Mission Accomplished

Dear Everyone,

    It is so weird not to be an elder anymore. I hardly know what to do. I tried to fill my last week full of missionary stuff, yet things fell through a couple of times. That's alright though. The thing I feel I learned on my mission was that the Gift of the Holy Ghost truly is an incredible honor given us by our Heavenly Father. We should do everything we can to be worthy of that gift and strive to represent Jesus Christ in all that we do. I know that this is Christ's church. I know that He lives and that He loves each and every one of us, not because of something we did or did not do, but because that is who He is. He is the master healer, the careful shepherd of a diverse flock. His Father is our Father. They know us individually and know and want us to have those things that will bring true happiness. They love us so much that they provided a plan for us to return to live with them. This plan required a pure and holy sacrifice and Jesus Christ accepted. His love for us and His Father carried Him through pain that we can not even begin to comprehend. Just so we might be able to have the faith necessary unto salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism, receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end. The Gospel is so rich with blessings just waiting for us to be obedient to the voice of the Lord.

    I know that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the light. There is no other name given under heaven whereby men can be saved. I know that God is our loving Heavenly Father and I know that He is watching us and places people in our lives to help us, that we might feel His love through them. I know that families are meant to be eternal. There truly is no success that can compensate for failure in the home. Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and as an instrument in God's hands, the Gospel of Jesus Christ was brought back in its pure form. I know that we have a Prophet on the Earth today, even Thomas S. Monson. I know that he leads and guides this church by revelation. I know these things and share them in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

With Love,

Andrew Roberts

Transfer 14 Week 1

Dear Everyone,

 

    I have just finished my last week in the Henderson area. It was really interesting to have been back in one of my original areas and to look back and ponder upon the changes that have been made in my life since then. Missions are an incredible experience. I would recommend them to anyone who is eligible and willing. For time is measured only to man and 18 months or a year or two years is a small tribute compared to the incalculable blessings we received from the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. I have enjoyed the time I have spent and look forward to using this final week as a missionary in the best way I can. Time is one of the most precious gifts God has given us and as was said in last general conference, our ability to choose what to do with that time is another.

 

    This week we went out to Franklinton and Louisburg and had dinner with the Stephens family and heard a lot about interplanetary disturbances, gravitational fields, well permits and how it will be more intelligent to stock up food than to stock up on gold. "You can eat food, but you cannot eat gold." It is hard to argue with that statement. Tuesday we spent the morning at the Habitat for Humanity Restore and helped put together cubicles and load a couch into the back of a car. We were then able to stop by Brenton and Tameka and Email. One of the members of the ward had a heart attack that morning and we received a call from Brother Jester that we were needed so that we could minister unto him. Though we had a bit of a struggle with the receptionist, the people in ICU let us in without a problem. We were able to give the blessing before he was transferred and very happy to see him at church that Sunday. All our appointments fell through, but we were able to set up a couple of appointment with two people. I met one of the "new" missionaries in our District and soon declared him "friend." I stood awestruck as his fingers glided over the piano keys and called back memories of my 16-bit adventures through dungeons and upon chocobo. It inspired me to once again pick up piano and spend an hour everyday practicing. We had a wonderful meeting on revelation through prayer and it came to me how important sincere prayer is in the Doctrine of Christ and in true conversion. It is that sincere, heartfelt communication that connects us to God and His will for us. As we have sincere prayer our wants and desires meld with His will and desires for us and we come out enlightened and holier. As we humble ourselves and accept the communicated will of the Lord our lives our richly blessed and our faith is increased in Him. We are then strengthened to accept His will more readily. We had an encounter with a beautiful bird that some kid shot down with his BB gun. We were able to retrieve gloves and give it a proper burial after it convulsed abit and departed from its mortal tabernacle.

