Transfer 12 Week 4

Dear Everyone,

    This was quite an interesting week. I still have not gotten a hold of the Christmas Spirit yet, but I am sure it will hit me at some point. I spent a good portion of my first three studies this week memorizing "The Living Christ" and have been using free time to read from Jesus the Christ.They have both been helpful in focusing my thoughts on the true reason for the season. The Elders and I went to shop for a couple of things for cleaning and we felt a noticeable difference in the spirit that usually surrounds our service and the chaotic spirit that rests upon the world. It was a little to deep to be thinking about during shopping, but still, it is a telling sign of the times.

    I spent most of my time this week in the Temple and at the Healing Place Thrift Store. We had a mountain of donations and yesterday I was finally able to get through most of them in the back. We had about 10 or more of the giant black bags of clothes come in and I spent most of yesterday sorting through them. Thankfully we received a good number of toys and were able to sell those the same day. :) With the missionaries I was able to visit one of the families we have been working with and the older daughter expressed that as she read the Book of Mormon she felt that it was true. We invited her to continue to read and pray for we know that no man or woman can come to spiritual knowledge without prayer.

    This week my study was focused generally on focusing more on others and Christ and submitting to the will of the Father in all things. I love the phrase in the book of Alma as it describes the sons of the Children of Ammon. It says "they stand fast in that liberty wherewith God has made them free." It struck me that the liberty was not only their ability to be free within the government that had been established, but the freedom from sin and eternal sorrow that the Gospel of Jesus Christ offered them. By being faithful to their covenants and to their God they were standing fast in the Gospel or in other words, the liberty God had granted unto them in accordance to their obedience. I also loved Moroni's declaration that even though they did not have many army men, "they had no desire to murmur" and he trusted that "God [would] deliver [them], notwithstanding the weakness of [their] armies, yea, and deliver [them] out of the hands of of [their] enemies." I know that as we are obedient to the laws and ordinances of Christ's Gospel we are following "the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come."

    Jesus is the Christ. He is the very immortal Son of God, sent to save us all. He gave His life for each and every one of us, if we would repent and follow Him. Because of His death and resurrection, all mankind will receive their bodies once more and stand to be judged of Him. We will be judged according to our works and the desires of our hearts. His way is the only sure path. I testify that His priesthood and His church have been restored upon the earth. I testify that He and His Father appeared to the boy Joseph Smith and through him the dispensation of the fullness of times was brought forth. God is our loving Heavenly Father. He loves each and every one of His Children. Christ is His Son, the redeemer of the world. May we each follow the footsteps of our Savior in this the Christmas season is my earnest prayer, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Merry Christmas,

Elder Roberts

Transfer 12 Week 3

Dear Everyone,

    Merry Christmas! Wow, it is so hard to believe that it is this time of year again. It seems like it was Christmas just a few months ago. Craziness. Well, this week has been quite an interesting one full of crazy random happenstances. It all started when I locked my keys in my car and I quickly found out how fun it is to try to break into my car. That did not work out at all and I ended up having to call my aunt and uncle with the missionaries' cellphone since I had forgot mine at home. We were able to finally make it to the Issa's and had a wonderful dinner there and helped decorate their tree before having a wonderful discussion on missionary week and what they could do personally and as a family to assist in the work. They are such a great help.

    On Tuesday we had a wonderful Christmas Zone Conference in Knightdale and we were instructed and edified quite beautifully in how we could best go about our purpose in bringing souls unto Christ. We then took a break for lunch and reconvened afterward. Elders Stanfield and Eteaki sang a gorgeous rendition of "I Need Thee Every Hour" beginning in English and then switching to Tongan on the second verse. We had a bit more instruction and then began the Christmas Program where the different zones had pieces that they had put together in the past transfer. They performed and it was quite a scene to behold. What touched me the most though, was the slide show which started with a painting of the Christ child and progressed through paintings representing his childhood, early manhood, ministry, atonement, death and ending with His resurrection. Wow, that was something to remember. President got up and commented on the reverence we all demonstrated while watching it and wondered if any of us had thought to ourselves "that is who I represent in this work." It was definitely a humbling experience. That night I was able to enjoy the spirit of the Temple and fulfill my assignment there.

    On Wednesday morning I attended the Temple and then went to volunteer at the Thrift Store. There was a lot of organizing and cleaning to do. I then returned home and indexed a bit.

    Thursday I had study over at the Spanish Missionaries' apartment and had fun driving through the snow to get there. I then went to the Thrift Store and then back out with the missionaries.

    Friday morning we had interviews with the mission president and there I learned from the Garner Spanish Elders that they are teaching a young man who came to a knowledge of the existence of the Book of Mormon through Assassin's Creed 2. Truly the Lord works in mysterious ways, using even the tools of the adversary to further His work. XD I am so grateful to be going out in the field next week! I am going to make it the best area I have ever been to! I then went home and had a study before I went to the Thrift Store. I was able to give the manager of the store a copy of the Book of Mormon in Spanish with my testimony in it. I was even able to explain a bit and bear my testimony. :D I was so full of joy as I skipped out of the store.

    Saturday was a really crazy day. I went to the thrift store after study and ended up cutting my finger on some glass in a trash bag I was carrying out to the dumpster. One trip to urgent care later, I was all patched up. The Branch Christmas party was a blast and I was even able to take a swing at a pinata. I ended up taking one of the legs off.
   
    Sunday was a very interesting day. After church and study I went with the Spanish Elders to a couple of appointments. We had a wonderful lesson with the daughters of a recent convert. One of the daughters actually received her answer about the Book of Mormon right in front of us and it was a very sweet experience. We also had a not so good experience, but through the power of prayer and the priesthood we were able to pull through. We ended up having quite an amazing dinner with the Benditez family and then went home.

    I am so grateful for my opportunity to be a missionary. I have been able to grow in ways that I never would have otherwise and have had such amazing experiences. I have a stronger testimony of the reality of the Savior and of His atonement. I know that Jesus is the Christ, the savior of the world. I know that God is our Father. We are His Children. I know that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God and that through Him Christ restored His Church upon the Earth. I know that God the Father and Jesus Christ, His Son, appeared to the boy Joseph in a now sacred grove. I have a testimony of priesthood power and of the power of sincere and fervent prayer. The Book of Mormon is true. The Church is true. We have living Apostles and Prophets on the earth today. Through the Gospel we can know who we are, our purpose here on the earth and where we are going. Truths lost for centuries have been restored. This is a great time to rejoice. We have been richly blessed. Of this I testify in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

With love,

Elder Roberts

Transfer 12 Week 1 & 2

Hello Everyone!

    Sorry about last week, I was caught up with writing letters and driving missionaries around. So, I will give an overview of the highlights of the past two weeks. Tuesday morning I woke up early and baked monkey bread for Elder Childs. I then headed over to the Spanish missionaries apartments and then to transfer meeting. Elder Hafen and I were able to volunteer at the Thrift Store and then attend the Transfer meeting. We received some new missionaries in our area, even Elder Dealba and Elder Tibbits. We had a really good Transfer meeting and then after dropping the missionaries off I attended the Temple. The Spirit was so strong that night and a great feeling of peace washed over me, overcoming all worry and doubt. It was an incredible experience that I hope to remember for quite some time. Wednesday morning I returned to the Temple and then attended District Meeting. Afterward I went to volunteer at the Thrift Store and then indexed. On Thursday we had a really crazy morning because Elder Duran was assaulted by burning oil that had jumped out of the pan onto his hand. We rushed him to urgent care after stopping by the pharmacy to see if there was something we could do beforehand. We then waited for him and then were able to get some medicine for him. His hand is doing better, but it is still pretty marred. After serving at the Thrift Store I went with the Elders and we delivered cookies to different families that have helped us throughout the week. I had study with the Spanish Missionaries and then we went to the Ward Mission Leader's house for our weekly meeting with him. I then went to the Thrift Store and then indexed. Saturday morning I went for the practice for the Handel's Messiah performance that following Saturday. I then went and volunteered at the Thrift Store and studied for a bit before attending to my duties. I met a new friend and then went to the Temple worker devotional. Sunday I went and attended fast and testimony meeting in both the English ward and the Spanish Branch and then that night I attended the Christmas devotional.

