mission. I have been filled with so much gratitude for the blessings the Lord has poured upon us this week. It has been incredible. I cannot express how grateful I feel for all the thousands of blessings I have in my life. Its ridiculous.
This week we were able to work! We had only one day of meetings! Killed the whole day as well, but at least it was only one! And boy did we work. We were able to do divisons everyday with members. There are investigators that will be baptized this week that Ive never even taught! Just as my companion doesn't know others. Incredible. I have never seen numbers like I have seen this week. The Lord is putting lots and lots of people in our path! The Lord is making miracles happen here.
This week I have been able to understand what is means to be constantly praying. I have been trying to be copnstantly speaking with my Heavenly Father, thanking Him, and asking for His help. It was a rough week, and many times our faith was tested. but it ended quite well.
For this next week we have an incredible group of wonderful people that will be baptized. I have never seen so many people prepared to be baptized in the same week. Makes me wanna cry Im so happy haha.
One of these people is Mateus. He is 14, and super smart. I love this kid. He stopped Romário, the best member of the ward haha, and said he wanted to know more about the church. We were able to teach him and he is so prepared for the Gospel. We taught him last night. He was having a hard time not drinking coffee. When we told him that he had to stop drinking coffee last night, he sank in his chair. After a second, he said, okay, i can do it! Hes a stud!
Despite all this wonderfulness, "O Inimigo" [the enemy] has a was of tearing us down. Sunday morning was one of these moments. I was super discouraged with myself. THe work was going great, but I was down on myself for not teaching as well as I wanted to, for not being able to connect with some people as I wanted to, and feeling like I was just not that good at all. So I prayed. A lot. And I smiled, for absolutely no reason until I could cheer myself up. And the day turned out wonderful. I just smiled and got to work, kept speaking with people on the street, and praying. And it went really well. And that evening, I was able to speak at a stake fireside. That was a wonderful oportunity to be able to see and speak to so many beloved friends. I love my life.
Something that makes me sad it the fact that its coming to an end. Every time I think about it, it makes me sad. I truely love this life. I will keep running at 100 mph and just make use of what I have left. I am so grateful for your prayers. A few weeks ago I was worried about being able to end with fire and excitement, but now, the Lord has been blessing me with such a great desire to keep working. I am striving to be more in tune with Him so that He can use me as a tool in every way possible, and I think thats whats bringing me happiness. Putting my will in line with His. Thats the secret to happiness.
I dont know what these next few weeks will bring, but I know that the Lord has got some good plans for me, and I will do my best to fulfill them! Its gonna be a blast!
Well, I love you all! Thanks for the love and support! Have a great week!
Love, Elder Jake
Well, I was super grateful to hear you were all praying for me during the reunion. I felt it. It was a hard week, but it turned out to be the best week of my entire mission. I have been filled with so much gratitude for the blessings the Lord has poured upon us this week. It has been incredible. I cannot express how grateful I feel for all the thousands of blessings I have in my life. Its ridiculous.
This week we were able to work! We had only one day of meetings! Killed the whole day as well, but at least it was only one! And boy did we work. We were able to do divisons everyday with members. There are investigators that will be baptized this week that Ive never even taught! Just as my companion doesn't know others. Incredible. I have never seen numbers like I have seen this week. The Lord is putting lots and lots of people in our path! The Lord is making miracles happen here.
This week I have been able to understand what is means to be constantly praying. I have been trying to be copnstantly speaking with my Heavenly Father, thanking Him, and asking for His help. It was a rough week, and many times our faith was tested. but it ended quite well.
For this next week we have an incredible group of wonderful people that will be baptized. I have never seen so many people prepared to be baptized in the same week. Makes me wanna cry Im so happy haha.
One of these people is Mateus. He is 14, and super smart. I love this kid. He stopped Romário, the best member of the ward haha, and said he wanted to know more about the church. We were able to teach him and he is so prepared for the Gospel. We taught him last night. He was having a hard time not drinking coffee. When we told him that he had to stop drinking coffee last night, he sank in his chair. After a second, he said, okay, i can do it! Hes a stud!