 

    We met with an elderly lady Thursday night and since she had not been visited in some time we spent time getting to know her and heard about how her husband was bombed while in his truck and survived. While in the hospital he felt he needed to leave and then that hospital was bombed also. He later was killed in service, but had been a wonderful husband and father while in this life. The next day we were finally able to meet up with an investigator who had not been able to see us for awhile. We had been dropping by almost everyday, but his roomate would answer and tell us he was sleeping. We would ask him to tell him we came by, but he apparently was not delivering our messages. :( Well, we were able to meet with him and we had a wonderful experience and were able to invite him to commit to baptism. :D We met with another family of investigators that we had not seen in a while and for some reason they brought out a few boards for me to break with my foot. XD By the time we left they had laden us down with old windbreakers and gave my companion a suit and a trench coat that looked extremely sketchy.

 

    We had a wonderful lesson on the Word of Wisdom with Tameka and Brenton and were able to set a new baptismal date with them. We then drove out to Oxford and helped the Berry family with some yard work they needed done. That night we went to see Keith and had a pretty good exchange with him and then tried to see Jennifer. Sadly she was in the emergency room and her boyfriend and his 3 friends were about to go midnight bowling. So, we headed across the street and saw Brother Abbot's uncle. On Sunday we had a marvelous experience listening to the wonderfully prepared talks. Brother Jester gave a really good talk on the subject of gratitude and showed us how we should be grateful even under trying circumstances. We were able to witness the baptism of one of the members of the ward and before that we had a great priesthood meeting. I was so happy to be able to translate for tow of the latino brethern that were there. :D That night we had a wonderful dinner with the Elliotts and was surprised when the mother of the family knew so much about gaming. We finally caught up with Jennifer and she will soon be feeling alot better. I return to Cary tonight!

 

 

    I know that this is Christ's Church. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God along with the Bible. I know that Jesus is the Christ. Of these things I testify in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

 

With love,

 

Elder Roberts

Transfer 13 Week 6

Dear Everyone,

 

    I received a call from the mission president last Monday and he asked if I would be able to stay an extra week. After this week I will be returning home to continue my service mission until the sixth of March.

 

    This week has been a very interesting week. My companion and I had all of our plans fall through on Monday night and somehow ended up back at the house of the family from India. We only expected to follow up with the on the commitments they had made, but they invited us in and we were able to talk with the about the Book of Mormon a little more. We read from the introduction and were able to listen to the mother read the entire introduction in Telagu. Afterwards we were able to discuss the importance of the Book of Mormon and somehow the Spirit prompted the father to commit to read the Book of Mormon daily. On Tuesday we scouted out some less active members that had moved and then for the first time in weeks went knocking door to door. I think we knocked as many doors as I had the entire time I have been here. We did meet a few people who were unwilling to listen, but one man invited us to come back. We hope to see him this coming Wednesday. That night we had dinner with a member family and we were able to share the Doctrine of Christ and help them make a list of people they could pray for. That day had been a pretty depressing day and it was lightening up around dinner time. However, the thing that really brought me back was when we received a call from a Spanish family and I was able to speak with them. I missed speaking in Spanish so much. I hardly ever get to do so out here in Henderson and it really bothers me. We set up an appointment to see them and that fell through, but thankfully we were able to reschedule to today.

 

    Wednesday morning I really missed the Temple. It has been so long since I have been able to go. That's alright though, I will be able to go this coming week! :D I love having a Temple so close to home. We had District Meeting and learned about how the two things we need as a mission were to develop more faith in Christ and more charity, which is the pure love of Christ. I have seen many times this week where I could improve on both of them. I have noticed how pride and contention really do drive away any degree of charity in a relationship and how it is better to be at peace than to be right, even if you are right. ;) We found out throughout the week that many of our investigators have been having a lot of trials. One of them had a brother who had 2 strokes, two others may have cancer developing, the boyfriend of one of the ones who may have cancer broke two ribs and then the brother of a recent convert had a heart attack. We are praying for them.