    Monday I wrote letters and drove the Spanish Elders from Garner around. I then went with the Spanish Elders from Cary to help a member with a talk on tithing. Tuesday morning I had study with the Spanish Elders and then went to Wake Med for Elder Dealba. We then had a good lesson with the Vicente family before I headed to the Thrift Store. That night I attended the Temple. I had a very tired study then next morning and attended District Meeting. We had a great role play on discerning needs and a guy came out of nowhere to ask for direction. We gave him directions and then as he was leaving Elder Mangum and I looked at each other and felt we needed to give him a card. So, we went reverently with haste to hand him a card and barely reach him on the way out the door. I hosted the Elders for lunch and we had pasta. I then went and had Choir Practice after serving at the Thrift Store. I had an incredible study the following morning and then went to the Thrift Store. The Elders and I had dinner at the Ramirez family and stopped by a few people. I had study with the Elders the following morning and we went to Brother Juanico's and then I went to the Thrift Store and then indexed. Saturday was a really good day. I went to the final choir practice and then after my study returned to the Nativity Display. Sadly, noone I invited ended up coming, but I still had a good time as a host and as a wise man. I met up with the Bishop from my first area and his wife and got an update on the work in that area. We ended the night with a wonderful performance of selections from Handel's Messiah and a few other pieces. My throat was pretty much toast afterward. On Sunday we were instructed on adversity and on keeping an eternal perspective and had a great Sunday School lesson on christian courage with examples from the lives of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego and Esther. All of whom were obedient even when the alternative would have been death. However, it was not their example of willingness to die but also their willingness to live for God that set them apart. In combined priesthood we were instructed about Spiritual Gifts and then after talking abit with a few people I went home for my study. That afternoon I went with the Elders and we had two really good lessons and found a new investigator! The final lesson of the night was a defining moment in my mission and really affected me.

    These past two weeks have really added to my testimony of Christ's Gospel and the influence it can have for good in the lives of all of God's children. I know that Jesus is the Christ and that He does live and because He lives we will all live again after this life. I know that we have prophets and apostles on the earth today. I know that President Thomas S. Monson is a Prophet of God. I know that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God and that the Book of Mormon is convincing evidence of this. I know these things by the power of the Holy Ghost and share these things in the name of Him whose church this is, even Jesus Christ, Amen.

With Love,

Elder Roberts

Transfer 11 Week 6

Dear Everyone,

    It is crazy to think that this was the last week of the transfer. It feels like it just started last week. Meanwhile, it feels like January was just a few weeks ago and it is now the Christmas holiday season. Well, that just means I have to buckle down even more and make the most of it.

    Monday afternoon I went with the Elders to Ignacio's and taught his son about the restored Gospel. He said he would pray about it and in the closing prayer he expressed his sincere desire to know if it was true. We were pretty confused at the end since he seemed to have a lot of doubts during the lesson and not that much interest. Afterward we had a Family Home Evening at Sister Lara's and she tried to teach me and the Elders how to make papusas. Papusas are an amazing food which is essentially a bean and cheese filled corn tortilla, but made in such a way that you fill it with goodness and then mold more mix over the top to seal it. They are hard to make, but very delicious. I tried, but failed pretty miserably and even dropped two of them that I was trying to mold. There was a need for coordination between my hands which I had hitherto not achieved nor tried before.

    Tuesday we had a mission tour with one of the Seventies. He came and we were thoroughly instructed for a long while by him, his wife, the mission president and his wife and several Zone Leaders. Seventies are responsible for visiting all of the places the Apostles are not able to go. We first see mention of them in the scriptures with Moses and we also see them set apart in the New Testament to assist the Twelve Apostles. The duties of the Seventies are laid out in more detail in the Doctrine and Covenants. I felt that the most important thing that I took from that conference was the importance of learning and utilizing the language of the Spirit. I pondered this morning about what would happen if all the members of the church actively invited the Holy Spirit into their homes and made it their priority to make their home a refuge from the "world". It struck me how much missionary work would be done just by non-members walking in and feeling the Spirit in the home. There truly is power in consecrating our homes to the Lord. I know that there awaits a peace and joy beyond measure to those who study and live this principle.

    That night that missionaries and I visited Vicente and he was really sick. Thankfully we were able to shortly teach about priesthood blessings and were able to give him one. He has so much faith. One of the missionaries commented that he had never had as much faith that a man would be healed as with Vicente.

    On Wednesday I went back to the Thrift Store and we went through the van full of stuff I dropped off on Tuesday. We were able to get through a lot of it. The following day I was able to have a marvelous Thanksgiving with the McNiels and then go with the Spanish Elders to stop by a few people.

    On Friday I continued sorting through a lot of clothes and such at the Thrift Store and some people came in who were doing a scavenger hunt. I had a lot of fun helping them find items and watching them take pictures of each other as proof, until they needed someone else to pose with a winter sweater. I ended up being the one to do so and that would have been fine, but they came back since the photo was supposed to include the guy in the party. So, we posed again. That afternoon a lady came in and bought that same sweater.

    On Saturday I had a really good study and then went and helped the Holly Springs Elders and the Green Level Elders switch back companions. I then went to the Thrift Store and helped out with cleaning and sorting toys. That night we had a really good dinner with the Martinez family and I actually tried the really spicy salsa. I poured salsa, lime, onion and cream in my soup and was able to finish the entire bowl. The bowl was about two times the size of the rest of the bowls. XD We then departed and went to Sister Santiago's and then home.

    Sunday was really good. We had some great talks and the other two lessons went really well. After church I had my study and took a good long nap. I was in much need of one. I then went with the Spanish Elders and we taught a couple of lessons to end the night.

    This week I have gained a greater testimony of the importance of the Spirit and of the peace and joy He brings. I know that this is Christ's Church and that through His Spirit we are able to teach and shout this message to all the earth, inviting them to come unto Christ and partake of His goodness. I know that Joseph Smith was a Prophet and that the Book of Mormon is powerful evidence of this. There is so much power within its pages. I know that God is our loving Heavenly Father and that He has given us this life to learn, grow and prepare to live with Him forever. Jesus is the Christ, the savior and redeemer of the world. Let us praise Him in our thoughts, words and deeds this Christmas season. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

With Love,

Elder Roberts

Transfer 11 Week 5

Dear Everyone,

    This week has gone by so quickly. I cannot believe how fast time can fly by. This past week I have been able to volunteer at a few places and continue to drive the missionaries around. I started my week of service after having a study session with the Spanish Elders. I am still working on finishing the Book of Mormon again before the end of my mission. I am currently in Mosiah right after they kill Abinadi. As I was reading the sermon of King Benjamin hit me in a way it had never before done. I felt the power and testimony behind it and felt how the pure doctrine taught could change attitudes and behavior. After study I went with the Spanish Elders to the Dorcas Thrift Shop and was able to assist in volunteering there. I had to leave a bit earlier than the missionaries though, since I was expected at the other thrift store. I volunteered at the Healing Place Thrift Store and met a new friend. He and I ended up talking for about three and a half hours straight and that made the time sail by. It was nice to find someone with similar interests to talk to. I then went out with the Spanish Elders and we dropped by a few people.
    On Wednesday I went to District Meeting and we studied how to begin teaching a lesson. I know that sounds pretty basic, but there are key points that even the "old" missionaries miss. It was really good to be able to role play and increase our adeptness in this. After lunch I went to the Healing Place Thrift Store and spent the rest of my day there. We received a truck load of donations and it has been quite a task to sort through it all. As of Saturday the back room was still packed.
    On Thursday I went to the Thrift Store after having study with the Spanish Elders and spent most of my day there. That night the Elders did not need me so I ended up indexing and working on my Spanish.
    On Friday I went with the Spanish Elders and then back to the Thrift Store. That night I reunited with the Spanish Elders and we had an incredible lesson with the Vicente family. We taught the word of wisdom and Brother Vicente thanked us a few times and even shared insights on the promises found in Doctrine and Covenants Section 89. We had dinner with the Serapio family and then dropped the Elders off.
    On Saturday I went to the Healing Place Thrift Store for most of the day and was able to get through a few bags of clothes and things. That night I went with the Spanish Elders and we were able to see a few people. We were glad to find out that one of the couples that we have been teaching have decided to get married. :)
    Sunday was a pretty amazing day. I got to sing in the ward choir and then again in the Messiah rehearsal. It was a wonderful end to a good week. I felt a great love and joy as I united with the different members of the choir in singing praises to the Lord. I ended the night with the Spanish Elders and we were able to teach a family and drop by a few others.

    Wow, it is hard to believe that so much time has gone by so quickly and yet so much has happened in the last year and some. I have learned a lot and know there is so much more to learn. I have a greater testimony of the Book of Mormon and the witness of Jesus Christ that it contains. I know that this is Christ's church and His work and it will go forth until He shall say it is finished. I know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Messiah that prophets prophesied would come and will come again. These things I share in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

With love,

Elder Roberts

Transfer 11 Week 4

Dear Everyone,

    It is incredible to see how fast time flies on the mission. It is so important to make each day, yea, even each hour count. This week began, for me, with a funeral of someone I knew, but did not know as well as I would have liked. I had been able to visit this Sister a few times and had heard her stories of missions and silly Elders and  a Family History missionary who wanted so badly to preach the Gospel that she went out and tried. I was able to listen to portions of her life I had never known about and look forward to associating with her beyond the veil. That night I went with the Spanish Elders to the Martinez family's house. We did scriptural charades and the Elders and I were able to act out two scenes. The first we did was Noah's Ark. Elder Duran and I pretended to be the mockers and scorners of Noah. While the faithful Noah (Elder Brown) worked on his ark (chair), Elder Duran and I pointed and laughed and danced until he got on his chair and waited. The rain came down and both I and Elder Duran were swept away into destruction. The second one we did was the story of Nephi obtaining the plates of brass from Laban. Well, Elder Duran went and tried to talk Laban into giving him the plates, but it did not go over very well. The second time we brought food and he took it and bit into it and sent us away. The third time I took a wooden spoon and played out the rest of the story and obtained the plates.