Despite all this wonderfulness, "O Inimigo" [the enemy] has a was of tearing us down. Sunday morning was one of these moments. I was super discouraged with myself. THe work was going great, but I was down on myself for not teaching as well as I wanted to, for not being able to connect with some people as I wanted to, and feeling like I was just not that good at all. So I prayed. A lot. And I smiled, for absolutely no reason until I could cheer myself up. And the day turned out wonderful. I just smiled and got to work, kept speaking with people on the street, and praying. And it went really well. And that evening, I was able to speak at a stake fireside. That was a wonderful oportunity to be able to see and speak to so many beloved friends. I love my life.
Something that makes me sad it the fact that its coming to an end. Every time I think about it, it makes me sad. I truely love this life. I will keep running at 100 mph and just make use of what I have left. I am so grateful for your prayers. A few weeks ago I was worried about being able to end with fire and excitement, but now, the Lord has been blessing me with such a great desire to keep working. I am striving to be more in tune with Him so that He can use me as a tool in every way possible, and I think thats whats bringing me happiness. Putting my will in line with His. Thats the secret to happiness.
I dont know what these next few weeks will bring, but I know that the Lord has got some good plans for me, and I will do my best to fulfill them! Its gonna be a blast!
Well, I love you all! Thanks for the love and support! Have a great week!
Love, Elder Jake
July 18, 2011 letter
Hey Guys!
This week was a great one!
We got to work a fair bit in the area and that made me pretty happy. I really love the work. This ward is incredible! I have learned SO MUCH from the leadership and members here. They have such an incredible vision of the work and how meetings should work and everything. Some of, if not the, best comittee meetings Ive ever seen on my mission, maybe my life (not sure I was looking for the same things at home). I have been taking notes of things that I would do in the future if I was ever called to a position of leadership. I love the ward! The members are super excited about the work, and ive never received so many references in my life! Its crazy awesome.
One thing that I do love about the ward is the young men. There are NINE young men woho are just finishing up their papers to serve missions. Nine! (Actually 8 ym, and one young women who is also putting her papers in and just gave us a referral of a family-o gloria). I am loving their spirit and desire to work with us. We haven't taught a single lesson without a member since I got here, and I dont think we ever will. ITs super impressive. These young men remind me a ton of Kevin, Justin, Pug, Ben and the rest of the gang back home. They also will be great missionaries!
Health. Im great! Im actually doing great. I am loving my life, im on the tail end of a cold, but i thing as of this morning its gone. So that makes me happy.
Health. Im great! Im actually doing great. I am loving my life, im on the tail end of a cold, but i thing as of this morning its gone. So that makes me happy.
The reason being the inspiration for our transfer. Good question. There are two parts. One, the Elders who were in this ward before us were having a few challenges and needed to be transferred. Nothing serious, just needed a new area. Two, our old ward was tired of us haha. That ward has had great missionaries for over a year and a half and had really started to take it for granted. They leadership did not want growth, just wanted to "strengthen" the members they had. So, the stake president thought it would be better if we switched to this other ward, that wants and is super ready for growth. Take advantage of the great missionaries that will pass through here in the future. It was just a suggestion, but not im really grateful and feel that it was inspiration, This area is teaching me so much about life, leadership and church membership. I love it!
We live in a great house. After the cleaning, its one of my favorite houses, if not my favorite. We are actually rather spoiled because there is a great lady who lives in front and doesnt let us wash our on clothes. SHe washes em! I have never seen my shirts so clean since the day I bought them. haha sweet.
This sister in the ward fixed my suit! It left a scar, but you have to rally pay attention to notice that is not just another seem. Im pretty pumped. Its old, but I love it. Im not gonna be able to give it up before the end of the mission. Its almost a part of me.
I was praying yesterday for some motivation or something extra to help me accelerate at the end of my mission. I want to fly towards the end! I think the answer to my prayer was in those young men. 4 of them bore their testimonies yesterday about wanting to serve missions. I think i need to do my very best to show them the best missionary I can be, show them that just cause your "old" doesn't mean you have to slow down! I felt a lo t of love for those guys, Ill do my best to help them.
I love this church. I am so grateful for the blessings of being a member andbeing able to get to know and work with such great people. They teach me so much! I am also grateful for the classes and testimonies we hear every week. I lov ehow incredible the gospel is! Helps us in all parts of our lives! What a wonderful blessing! Woohoo!