 

    Thursday we were able to complete weekly planning in record time. I can only think it is because we were not on a different topic every other minute. Hopefully we will be able to do that again. That night we were able to see the Culler family and have a wonderful dinner with them. Sister Culler made a wonderful blueberry crisp and we were then able to share the Doctrine of Christ with them and make a list. I am sure that in a few weeks these lists will become a wonderful teaching pool for future missionaries. Later that night we were able to catch up with one of our investigators and teach her abit. We read from the Book of Mormon and invited her to church. Sadly she was not able to come this past Sunday, but we are working on getting her a ride for this one.

 

    Friday was an interesting day. Every one of our appointments cancelled and we had our last day looking at Mormon.org. My companion now wants a metal leg because of one of the profile videos there. XD We did have a miracle that night though. As we were tracking down people who had moved, we found a couple that had moved in recently and were just in time to help them unload their car. We found out they had met with missionaries 30+ years ago, but had been turned away because of the funny smell in the Raleigh building. :( That is really wierd. Well, we were able to share the message of the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and they seemed to teake it in pretty well. We will be meeting with them again this week. Saturday was an interesting day, but we were able to teach a really good lesson on the Law of Chastity. They accepted it on the spot and the only thing holding them back is the money needed for a marriage license. I really wanted to go halfsies on it. They really are a sweet couple of people. I look forward to seeing them married and baptized in the future.

 

    On Sunday I have a marvelous experience while at church. At church every Sunday we partake of the sacrament, which consists of the bread and the water. Covenant members of the church renew their covenants or promises with God that they made at baptism. It also serves as a way to begin anew each week when it is taken with a penitent spirit. I had an incredible experience as I was able to partake of it and it helped me to appreciate more the blessing of being a member of Christ's Church.

 

    I know that Jesus lives and loves each and every one of us. I know that God is our loving Heavenly Father. I know that we are His Children and that He has a plan for all of us. LIfe has a purpose. Families can be together forever and the only way is through Jesus Christ and His Gospel. I know that after being lost for centuries, that Gospel was restored by a modern day prophet, even Joseph Smith. I know that the Book of Mormon is evidence of this. I know that each and every individual can know of this through prayer, because God wants each of His children to know. Ask and ye shall receive, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you. Even so it is. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

 

With Love,

 

Elder Roberts

Transfer 13 Week 5

Dear Everyone,

 

    It is hard to believe that it is now the last week of the transfer. This past week has been really long and at the same time seemed to pass by with unmatched speed. This past Tuesday we had a wonderful training meeting and afterward I went to South Boston, Va on an exchange. When I walked into the home that the missionaries stay in I was shocked at how neat and orderly it was. My shock was lessened when I was informed that my temporary companion was a marine. I have to say that the Spirit trully is stronger in a cleaner apartment, not that ours is not clean, it just was not military clean. After I unpacked my bags Elder Farrer and I went out and did some spirit contacting, which is something I have never done before. We did not talk the entire time and just listened and felt for the Spirit as we walked around. I distinctly remember when I was walking and it was pretty cold. I was changing my hands from having one in the pocket and the other holding a copy of the Book of Mormon and then switching hands. I remember as we walked past a house how I stopped being cold. It was the strangest sensation, but there it was. I kept walking until I realized it might be a good idea to walk back. My companion had felt something similar and had been waiting for me to say something. Well, we knocked and noone answered, but now I had an idea of how it worked. Thankfully the next house we knocked opened up and Laqueshia was open and willing to read from and pray about the Book of Mormon. We continued our walking after a prayer of gratitude and while walking past a house my companion noticed that I was focused on it and what I did not know then, but soon found out, was that it was the house of an investigator. We were able to meet with him and he committed to stop drinking and smoking and gave us all his cigarettes right there and we were able to throw them away on the way home. The next morning we were driven to a bed and breakfast place and spent about three hours raking leaves. Afterward we went back to Henderson and I switched back to being with my companion Elder Kopp.

 

    We went to try to see Tameka and Brenton, but Tameka and the children were sick. :(  So, we tried to stop by a few people, but did not have much luck. Our meeting that night cancelled on us, as did our exchange, but we were able to have a lesson with Keith. The next day we had a great dinner with the Jester family and Salvador and Lopez. We watched "Together Forever" and I could not help from laughing at how 90's the whole thing was. Thankfully my laughter was not loud enough to disrupt the sweet spirit that accompanied it. There were even a few parts I got misty eyed at.