    On Tuesday I had my last day at Meals on Wheels. It has been quite an experience to deliver meals to the elderly and to see their appreciation. That afternoon I went to the Healing Place Thrift Store and then to the Temple. Wednesday morning I returned to the Temple and after a session I had my study in the waiting room.

Thursday we had zone conference and that was a really good experience. We focused on member missionary work and using our dinners effectively. Elder Chase and Elder Stanfield sang an incredible duet of "Can You Hear The Prayers of the Children" that was really powerful. Wow, I will never forget that day. I went with the Spanish Elders that night and we stopped by to check on some people. We then had dinner with Brother Foster and learned of the tender mercies the Lord had wrought in his life.

    Friday morning I returned to the Temple and then went to the Healing Place Thrift Store. While I was there a mountain of boxes were brought in. Thankfully that gave me plenty to do until it was time to go.

    Saturday I spent my time at the Thrift Store from 11-5 and then went with the English Elders to an appointment.

    Sunday I went to church and then went with the Spanish Elders.

    All in all it was a pretty good week. I have learned a lot this week about obedience and the blessings it brings. I know that this is Christ's church. I know that Jesus is the Christ. I know that we have a Prophet on the earth today, even Thomas S Monson. I know that he is the mouthpiece of the Lord. These things I know and leave them with you in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

With love,

Elder Roberts

Transfer 11 Week 3

Dear Everyone,

    This week has been an interesting one. We had a combined preparation day and the entire zone met at the stake center and played various games. Afterwards I went with the Spanish Elders to a couple of families and shared a spiritual thought. On Tuesday I joined the Spanish Elders at the Dorcas Thrift Shop and helped them with volunteer work there. That night I went to the Temple and met the new Temple President. I asked one of the workers there what the best way to stay focused on my mission was. He replied that I should remember that it only happens once and I cannot get this time back. That is very true. Time is one of the great blessings we have been given in this life and we are charged with making the best use of it. Wednesday morning I had the opportunity to attend District Meeting and was edified therein. I then went to get my oil changed and continued to the Thrift Store to volunteer. I met a new volunteer and got to know him as we worked in the back room. That night I went with the Cary Elders and we visited a few families. Thursday morning I helped the Holly Springs Elders switch back from an exchange and went from Cary to their apartment, from there apartment to Morrisville and from there back to their apartment. Afterward I went to Raleigh for Meals on Wheels and then to the Thrift Store. I tried my hand at making flan and it turned out alright. It was a little undercooked, but tasted fine. That night I went with the Spanish Elders and went on splits with one of them after we had dinner with the Ramirez family. We stopped by some people but the people we wanted to see were not there. Friday morning I went back to the Temple and felt the great influence of the Spirit. I had my study in the waiting room and was greatly edified. I went home for lunch and then went to the Thrift Store to volunteer. We have been getting a lot of donations recently and it seems that everyday the back room is full again. I was at a different thrift store on Tuesday and when I came back the next day it was packed! On Saturday we had an incredible adult session of Stake Conference. I was able to see people I had not seen in almost a year and a half and was pleased to be able to listen to marvelous counsel. We are very blessed to have the Stake, Temple and Mission leaders that we do. I had the pleasure of singing in the Stake Choir and the music really touched my heart. I felt closer to the Savior and was prepared to receive the revelation I needed. We had the general session of Stake Conference on Sunday and that went really well. I loved the Mission President's message on missionary work and how it served many purposes for him to share that. We had a baptism afterward at the Cary building for the Spanish Branch and I was able to make a dessert for the get together afterwards. I went with the English Elders that night and had dinner with one family and stopped by a couple of others.

    I love being a missionary, I love the feeling of having the companionship of the Holy Ghost and the sweet assurance that I am doing the Father's will. I am grateful for the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the cleansing and enabling power that come from it. I love the wonderful Elders I am privileged to work with and look forward to serving alongside one next transfer. I have had a wonderful learning opportunity and an opportunity to teach by the Spirit. I would not trade anything for the time that I have been able to spend here. I know that this is the work of the Lord. I know that Joseph Smith was a Prophet and that through him the Lord has restored His church on the earth. The Book of Mormon is evidence of this and all can receive and answer, from God, through prayer. I know that Jesus is the Christ and that through the Book of Mormon I have a surer witness of that. He is the Messiah, there is no savior besides Him, there is no other name given under heaven whereby men can be saved. Of these things I testify, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

With Love,

Elder Roberts

Transfer 11 Week 2

Dear Everyone,

    This week has been quite an interesting one. On Monday we had Family Home Evening with the Serapio family and we acted out scenes from the scriptures. I was Moses from when he was able to lead the children of Israel through the Red Sea on dry ground. I love that example of revelation because many times the Lord will require us to do something that has never been done or to go a way that has never been achieved before. Sometimes we get hung up with the fact that there is a large body of water in our path, but we must remember that the power of the Lord is over all of His creations. Elder Brown was able to act out the scene of Samuel the Lamanite and how none of the arrows could hit him. It showed how the Lord will protect His servants that go forth by His word, with His authority and power. This is also a good example of how sometimes the Lord will use converts to call the members to repentance.

    On Tuesday I volunteered at Meals on Wheels and delivered on the Taupe route, which I had not done in a little while. We had a new man added to the route and it was interesting to meet him and to find my way to his apartment. The rest of my route was unchanged and pretty uneventful until I came down to the last door. This lady answered and noticed my missionary tag. She looked at my tag and looked at me and stated that "she loved Jesus too." I am grateful to know that there are people out there that have a great admiration and love of the Lord. She then asked if I had a girlfriend. I answered that question quickly and then headed back to the Meals on Wheels foundation. XD Well, I went to the Thrift Store and sorted toys which, by the way, I have way too much fun doing. I then heard the song "Eye of the Tiger" playing and it reminded me of an inside joke I have with one of the Assistants to the President since I served in his district in Durham. That will not really mean anything to you, but I wanted to make a note of it. Later that night I was able to serve at the Temple and Sister Jones made this wonderful pumpkin cheesecake, which I will have the recipe for tomorrow. After my shift at the Temple she let me have the rest of it and I was able to share it with the Elders on Wednesday.

    On Wednesday I was able to join the Elders for District Meeting where we discussed the Doctrine of Christ. We broke into groups and studied different principles within the Doctrine of Christ including faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism, receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands and enduring to the end. After sharing our thoughts and impressions that we received during our study, we solidified our understanding by lining up in the Gym. We held hands and stretched out as far as we could. The Elder at the end had hold of a box of candy labeled "Eternal Life." We then were told at different times that the person we represented stopped doing certain things e.g. repenting, having faith, being worthy of the Holy Ghost, keeping the commandments, etc. We then let go and saw the gap that was created when we miss out on a principle. After District Meeting I made rice for a few Elders and no, there is not supposed to be a tablespoon of salt. I should have put a teaspoon of salt on the recipe last week.

    On Thursday I studied over at the Spanish Missionaries apartment and then went to Meals on Wheels. At the Thrift Store, later that day, I learned how to make flan and will try to make it this week. I will tell you how that worked out in my next post. That night Elder Duran and I helped a family move into the branch.

    Friday I went with the Holly Spring Elders since the senior companion left and there were going to be two Elders who had both only been out a month. So, I joined them and we were able to meet some families in the ward and offer our assistance for future reference. One of the families wanted us to help clear out some trees in the back, but with the restrictions on tools I do not think we could do that effectively. I then went to the Thrift Store and cleaned out a lot of the back room. Though, by the end of the day, it was full again. I was thankful that the Elders were able to come by and help me, even though they only came since they needed a ride home. :D That's okay though, beggars can not be choosers. For study that morning I studied the Book of Mormon and its role in conversion, testimony, answering questions and objections and the constructing of a saint. It truly is the keystone of our religion and a Liahona for happy living. I thought about the act of murmuring a lot and remembered the words of Elder Holland on a couple of occasions. On one occasion he expressed his belief that "no sorrow or trouble is so bad that whining about it won't make it worse." On another occasion he stated that he believed that Nephi's being tied up for three days was nothing compared to the torture of having to listen to his brothers' constant murmuring. He further elaborated by saying: "he must have said, at least once, hit me again, I can still hear you." I felt a bit of that hearing people complain of their woes and sorrows and the work they had to do. I feel there is too much good in the world to see it so darkly. Even if the world is becoming worse, it is not our job to wallow in the muck of it all, but instead we should clean ourselves up and shine with the brightness of hope the Gospel brings into our lives.