I love you all too, I hope you all have an excellent week!
July 13, 2011 letter
Well, Hey!
Saturday after the division we went to Presidents house to talk to him about transfers. We were not there to do the transfers, but to be data bases for his questions about missionaries and areas, and give suggestions when needed. it was cool to feel the Spirit and to see how revelation works with this great man. He has said various times "Information proceeds revelation". He did what was logical, and looked at it to see if it felt right. It was cool to feel a little of how he felt. Sometimes when a dupla was put together, you could just feel, in your heart and in your mind, "thats right". It made sense logically, and spiritually felt good. When all was said and done, we went home and he prayed and fasted and went to the temple to see what the Lord wanted, how he felt about it all. It was definitely a wonderful learning experience. Helped me a lot to be able to understand revelation!
Sunday evening we went to the office to pass the transfers. When President sent us the transfers, we went over them to see if there were any errors, and then corrected them with him. We finally got them set and started calling about 10:30. We got it all done by and were in bed (at the offices Elders apartment which is kinda like my second home) by 1:30am! Woohoo!
We got up early and went back over to the office and started organizing everything for the transfers, and the normal weekly follow-up. Whew. On top of everything else, the mission switched our cell phone provider to another company, so that was a nice stack of work on top of everything. We left the office at 9:30ish, got home at ten, to get started packing.
Yep, I got transfered! Actually, WE got transferred! ME and my companion we both transferred - together - to another ward! Its not that far, its actually one of the 4 wards that uses the same chapel as our old ward. Anywaysa, we spent the night packing and cleaning. Got to bed by 1:30am again. Super crazy.
We got up at 6:00 the next day to finish, and to leave by 7:30 to get to the office, make 16 copies of a training book for the trainers, and then we ran over to the chapel to start the new leadership training meeting! Woohoo! After that we started the Trainee meeting, which was part of the much longer Meet your Trainer meeting. Finally, we left there to go back to the office, say good bye to the group thats going home :(. Three of my companions, Elder Read, Finlinson, and Elder Perry, as well as my old roommate Elder Schmidt (along with many other great friends and missionaries). Then we went back towards our area, but before we got there, had one more meeting with the Stake President. We finally left there at 9, and were able to get a ride to our old house, get our bags, and finally, get into our new house. whew.
Our new house is great! It was a little dirty however, so we spent 4 or 4 hours this morning cleaning and organizing it, and throwing away a lot of stuff. I think as of tomorrow morning, we will be back on a normal schedule.
I have been a little sick as well haha. Sister Tanner heard me coughing and asked me what i was doing to get over it and I told her i was sleeping less than 7 hours a night and Im not eating reguarly. haha luckily she got distracted and didnt hear me :) But Now Im good :)
Hey, so Monday I ripped my suit! oh glory. I had my arms full of stuff from the office and I was standing up to get off the bus when we flew over a speed bumb at high speeds, throwing me out of my chair at and elevated rate. The arm rest conveniently was inside my suit pocket, so yea, its pretty ...pretty. I had those meetings the next day so I called up Elder Finlinson, and he gave me his old suit that he would need anymore. It aint pretty, but i like it.
Aside from all this, I love my new area! Its incredible. I dont know very many people yet, but those that I know are awesome! They are so excited abouyt the work! We are gonna have a blast here! I feel much more at home with these members then I felt in my last area. Its really a great blessing.
Well, thats pretty much my week. Super lame for the reader haha but its the best I got. Next week we will be able to talk more about the work in this great nex ward, Jardim Apurá!
I love you all! Thanks for everything!
Love, Elder Jake
If you wanted like to hear today how this week was calmer and a more "normal", you may stop reading now. This week was insane! we had a lot of work to do with transfers and everything else!
We did a division with Elder Tyree and Elder Jakson this week, which was fun. ANd hard. I stayed in the area and was having a hard time finding people to teach. It was annoyning haha, but we worked hard. It was a normal division, just that one day of normal work before the hurricane started up again...