 

    On Friday we were able to continue daily contact with Brenton and Tameka and that morning we were able to have a really good lesson with the Newton family. Afterward we gave them a tour of the church and explained the different paintings on the wall. The part that touched me the most was being able to testify of the temple and the truth that we could be with our families forever. That night Sister Moon took us grocery shopping and dispite our shyness in picking anything out, she was able to take us down every aisle and fill up our cart. We are still pondering how we could ever thank her. After a lovely dinner we were able to visit Sister Hicks and check on how her surgery had gone. We watched "Mountain of the Lord" and the spirit was there. The next morning we were able to finally see our profiles on Mormon.org and they looked great. After lunch we went and visited the Campbell family and were able to get to know them better. That night we met with the Sullyans and were able to follow up with them on how their prayers were going. We were then able to have another lesson with Keith.

 

    Sunday was a very special day. We had one of the councilers from the Stake Presidency and a member of one of the surrounding wards speak and the spirit was very strong. It seemed as though the talks were meant for me. That night we dropped by a goodly number of people and were able to find out where a couple of people had been.

 

    Wow, it is so hard to believe that this week will be my last week in the field as a full time teaching missionary. I have loved being able to serve the Lord in this capacity and have learned so much from the Elders I have served with. I know that this is Christ's church and that the fulness of His Gospel is found therein. I know that the Book of Mormon is true, it is a testimony of Christ and is evidence that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God. I know that we have a Prophet on the earth today, even Thomas S Monson. I know that Jesus is my personal Savior and the Redeemer of the whole earth. Of these things I bear my testimony, in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

 

With Love,

 

Elder Roberts

Transfer 13 Week 4

Dear Everyone,

 

    This week was very interesting. We visited with a family from India that comes to church every week, but are not members. We were able to teach very simply about baptism and I felt the Spirit really strongly, but there is not much we can do since we do not speak their languages. Tuesday morning we went with one of the members of the branch and helped him to collect firewood from a stock pile of wood at a factory. We then went with the Branch President to two of our newer investigators. It was great that he was there since questions were brought up about how we handle civil marriages and he was able to answer them. We then tried to teach a lesson to one of our investigators and a less active, but their focus was elsewhere. We then had a completely unexpected lesson on the law of chastity with one of our investigators at the library. We had District Meeting on Wednesday and we reviewed using the how to begin teaching points and thought about how we could use them in every lesson. We stopped by Jennifer's and I tried to pick up her little puppy but he urinated on my suit. After she let me borrow her boyfriend's suit I changed and went to put back on my shoes and my shoelace broke. XD It was quite hilarious. Well, we talked with her and she told us how she felt about the situation she was in and how deep her desire to be baptized was. We invited her to fast for an answer and she agreed. She then ended our lesson with a prayer and the faith present in her prayer was incredible. I was in tears by the end of it and felt prompted to read from Alma to her. Wow, I will never forget that moment. We were able to talk to the Branch President and he told us how his prayers were going for those people he had on the list and he already had names for us! Yay! Fruit! We had lunch at the Branch President's home and followed up on how the rest of the family was doing on the assignment we had left. We later had dinner at the Beatty's after a hardy weekly planning session and ended the night by teaching a lesson at Jeremy's.

 

    On Friday we spent most of the day cleaning the carpet and then had dinner at the Sullyans. We were able to teach the Doctrine of Christ there and begin working with them making a list of names to pray about. The next day we were able to stop by one of our investigators and check how their reading was going. We later went to the Berry's and were able to follow up with them and their list almost doubled. ^^ So many miracles!  We then had another lesson with Keith. On Sunday we began our fast for Jennifer and had an incredible fast and testimony meeting. Jennifer stood up and bore her testimony which was very heartfelt and touched many members of the ward. When we later had dinner at the Macintosh's, Brother Mactintosh commented how no other investigator, since he had been a member, had stood up and bore testimony. She trully is a golden investigator.