    Saturday I woke up and when I was about to begin my study my folks gathered us together to inform us that our cat had passed away. Even now it is weird to not see him loafing around the house or leading visitors to the food bowl. He lived a long and full life though and awaits that glorious resurrection that is a gift to all. I went to the Thrift Store after a meeting and continued to clean out the back room. At night I went with Elder Brown to visit one of our investigator and I was able to share a quote from President Benson about putting God first in our lives. It truly is the path to peace and happiness. We then joined the other Elders and had dinner at the Infantes.

    Sunday was Fast Sunday and it was a delight to hear the testimonies of the ward members. I really enjoyed hearing testimonies of conversion and forgiveness. I know that as we forgive with charitable hearts we allow the Atonement to heal us and change us into who Christ would have us become. I then went to the Gospel Principles class where we studied and discussed the importance of prayer. I really enjoyed hearing Sister Guerra's suggestion to take 30 seconds when you wake up to take everything in before you kneel down to pray. I did try that this morning, but I think I will wait until I am up a little bit so my meditation doesn't send me into dreamland. After class I was talking with Greg and told him about the conversion of Earth time to Kolobian time and I was telling him how I had figured out how to convert it how to hours and minutes and seconds. However, when I was about to show him, it all flew from my mind. It wasn't until after I left that I figured out I had the equation backwards. For example, if one thousand earth years is one day of rotation. Then one K day is equal to 365,000 earth days. So 1/365000 = what percentage of a K Day an earth day is. This equates to one earth day equaling about 0.24 k seconds. So the average persons spends 0.07 kdays on earth or 1.68 K hours. 

    That night I went with the Spanish Elders and taught David and then visited two families before heading home. All in all it has been a really good week.

    I know that Jesus is the Son of God, the Savior of the World. I know that He will gather Israel in again and that the seed of Abraham will come forth from among the Gentiles to be united as the covenant people. I know that God is our loving Heavenly Father and that He knows our needs and desires. I have a testimony of prayer as a way to learn the will of the Father and to bring our will in correspondence with His. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, that it contains the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and that it is evidence that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God. I know that Christ's church is on the earth again in its fullness with the priesthood and ordinances necessary for salvation. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is that church. I know we have a Prophet on the Earth today, even Thomas S. Monson. Of these things I testify, in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

With Love,

Elder Roberts

 

Transfer 11 Week 1

Dear Everyone,

    This week has really flown by. The Spanish Elders and I have been working with a few progressing investigators and are really glad that a couple more have begun to progress. With two of them that have begun to progress, we watched The Restoration DVD and that helped them to see the importance of the Book of Mormon. We had taught the restoration and reviewed it a few times, but the movie was a great tool in helping them visualize the events of the restoration. I volunteered at Meals on Wheels and at the Thrift Store this week, but on Tuesday I spent most of my day dealing with transfers and the organized chaos that comes with that. I ended up leaving early in the morning to pick up one of the English Elders to take him to training meeting. However, I also had to meet the Wilmington Elders in Garner. Sadly, their ride was late and so after driving to Garner I left for Raleigh and then went back to Garner for the other Elders. After I dropped them off, I had a good study at the stake center and headed back to Cary to pick up the English Elder's companion so that he could go to transfer meeting. I then provided a ride to the English Elders and headed back home for a bit until I headed off to the Temple.

    This past week I have felt the Spirit testify strongly of the reality of the Restoration. Every time we watched it with our investigators I could hear the still small voice and feel of His witness. Every time I thought back to the words of the First Vision I felt a confirming whisper to the truthfulness thereof. I am grateful for my testimony of these simple truths. It has been such a blessing to play a part in sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with other people. It was an especially sweet moment as I saw the Melchizadek priesthood bestowed upon the man I had baptized the previous March. I am grateful that I have been blessed to see his family progress in the Savior's gospel and in His church.

    I have begun to read the Book of Mormon again and I plan on finishing it by the end of my mission. I have noticed many things this time that I did not notice before. It seems as though they add new things every time. Each time I read with faith I gain a greater testimony of the Savior and of His love and His Gospel. I feel a greater desire to do what is right and make better decisions. The darknesses of the world are brought to light and sin is seen as it really is , for "wickedness never was happiness."

    Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. God is our loving Heavenly Father and through the Holy Ghost He manifests Himself and His Gospel unto His children. He speaks through Prophets in this day and age, His first being Joseph Smith Jr. and His current is Thomas S. Monson. The Book of Mormon is convincing evidence of this. Through prayer and personal revelation from the Holy Ghost all can gain a witness of the truthfulness of the message of the restoration. The fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is on the earth once more, of this I testify in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

With Love,

Elder Roberts

Transfer 10 Week 6

Dear Everyone,

    It is crazy to think that the transfer has drawn to a close. I have learned so many things this transfer and my testimony is stronger than it has ever been. I have a greater appreciation for the Gospel and for that opportunity I have to aid the spread of that Gospel through service. This week I performed my usual duties wherein I serve at the Meals on Wheels foundation and at the Thrift Store. However, on Saturday it was a bit different since I went in a few hours early and ran a book sale outside until 5pm. It was the first time I had ever run a book sale and especially one that lasted about 8 hours. It was pretty interesting though because a wide variety of people were interested and I was able to speak to a few of them. In the earlier hours people came by with scanner hardware on their PDAs to try to see if there were any books of use for their online stores. Apparently after paying ~$500 for the scanner and some undisclosed price for the service you can make it back in the first week. So, these book hunters go from store to store and I had never seen them until today. Well, now I know. One of the ladies at the thrift store taught me how to make a different style of rice and after two tries it turned out exactly as she wanted it to be. You take a clove of garlic and mince it. Add some oil to the bottom of a pot and fry the garlic. Then add 1.5 cups of water per cup of rice you intend to make. Bring the water to a boil and then add about 1/3-1/2 tbs of salt or until the water is a little too salty (not like sea water though.) Once you have the water boiling add the amount of rice you want. Before adding the rice rinse it in a coriander for about a minute to get most of the starch off. Leave the pot off and leave the water at boiling until the rice and the water are at the same level. When the rice and water are at the same level put the lid on and turn the heat down and simmer it for 17 minutes. After 17 minutes the rice is ready to be served.

    On Wednesday I attended District Meeting and we discussed "Revelation Through the Book of Mormon." We especially focused on presenting the Book of Mormon in lessons and how we could improve. Well, after much discussion we broke out into role-plays and I was able to role-play as if I were presenting it to the guy I had met at the Thrift Store. The Spirit was very strong and I look very forward to implementing it in real life. Well, that Sunday he came to church and we had a marvelous experience listening to the Primary children bear their testimonies of Christ and of His Gospel and church. It was a very inspirational presentation and he enjoyed it a lot. We were able to take a walk around the Temple and discuss a few things after he had met with his friend who attends that ward and also after being introduced to the sister missionaries. We had dinner later that night and I was blessed to be able to share my testimony of the Book of Mormon and share principles and doctrines of the Restoration. He handled the book with great care and was awestruck that he had never heard of more scripture. I invited him to read and as James directs: "ask of God." He readily agreed and after a prayer I departed. That night was an important step for me in helping me realize, in greater measure, the blessing it is to have the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. I was in tears on the way home just thinking of how much I have to be thankful for because of the testimony that I have of the Book of Mormon, modern day revelation, Prophets and Apostles and of Christ's divinity. The simple truths are so very powerful, yet so easily understood by the humble and pure in heart. I had the opportunity to read the entire Book of Mormon this transfer and those truths were cemented more firmly within my heart. "No evil man could write such a book and no good man would write it, unless he were directed by God to do so..."

    Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God, he translated the Book of Mormon by the power of God. The Book of Mormon is a record of God's dealings with His children, testifies of Jesus Christ and contains the fullness of the Gospel. I know that sincere seekers of truth can come closer to Jesus Christ and to Heavenly Father as they read, ponder upon, pray about and live the precepts taught therein. I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is Christ's church on the Earth again and that we have a Prophet on the earth today, even Thomas S. Monson. I am very grateful for my testimony of these truths and leave them with you in the name of Him who makes all possible, even Jesus Christ, Amen.

With love,

Elder Roberts

Transfer 10 Week 5

Dear Everyone,

    This week has gone by rather quickly. I volunteered at the Thrift Store and met a new volunteer and was grateful for the opportunity of sharing our mutual convictions of Christian living. I went out with the Spanish Elders from Cary and Garner throughout the week. We have a few progressing investigators, but there is so much opposition. Yet that opposition is just a testimony of the truthfulness of the work. I was blessed to be able to attend the Temple a lot this week. I worked my usual night on Tuesday and was able to join the Elders on Wednesday morning. There is a peace, a joy and a love that can be felt there that is not as powerful anywhere else. Once you have been there, you feel an inner force pushing you above the base influences of the world. Yet, we all have the ability to choose to follow that inner strength or to submit to the darker courses laid out by the adversary. I know that with me it has been a constant battle to overcome and to continue to overcome the influences of the world. So it is with all who endeavor to follow in the footsteps of the Savior.