We did a division with Elder Tyree and Elder Jakson this week, which was fun. ANd hard. I stayed in the area and was having a hard time finding people to teach. It was annoyning haha, but we worked hard. It was a normal division, just that one day of normal work before the hurricane started up again...
Saturday after the division we went to Presidents house to talk to him about transfers. We were not there to do the transfers, but to be data bases for his questions about missionaries and areas, and give suggestions when needed. it was cool to feel the Spirit and to see how revelation works with this great man. He has said various times "Information proceeds revelation". He did what was logical, and looked at it to see if it felt right. It was cool to feel a little of how he felt. Sometimes when a dupla was put together, you could just feel, in your heart and in your mind, "thats right". It made sense logically, and spiritually felt good. When all was said and done, we went home and he prayed and fasted and went to the temple to see what the Lord wanted, how he felt about it all. It was definitely a wonderful learning experience. Helped me a lot to be able to understand revelation!
Sunday we had a normal Sunday at church. I was asked to speak on the spot! I started to pray to know what to say, and then it came to me. So I spoke about my family! It was the first time I had ever done that really in a talk. I started out by introducing each one of you, and telling them a little bit about you. After that, I talked about how much I missed you. Then I asked, "how sad would it be for my family, if I was never able to come back home?" The Spirit was able to teach me at that moment how badly Heavenly Father wants all of us to go back and live with Him. And how important it is that we help others, our brothers and sisters to come home for that big thanksgiving dinner! I love how the Lord teaches me as I try to teach others.
Sunday evening we went to the office to pass the transfers. When President sent us the transfers, we went over them to see if there were any errors, and then corrected them with him. We finally got them set and started calling about 10:30. We got it all done by and were in bed (at the offices Elders apartment which is kinda like my second home) by 1:30am! Woohoo!
We got up early and went back over to the office and started organizing everything for the transfers, and the normal weekly follow-up. Whew. On top of everything else, the mission switched our cell phone provider to another company, so that was a nice stack of work on top of everything. We left the office at 9:30ish, got home at ten, to get started packing.
Yep, I got transfered! Actually, WE got transferred! ME and my companion we both transferred - together - to another ward! Its not that far, its actually one of the 4 wards that uses the same chapel as our old ward. Anywaysa, we spent the night packing and cleaning. Got to bed by 1:30am again. Super crazy.
We got up at 6:00 the next day to finish, and to leave by 7:30 to get to the office, make 16 copies of a training book for the trainers, and then we ran over to the chapel to start the new leadership training meeting! Woohoo! After that we started the Trainee meeting, which was part of the much longer Meet your Trainer meeting. Finally, we left there to go back to the office, say good bye to the group thats going home :(. Three of my companions, Elder Read, Finlinson, and Elder Perry, as well as my old roommate Elder Schmidt (along with many other great friends and missionaries). Then we went back towards our area, but before we got there, had one more meeting with the Stake President. We finally left there at 9, and were able to get a ride to our old house, get our bags, and finally, get into our new house. whew.
Our new house is great! It was a little dirty however, so we spent 4 or 4 hours this morning cleaning and organizing it, and throwing away a lot of stuff. I think as of tomorrow morning, we will be back on a normal schedule.
I have been a little sick as well haha. Sister Tanner heard me coughing and asked me what i was doing to get over it and I told her i was sleeping less than 7 hours a night and Im not eating reguarly. haha luckily she got distracted and didnt hear me :) But Now Im good :)
Hey, so Monday I ripped my suit! oh glory. I had my arms full of stuff from the office and I was standing up to get off the bus when we flew over a speed bumb at high speeds, throwing me out of my chair at and elevated rate. The arm rest conveniently was inside my suit pocket, so yea, its pretty ...pretty. I had those meetings the next day so I called up Elder Finlinson, and he gave me his old suit that he would need anymore. It aint pretty, but i like it.
Aside from all this, I love my new area! Its incredible. I dont know very many people yet, but those that I know are awesome! They are so excited abouyt the work! We are gonna have a blast here! I feel much more at home with these members then I felt in my last area. Its really a great blessing.
Well, thats pretty much my week. Super lame for the reader haha but its the best I got. Next week we will be able to talk more about the work in this great nex ward, Jardim Apurá!
I love you all! Thanks for everything!
Love, Elder Jake
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