    I got a letter this week! I do so very much enjoy receiving mail. I know that it is a little different since I am still at home for my mission, but that does not change the fact that missionaries love receiving letters. :)

    I made a cake for a missionary this week since it was his birthday, but the frosting turned out too thin. I put it in my car so I could deliver it and when I went up the exit it slid and the icing dripped out into my seat. :( When I arrived we were able to clean it up though. Thankfully the cake still tasted fine. Next time I will whip the dry ingredients before I add the milk.

    I am grateful to be engaged in the work of the Lord with such valiant men and women. I am grateful for the strong testimonies that have been borne in my presence and the opportunities I have had to participate in the preaching of Christ's Gospel. I know that Jesus is the Christ, the Savior and the Son of God. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet and that the Book of Mormon was translated by the power of God for the convincing of Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ. I know that Thomas S Monson is the Lord's mouthpiece on the earth today and that through him Heavenly Father makes His will known unto His children. Of these things I testify in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

WIth Love,
Elder Roberts

Transfer 10 Week 4

Dear Everyone,

    This week has been a very interesting one. The missionaries and I had a great lesson on Monday night where one of our older investigators agreed to work towards a baptismal date. I remember meeting him back when we were meeting with a friend of his and how I was only a few months into my mission. Now with five months left, he is on his way. :D I had the blessing of working in the Temple Tuesday night and had some wonderful experiences and one very interesting one. I was at the recommend desk and two elderly ladies were getting some help from the Temple President. Once they were finished they started to talk to me. Once they discovered I was a missionary they tried to persuade me to move near them and their granddaughters after my mission. XD  Is there anywhere safe for a missionary? On Wednesday I had the opportunity to visit the Temple again and then head to District Meeting. After District Meeting I accompanied the other Elders to Hibachi Express and then to a few lessons. We had a lesson with Alfredo who up till now was okay with coming to church, but not willing to progress or accept a baptismal invitation. However, there seemed to be a change of heart and we were very grateful for the presence of the Spirit and the sweet boldness of Elder Olaya. We had a lesson with Carla after that and were able to watch a clip from General Conference. We watched President Monson's address concerning the resurrection of Christ and the hope that it gives us of live after death. We were able to answer some questions that she had concerning the Bible and resolve some concerns. She is so ready though. We had dinner at the Santiago's and then had a very interesting lesson with a man named Jose. He is searching for the truth, but his heart was not open to it. We left that lesson pretty saddened, yet we remembered that we fought a battle in the preexistence so that our investigators could have the chance to say no. On Thursday I spent most of my day serving a member of the Spanish Branch and Friday was a pretty hectic day. I went to the Temple and had two wonderful sessions. Then I headed over to the Santiago's and helped Brother Santiago out for a few hours. Afterward I went with the missionaries and we had a lesson with Silu. After that I tried to see a Sister in the ward, but she was not home. I found out later that she was in the Hospital and will try to see her in the next few days. Saturday and Sunday were dedicated to General Conference and gladly so. I had a wonderful experience listening to and taking notes during General Conference and look forward to listening to it throughout the year.

    I am so grateful to be a missionary and to have this chance to devote all my time to serving God and His children. I know that this is His Church, that we have a Prophet on the Earth today, even Thomas S Monson, whom I had the pleasure of sustaining Saturday afternoon.  I know that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God and that the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. I know that Jesus Christ is the Messiah, the promised savior of the Old Testament. I know that He lives. I bear my witness of these things, in the name of Him who makes all possible, even Jesus Christ, Amen.

With Love,

Elder Roberts

Transfer 10 Week 3

Dear Everyone,

    This week I was able to do a variety of service. In addition to my usual service at Meals on Wheels and the Healing Place Thrift Store I also went with the Full-time missionaries, a ward missionary and went to the Temple. I have started having study sessions with the Spanish Elders on Tuesday and Thursday mornings so that we can work on role plays and I can improve my Spanish. Those have gone pretty well so far and I look forward to them tomorrow morning. We have a few progressing investigators and I am really excited for them. They have been coming to church, even though it has been hard catching up with them. When we are able to teach it is definitely a blessing for all of us. We had a really good lesson last night with one of our investigators and we were reviewing the first discussion. It was really nice to see them come to a better understanding of why prophets are so essential. I was glad to be able to help in a small way, even if I do not speak the language as well. It just makes it all the better when the Spirit takes over and I am suddenly able to speak fluently. I have noticed that I think too much when I am trying to teach. I sometimes mentally prepare against so many things that when none of that happens I freeze and wonder what to say. It doesn't help when I don't always understand what exactly is going on, but thankfully I am not able to "bash" because of that. That being said, it is better to do what you can to prepare and then just listen with love and reply by the power of the Spirit. Without that Spirit it is impossible to teach the restored Gospel. You can share information, but you cannot teach.

    I felt more useful at the Thrift Store this week now that I am used to how things go. I almost feel like an assistant manager, or the manager's voice for the back. In the back we sort clothes and other purchasable items and prepare them for pricing and organize them in various parts until they can go out. Only two people have pricing authority, a few have clothes sorting authority and even less have toy bagging authority. Most of the people who come in to volunteer end up straightening up the room in the back, which is constantly needed due to donation traffic. Those who come in on a more regular basis decide the places for the sorted items to be placed prior to them going out and accept other such orders from the manager of the store. All in all it has been a neat learning experience.

    I know that I am engaged in the work of the Lord. I am so grateful for the blessings I have experience as a missionary and the opportunities I have had to extend the blessings of the Gospel to others. I am extremely blessed to be a member of Christ's church and to have living apostles and prophets on the earth today. I am grateful for the blessing of being able to listen to their counsel. I am grateful for the opportunity to listen and watch General Conference this weekend and hear them speak. I know that Jesus is the Christ, the Savior of the World and that He leads and guides this church. I have a testimony of the Gift of the Holy Ghost and of the Gifts of the Spirit. I know that the Gospel can heal families and individuals and bring them closer to their Savior. I know that God is our Loving Heavenly Father and that through faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism, receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end we can return to live with Him again. I know that the plan of salvation truly is the plan of happiness, showing us who we are, why we are here and where we can go as we hearken to the precepts and doctrines taught in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that Christ lives. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God to His covenant people is these the latter days. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet and that through him the Book of Mormon was translated, by the power of God, to stand as a testimony that the Gospel has been restored. I have read, I have prayed and I know by the power of the Holy Ghost that has been. I invite all to come unto Christ and partake of the blessings He has prepared for us. In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Love,

Elder Roberts

Transfer 10 Week 2

Dear Everyone,

    This week I volunteered at the Healing Place Thrift Store and also at Meals on Wheels. On Tuesday night I worked at the Temple and was able to go as a patron on Wednesday morning. I usually go to District Meeting afterward, but when I went there was no one there. I waited for quite some time and then found out they were all at a training meeting. Well, I went out with the missionaries several nights this week and we had some great lessons. We had an especially good lesson last night with one of the families in the branch. The Spirit was very strong there and we were able to teach by that Spirit and help bring someone closer to Christ. It was that lesson, more than any other in my mission, that highlighted the importance of eternal families and the role the Gospel of Jesus Christ has in forming and sustaining such families. I know that as they continue to learn and grow in the Gospel, their lives will be after the manner of happiness.

    Wednesday night I was able to go with one of the Ward missionaries and have a spiritual discussion with one of the sisters in the Ward. It went really well, though I think we were the ones being taught. I hope to make visits with the Ward missionaries on a weekly basis to different families, but am still in the early stages of implementing it.

    Well, all in all this week went pretty well, but was over too quickly. I know that this is the work of the Lord. The Spirit testifies of it. I know that Jesus is the Christ, the Savior of all mankind that will humble themselves, come before Him with broken hearts and contrite spirits and accept Him as the Way, the Truth and the Light. I know of the great Plan of Salvation prepared by our Heavenly Father from the beginning for the happiness of each and every one of His children that would choose to follow it. I know that this plan can and does bring lasting happiness, yea, even eternal happiness. I know that I am a child of God and that I do have great worth in His and in my Savior's eyes. I know of the great darkness of the universal apostasy and the glorious light of the restoration. I know that we have a Prophet on the earth today, even Thomas S. Monson, who, under the hand of the Messiah, leads this church. I have a testimony of modern day revelation as manifested in the Book of Mormon and other the other standard works, along with the day to day revelation that comes through the Holy Ghost. Of these things I bear my witness, in the names of Him whose church this is, even Jesus Christ, Amen.

Love,

Elder Roberts     

Transfer 10 Week 1

Dear Everyone,

       This week has been a pretty interesting week. I spent quite a lot of time with the Elders and went from place to place eating and teaching with them. On Tuesday I spent most of the day driving back and forth from Cary to Raleigh to Cary to Raleigh to Cary to Garner to Apex. I had a wonderful time at transfer meeting because I was able to see so many of the missionaries that I have come to love. Sadly, Elder Larsen's mission had come to an end and he was departing with a few other missionaries I knew. Thankfully, I was able to bid him farewell. We lost two missionaries in the transfer, but their replacements are wonderful missionaries. One of them has been out one week and the other is on his last transfer, so we have both ends of the spectrum. We have some new investigators and have been having quite a time getting in touch with them. We also have some not so new investigators where we are having the same difficulties. Well, the work shall go on. We were able to have a really good lesson with one of our contacts from this past week and the lesson went really well. The Cary Spanish Elders did really well in cultivating a spirit of reverence and peace during the lesson and inviting the family to act. I was grateful to be able to share my testimony and add my witness that those things spoken by the Elders were true. As far as service outside the full time teaching Elders goes, I went and volunteered at Meals on Wheels and also at the Thrift Store. I was down a day at both of them due to transfers, so it was good to return on Thursday and Wednesday respectively. I spent Tuesday night after transfers at the Temple, I look forward to going more days this week.

    I have a goal of reading the entire Book of Mormon this 6 week transfer and am currently reading 12 pages a day to complete it. I know that as I do I will draw closer to the Savior and invite the daily revelation that I need as I read, study, ponder and pray about the will of the Father. I love being a missionary. I love the time that I have to reach out and serve others in the work of the Lord. I know that this church is true, that it is Christ's church restored once again upon the earth. I know that Jesus is the Christ, the only begotten Son of the Father in the flesh. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet and that we have a prophet on the earth today, even Thomas S. Monson. The Gift of the Holy Ghost is real and baptism truly is essential to salvation. There is only one way and Christ is that way, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

With love,

Elder Roberts

Transfer 9 Week 6

Hello Everyone!

I can hardly believe that not only another week has past by, but as of now I am also at my one year mark. So much has happened in the past year to change me in so many ways. I have a deeper love of the Gospel and the doctrines and principles therein. I have a stronger testimony that I did before. I have a brighter view of what direction my life should go. Yet, I am more aware of the many faults and weaknesses that I have. It has been an incredibly humbling experience to try to consecrate my all to the Lord and to make inviting His children home my primary focus. I can definitely say that I have a long way to go with that, but I am so very grateful for the tender mercies that I have experienced each and every single day as I have tried to put off my wants and tried to be like Christ in living for others instead of self. There was a really good talk I was listening to a few weeks ago and I may have made mention of it before. The title is "Being a Christian Perfectly" by David C. Perry. A point in the talk has been bouncing around in my head the past weeks, and for a good while in my heart. It is that to be perfect is to be whole. It means that no part is working against the other parts in a goal or purpose. If your purpose is to be like Christ, then if there is any part of your life that is preventing it, you are counseled to cut it off and cast it away. I was reading Alma chapter 24 where the Anti-Nephi-Lehis are burying their weapons of war and the reason they are burying their weapons of war is because they have been guilty of murders. They have a problem with, I would call it, bloodlust. So, they bury their weapons of war. Not that the weapons themselves are evil, but because they are a source of temptation inasmuch as they are working against the whole in being righteous. This meaning of perfection has really illuminated my mind. It touched me that at so great a cost they buried their weapons of war and kept their oath even as they were being slaughtered. All because they recognized the great mercy of the Lord in forgiving them of their great sins and they wanted to be clean and whole. I find that I struggle a lot with trying to keep myself whole. I feel pulled in so many directions in this life, voices from every direction are calling, loud, soft, sweet, harsh. Each beckoning in their own way while leading the ear and tugging at the heartstrings of emotion. There truly are so many directions to go in this life, but we are taught in Nephi to hold to the iron rod. Which rod is the word of God through His Son Jesus Christ and His Holy Prophets leading and guiding the children of God to the tree of life or Christ, which fruit is His Atonement. Christ is also known as the Word or the Word of God. So, the iron rod, or Christ leads to Christ whose fruit is the Atonement. So, we hold onto Christ and His teachings, His light and His example and He will lead us to partake of the fruit of His Atonement. Just some interesting things I studied this week. 

This week I was able to go on splits with the Spanish Elders a couple of times and also once with the Zone Leaders. I continued to serve at the Healing Place Thrift Store and at the Meals on Wheels foundation. My favorite part of the week though, was being able to serve and work in the Temple. That is the place to truly lay aside the things and voices of the world and tune in the the voice of the Spirit. I am so thankful that there are hallowed places on this Earth where we can feel a little closer to Heaven and things celestial. I know that the Temple truly is a House of God. 

I know that Jesus is the Christ, I know that He is the Son of God and that He lives. I know that He is everything, the Alpha and the Omega,  the beginning and the end, He is the creator, enabler and exemplar. I know that God is our Heavenly Father who loves us and cares for us. I know that He has a Prophet on the earth today, even Thomas S. Monson. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. I know that Christ's church was restored through that Prophet and that the Priesthood is once again on the earth. I am humbled and grateful to be a bearer of that holy Priesthood and know that it is a blessing and is only a calling to reach out and serve and bless as if we were Christ's hands on earth. Of these things I testify in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

- Elder Roberts

Transfer 9 Week 5

Dear Everyone,
       
        This week has passed by so quickly. I was able to learn a lot about patience and about losing myself in the service of others. I was able to serve at Meals on Wheels, The Healing Place Thrift Store and with a few of the Elders in the stake. We were able to review the first and second discussions with one investigator and I tried to help out, but I ended up tripping over my words and making a mess of things. The missionaries handled it well though and we ended on a wonderful note. I was also able to attend District Meeting this week where we talked about the Spirit's role in conversion. I was able to do a roleplay with the District Leader and it went really well. :) I was a bit nervous since the last time I tried teaching it didn't go over very well, but thankfully this time it did. I did a little study on how the Spirit enlightens our minds and helps us to discern between darkness and light. That which does not edify is darkness, that which is light edifies and builds up us and those around us. As we are full of the Spirit and have an eye single to the glory of God we can be full of light to the point that there is no darkness. It is when we are burdened and blinded by the glory of the world that we stumble and fall as those who were ashamed after eating from the Tree of Life in Lehi's vision.

    I also had an opportunity to study the roles of Christ in the Three Pillars of Eternity, namely the Creation, the Fall and the Atonement.   In the creation He is the great creator, in the Atonement He is the Savior and the Enabler, not only saving us from death, but enabling us to have faith, repent, be baptized and endure to the end through His grace and mercy. However, in the fall it is a little different. In the Fall His role must be traced back before the world was, where the great debate over the Plan was held. He contended for agency which allowed mankind to choose to partake of the fruit and take upon themselves mortality. It was this agency that made the Fall possible. I had never thought of that before. The role of agency in our lives and in the Plan of Salvation is essential to our progression. Without it we could not learn or progress, there would be no way to righteous, for we could not choose either righteousness nor sin. We would be acted upon and not agents unto ourselves. In this we learn that there must be an opposite force, and we must be enabled to choose to follow it, for without it neither righteousness nor sin, misery or happiness brought about. As it says in 2nd Nephi Chapter 2.

    I am grateful for Jesus Christ and the many roles He has and does yet perform in the grand Plan of Salvation. I am grateful for His Atonement and for the cleansing and enabling powers that flow from that. I am grateful that He is, not was or will be, but is. That He lives and is the great mediator. I am grateful for the opportunity I have to serve Him and to be a representative of Him in His Church.  I know that He lives, I know that this is His Church and that He has called a Prophet in these the Latter Days. I know that the Book of Mormon is with the Bible the Words of God unto His Children. I know that I am a son a God and a bearer of His Holy Priesthood. Of these things I know and humbly bear witness of, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

With Love,

Elder Roberts

Transfer 9 Week 4

Dear Everyone,

    This week has been an interesting one. I continued my work at the Temple, both as a patron and as a worker. As always, being in the House of the Lord was a sweet and humbling experience. I am grateful for the time I am able to spend there and cherish each moment. I was able to deliver on three days this week with the Meals on Wheels organization, which is one more day than usual. It was much easier to deliver on one of the routes since the road construction near where I deliver was nearing completion. I was also able to continue volunteering at the Healing Place Thrift Store where I was able to talk about my views on morality and modesty once more. I was also able to share my opinions on the family and the importance thereof. Well, I went with the Spanish Elders and we were able to teach a few lessons and even found out that one of our members was coming back to town to visit. The week ended with a baptism in the branch. The daughter of one of our recent converts made the decision to move forward in faith and partake of the sweet blessing of baptism. One of the Elders in the Spanish branch performed the baptism and the little girl was all smiles afterward. It was a very touching experience to witness that. We had a great sacrament meeting on the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the purifying and enabling powers of that infinite and eternal sacrifice. In my study this week I read many chapters out of Genesis and studied the topics of holiness and charity. The different meanings or facets of holiness particularly intrigued me. In Jarom 5:1 it states that the Nephites kept the Sabbath day holy unto the Lord, which could be wholly unto the Lord, meaning that in that day all they did was unto the Lord. In this same instance it could also mean completely. Holy could also mean set apart or consecrated as possibly dictated in D&C 124:44. In 2nd Nephi 31:5 it could be complete or pure as in, if Christ being pure or complete needs baptism, so do we as sinners. Finally, a cross reference of Alma 12:30 speaking on holy works leads to Luke 8:14-15 which shows a comparison of those who flourish in the gospel and bring forth fruit and those who are choked by the cares of the world. Fun stuff :D. Charity was an equally edifying topic to study and I invite all to seek understanding of the principles and doctrines associated with charity. I know it will be a blessing to you and to those who you associate with.

    I love being a missionary. I love being a representative of Jesus Christ and of His church. I know that The Book of Mormon is true. I was reading this past week in second Nephi chapter four and the spirit pierced my heart with a powerful yet delicate witness of the divinity of the Book of Mormon. I know that the Holy Ghost is real and that He truly is the Comforter and testator of truth. I know that Jesus is the Christ and that He is God's Son. I know that God is our loving Heavenly Father, the perfect parent who knows and loves each and every one of us. He rejoices with us and mourns with us. May we all remember that we are children of a loving Heavenly Father with our own divine attributes. This is my prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen

With Love,

Elder Roberts

Transfer 9 Week 3

Hi Everyone!

    This week has been quite an interesting one. I got set apart as a temple worker and that was quite an amazing experience. I love being in the Temple and now this gives me the ability to spend even more time there in the service of my God. I am so very grateful for that opportunity and for the opportunity to serve in the community and with my fellow missionaries. This week I continued to serve at Meals on Wheels and the Healing Place Thrift Store and was even able to help with a move. On Sunday we had a Spanish fireside and President Issa shared his conversion story and some stories from his mission and it went really well. We had one investigator come and the spirit that was there was really sweet, so it was a great experience for her and for all of us. It really helps to be around investigators and recent converts when you want to  really appreciate what you have in terms of the Gospel. To hear stories of how people have searched for God and truth in so many different churches, religions, books and ways invites one to consider the personal search that they themselves have made in their own lives. To remember the faith and testimony building experiences and the line upon line revelations that led to a sure knowledge and the action, inspiration, and influence of the Holy Ghost that led to conversion. I am so blessed to have found this Gospel at such a young age, or to have the Gospel find me. It has been a privilege to walk in obedience to the statutes and laws of the Gospel. The knowledge that comes through study and the understanding that comes through application of correct principles is such an undeniable blessing. This week I have been pondering over the difference between knowledge and understanding and how the gap between the two are bridged by experience and action. In the Doctrine and Covenants it talks about how God gives commandments in order to bring about understanding. As His children are obedient to those commandments, acting on the knowledge they have received, they can receive a witness from the Holy Ghost and obtain an understanding of the principle or doctrine. :D In Proverbs it describes understanding as knowledge of a holy man, which could mean knowledge of one who obeys the correct principles he or she knows to be true. For as we learn in 2nd Nephi, those that think they are wise or knowledgeable who hearken not unto the counsel of the Lord shall perish, for their wisdom is foolishness. One group of people, the Sons of Mosiah were men of sound understanding. They had fasted and prayed and searched the scriptures diligently to know the things of God, but through their righteous living and their missionary work they gained that and so much more.  Some examples of the blessings and attributes of understanding are: to have wisdom, to seek knowledge, walketh uprightly, will find good, slow to wrath, hearts open to the Holy Ghost and by wisdom a house is built, but by understanding is it established. May we establish our homes in the understanding of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and  in our divine natures in these the latter days. I know that Jesus is the Son of God, I know that God is our loving Heavenly Father and that we are all children of God and as such we have the opportunity to develop the divine attributes within us. I know that He loves us each personally and individually. I know that He has a Prophet on the earth today and that Joesph Smith was a Prophet. I know that the Book of Mormon is a portion of the word of God and that it contains the fullness of the everlasting Gospel of Jesus Christ. Of these things I bear my witness, in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

With love,

Elder Roberts

Transfer 9 Week 3

Hi Everyone!

    This week has been quite an interesting one. I got set apart as a temple worker and that was quite an amazing experience. I love being in the Temple and now this gives me the ability to spend even more time there in the service of my God. I am so very grateful for that opportunity and for the opportunity to serve in the community and with my fellow missionaries. This week I continued to serve at Meals on Wheels and the Healing Place Thrift Store and was even able to help with a move. On Sunday we had a Spanish fireside and President Issa shared his conversion story and some stories from his mission and it went really well. We had one investigator come and the spirit that was there was really sweet, so it was a great experience for her and for all of us. It really helps to be around investigators and recent converts when you want to  really appreciate what you have in terms of the Gospel. To hear stories of how people have searched for God and truth in so many different churches, religions, books and ways invites one to consider the personal search that they themselves have made in their own lives. To remember the faith and testimony building experiences and the line upon line revelations that led to a sure knowledge and the action, inspiration, and influence of the Holy Ghost that led to conversion. I am so blessed to have found this Gospel at such a young age, or to have the Gospel find me. It has been a privilege to walk in obedience to the statutes and laws of the Gospel. The knowledge that comes through study and the understanding that comes through application of correct principles is such an undeniable blessing. This week I have been pondering over the difference between knowledge and understanding and how the gap between the two are bridged by experience and action. In the Doctrine and Covenants it talks about how God gives commandments in order to bring about understanding. As His children are obedient to those commandments, acting on the knowledge they have received, they can receive a witness from the Holy Ghost and obtain an understanding of the principle or doctrine. :D In Proverbs it describes understanding as knowledge of a holy man, which could mean knowledge of one who obeys the correct principles he or she knows to be true. For as we learn in 2nd Nephi, those that think they are wise or knowledgeable who hearken not unto the counsel of the Lord shall perish, for their wisdom is foolishness. One group of people, the Sons of Mosiah were men of sound understanding. They had fasted and prayed and searched the scriptures diligently to know the things of God, but through their righteous living and their missionary work they gained that and so much more.  Some examples of the blessings and attributes of understanding are: to have wisdom, to seek knowledge, walketh uprightly, will find good, slow to wrath, hearts open to the Holy Ghost and by wisdom a house is built, but by understanding is it established. May we establish our homes in the understanding of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and  in our divine natures in these the latter days. I know that Jesus is the Son of God, I know that God is our loving Heavenly Father and that we are all children of God and as such we have the opportunity to develop the divine attributes within us. I know that He loves us each personally and individually. I know that He has a Prophet on the earth today and that Joesph Smith was a Prophet. I know that the Book of Mormon is a portion of the word of God and that it contains the fullness of the everlasting Gospel of Jesus Christ. Of these things I bear my witness, in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

With love,

Elder Roberts

Transfer 9 Week 2

Dear Everyone,

    This week was spent in the service of the missionaries, The Healing Place Thrift Store and the Meals on Wheels of Wake County organization. I was able to spend quite a bit of time volunteering at these places and then was able to spend some time in the Temple before heading down to Georgia for the weekend. We had a death in the family and so I was able to go and to participate in the funeral service and visit a bit with my siblings. It was weird to see how much my siblings had grown up. I was humbled by the effect the Gospel had had in my and how it has changed my thinking almost entirely. The way I see things, the way I act and the way I feel has been so affected by my knowledge and testimony, my faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and in His Gospel. I have been able to see it first hand in my ministry and in my own life as it has shaped me and others those who accept it. I have felt the natural man being changed, desires and appetites purified through faithfulness and sanctified through the companionship of the Holy Ghost. It strengthens my testimony to see these changes and to feel the love of my Father in Heaven so strongly. I know that God is Our literal Father in Heaven. I know that Jesus Christ is His Son, the Savior and Redeemer of mankind. He is the Light and the Life of this world and the Way home. I am so grateful to be a carrier of His name to those who know Him not and those who have not yet accepted Him as their personal savior by having faith in Him and keeping the commandments that have been given by Him. I have a testimony of a literal resurrection. That one day we will be allowed to take back up our physical bodies, glorified, void of imperfections and immortal, and that we will stand in Christ's presence to be judged of Him.  I know that life does not end at the grave for it has been testified that even as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. Job declared that even though the skin worms would destroy his body, yet in his flesh would he see God. I declare my witness that Jesus is the Christ, that through His atoning sacrifice He overcame physical death, that all might be resurrected and brought back into His presence to be judged as it says in Revelation: "every man according to their works." I have a testimony of repentance, of the peace it brings to align our will with the will of the Father and to forsake all to follow the example His Son has given us. These things I know, that the way has been restored, that the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the fullness thereof, has been restored through a modern day prophet and that we have it available to us to become who God would have us be, and to "become heirs of Eternal Life." Of these things I bear my witness, in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

With Love,

Elder Roberts

Transfer 9 Week 1

Dear Everyone,

    This past week has definitely been an enlightening one. I was able to continue my service at the Healing Place Thrift Store and one of the days that I volunteered there I was able to stand for virtue, truth and righteousness. I am so grateful for the moral code established by a loving Heavenly Father for His children's happiness and the opportunity to share that. I returned to the Temple on Wednesday morning and the Spirit there was so sweet. There is a peace there that is clearer and more pure than anywhere else, even my recently cleaned room. Speaking of my room, my companion and I were instructed to clean the apartment to make it decent for the new missionaries arriving in. We cleaned the apartment really well and the spirit of peace that entered in had such an effect on me that I wanted to make my room like that. So, I did. I came back home, threw away about three bags of trash and then organized the rest of my chaos into some order. Well, at least it is neat. (sort of) Neat enough that I am not overcome with despair when I enter my room. Cleanliness truly is next to godliness. The next step is to make my future apartment like this.

    I joined the missionaries in teaching a couple of times this week and the blessing of being able to teach by the spirit fell upon me. I found myself asking the right questions, giving correct answers and the Spirit was so strong there. I remembered to invite to act, to promise blessings and to bear my testimony which I had gained by following that principle or doctrine. Somehow I usually leave one or more of those out and it will nag at me for a day or two, sometimes I will still be thinking about it six or seven months later to make sure I do not repeat the same mistake. I have gained a greater appreciation of not only the companionship of the Holy Ghost and the revelation, gifts of the Spirit and comfort that come from Him, but for the personal and deep tender mercies of the Lord in daily discipleship. I receive and I believe each of us receive little "love notes" from God on a daily basis saying "I'm here, I do love you" or "You are my child, do not forget that." These small and simple, yet profound witnesses are testaments of God's love for us. I know that as you pray to see God's hand in your life and to feel and see His love, you will begin to see more clearly the words and feel more deeply that love which you have longed to feel and that identity, that real you that you have longed to find.

    I know that I am a child of God and so are you. Never ever forget that. Do not let the ways of the world rob you of that identity or that self-worth. You are not defined by beauty, fame, fortune or any other worldly value, but by the eternal nature God gave you and the peace of living within that nature defies all worldly "happiness." True joy is found in God's love as shown in the atonement, sacrifice and resurrection of His only Begotten Son in the Flesh. I know that Jesus is the Christ. I know by the power of the Holy Ghost, and because of the pure love that flows from that testimony and the foundation of faith that is in Him, I am. I am able to become who He would have me be. Through Him we have a Prophet on the earth today, through Him we have His Gospel, through Him we have hope for a better world. It is that faith that give us "the [assurance or basis] of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Which enables us to act in accordance with correct principle and receive the power to become who He would have us become.  He knows us, He loves us, He has suffered all and bore the weight we could never bear, yet stands triumphant. These things I know and bear witness of, in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

With Love,

Elder Roberts

Transfer 8 Week 6

Hello Everyone,

    I am about to leave the Knightdale area and return to Cary once more. I have learned so much in the last almost two weeks and I know with a greater assurance that this is the Lord's work. It seems that everywhere we went was guided by the Spirit; we would be biking along and someone would whisper: "You should talk to that person" or "Go back." Many times there would not be a reason why, just the prompting to go back. Sometimes there would be a wonderful conversation and other times not so much, but when we felt them, we followed them. If not one of us, the other would. I gained a greater testimony that sometimes the Lord directs us to do something simple just to see if we will listen. In a way, building our trust in His voice and preparing us for greater direction that would be harder to follow without those previous promptings. I have gained a greater admiration for my companion and his willingness to follow, even when it seemed we were being led in all different directions. It takes humility and trust to say "yes, it is really hot and we are almost home, but if thou would have us to bike all the way back there, we will." It is wonderful to be in a work that does require that second by second direction, that continuous revelation. I have gained a greater testimony of the Book of Mormon as I have testified of it and have studied the words of Christ within. There is such a peace and light that radiates into my life as I read it. True to the testimonies therein, it does destroy the false teachings and moral ambiguity. It tears down the teaching of Nehor and Korihor and shows that there is a God of Justice and of Mercy, a God of perfect Law. I was involved in a lesson and was happily setting forth principles and talking of the restoration of the Gospel and came to the First Vision. The feelings of peace and joy that attended the sharing of that sacred experience were incredible; it felt almost like being drenched in happiness. Words cannot express or articulate in any sense the feelings of a personal witness by the power of the Holy Ghost. We were talking in priesthood meeting about faith and where faith comes from, I raised my hand and said it came from action.. Well, action can lead to faith, but is not the source of faith. Faith comes from the power of the Holy Ghost. As I have sought to cultivate the presence of the Holy Ghost, by striving to keep my baptismal covenants and as Elder Bednar said "to be a good boy," my faith, or my capacity for action and power in living the Gospel of Jesus Christ have increased. My testimony of the validity of my faith has increased and with the witnesses of the Holy Ghost that I have received my conviction and my conversion have deepened. It is Alma chapter 32 being played out; and I love every minute of it. I want each and every one of you to know that I know the Book of Mormon is the word of God, that it is more words of Christ that testify of the divinity of Jesus Christ and His Gospel. I know that the Bible is the word of God, as far as it is translated correctly and that its main purpose is to testify of the Messiah. The Old Testament testifying that a Messiah would come and the need for a Messiah. The New Testament testifying that He did indeed come, that He taught His Gospel in its fullness and that He established His church with a foundation of Apostles and Prophets, He being the Chief Cornerstone. That He suffered, died and was resurrected that the obstacles of sin and death might be overcome. That He ascended to the Father and that He will return. I know that Jesus is the Christ. I know that He lives and that He will come again. I know that Joseph Smith was a Prophet and that President Thomas S. Monson is God's mouthpiece for the world today. These things I know and say in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

With Love,

Elder Roberts

Transfer 8 Week 5

Hello Everyone!

    I have been transferred to the Knightdale area and it has been amazing so far. My new companion is Elder Dunn from Pleasant Grove, Utah and I have enjoyed having him as a missionary companion. We have been biking this week and the bike I have been using had a off-center back wheel by the end of the week. Well, Elder Gann kindly fixed that and I now have a kickstand and wheel that work like they should. We have encountered much opposition to the work, as missionaries generally do, from apathy to downright hatred. I know that there is a lot of misinformation and "anti" out there, but our calling is not to be apologetic or to explain every deep doctrine or misconstrued quote. We simply ask that people exercise faith and ask God. Just ask God. Not the internet, not your preacher, not your neighbor, or any other well meaning and enlightened person or system. *sigh* It is so simple, yet it takes humility and faith. I am so grateful to have a companion who amidst turmoil and opposition stands strong and bears a simple and sincere testimony of love and of the truth. I can see the love he has for the people in this area and how he puts his all into it, to teaching and testifying of that which he knows to be true. I know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored. I know that there is a Prophet on the earth, I know that we have the priesthood or the authority to act in the name of God for the salvation of His children. These things I have learned by the power of the Holy Ghost with a witness that will never dim. I  have felt it as I have borne testimony of the divinity of Jesus Christ and of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. I know that the Book of Mormon has changed my life; I know that it can change the lives of those around me and all over the world. I cannot give that knowledge to another. I cannot  force someone to accept the witness of the Holy Ghost. I can only promise blessings, bear my own testimony, invite them to ask in faith and wait for them to choose.
    Life as a missionary is a lot different that I could have ever imagined. I went in with high hopes of preaching the Gospel and watching peoples lives change, which I have been able to witness. However, to watch people who have tasted of the blessings, who have had a witness, who know that which they need to do, walk away because of fear or social pressure, is sad. It pains us every time a door is shut and we fight to not allow ourselves to become numb to rejection. Yet, we press on, as our exemplar and day star always did. Amidst toil, rejection, persecution and ultimately execution, Jesus Christ never ceased to "be about [His] father's business." As His representatives, we cannot give up or give in. We must "keep our rudders true" as we brave the storms of life and of this small part of our mortal mission. "Until the end shall come, and all the saints dwell with God."

    I know that Jesus is the Son of God, the only begotten in the flesh. I know that Thomas S. Monson is God's Prophet on the earth today. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God and that, alongside the Bible, testifies of Christ's divinity. These things I know and testify of the truthfulness thereof in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

With love,

Elder Roberts