 

    I know that this is Christ's church. I know that my redeemer lives and that He is Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God. I know that God is our loving Heavenly Father and that He knows and loves us. He hears our prayers and knows our needs. I know the Book of Mormon is the word of God and that with the Bible it trully is a witness of the Savior. I know that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God and that there is a Prophet on the earth today, even Thomas S. Monson. I know these things through the power of the Holy Ghost and so can anyone who is willing to read, ponder and pray sincerely about the Book of Mormon. Of these things I witness, in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

 

With love,

 

Elder Roberts

Transfer 13 Week 3

Dear Everyone,

 

      Well, it has been an interesting time just trying to get on the computer. The first computer I got on was infected by some sort of malware and since the computer was locked down, as most public computers are, we had to call for the IT guy and he came and spent about 30 minutes fixing it. In the meanwhile they tried to move me to another computer, but that one had been reserved to someone esle. *sigh* Yet, after about 15 minutes of them not showing up I was able to get on. This week we were able to go an teach a couple and the lesson went almost picture perfect. The Spirit was so strong and guided us in answering all the questions they had by just teaching the various principles and doctrines contained in the lesson. They both committed to read and pray about the Book of Mormon and to come to church. We were able to follow up with them and they had read from the Book of Mormon, but since the boyfriend had to work late he did not want his family to go to church without him. We were able to have two other lessons with a family we have been teaching and things are going pretty slow with them.

 

      We have continued meeting with various families in the branch and have been teaching them the Doctrine of Christ and helping them make lists of people they can pray about how they can help them come unto Christ and learn of His Gospel. We had District Meeting on Wednesday, but since our District Leader was at training meeting we were instead taught by the Zone Leaders. The District Meeting went very well and we then went out to Wendy's for lunch. We then spent the rest of the time before dinner trying to track down some of the referrals we have received. After dinner we were able to meet with Keith and things are progressing there. Thrusday means Weekly Planning and that means we were in for most of the day. We were able to meet with Jeremy though. After we had dinner with the Abbots we were also able to visit with Leon. The lesson with Leon went very interesting and we spent most of the time answering questions he had concerning our beliefs.

 

     Friday we were able to meet with the Newtons and then that night we had a lesson and dinner with another family. Later that night we were able to meet with another member and an investigator that we ahve been working with. Saturday we spent most of the morning helping the branch move a member to Oxford. That night we had a talent show and I almost busted my hand trying to break through a plastic board. Thankfully I remembered what I was doing wrong and broke through it after the show. For the talent show my companion played recorder and then I read a poem I had written that week. Sunday we were able to do role plays and give training to the combined Relief Society and Priesthood. It went really well and we were able to answer questions afterward.

 

    I know that God lives. I know that Jesus Christ is His Son and that Joseph Smith was called by God. I know that Joseph Smith was an instrument in the hand of God in restoring the true church of Christ and the pure Doctrine of Christ that had been lost. I know that we have a Prophet on the earth today, even Thomas S. Monson. I know that the Book of Mormon is true and that anyone can know of its truthfulness through reading it, pondering the message it contains and praying with a sincere desire to know. I know these things through the power of the Holy Ghost and so testify in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

 

With Love,

 

Elder Roberts

   

     

Transfer 13 Week 2

Dear Everyone,

 

    This week has certainly been a surprise. We have done everything from laser tag to putting out a fire. On Monday night we had dinner with the Olsen family and with one of our investigators, Jennifer. We had a wonderful dinner there and were able to talk about the loving nature of God and His willingness to forgive His repentant children. Brother Olsen suggested she read from Mosiah 27 and then we read a bit of 3rd Nephi 9 and discussed some of the principles therein. We met up with a couple of potential investigators on Tuesday and were able to set up appointments with them. However, throughout the week, most of them fell through. We did meet up with Tameka though and her music producer fiance, Brenton. They both seem interested to learn more and we will be hopefully meeting with them today. A member of the ward brought us some pizza and them we tried to see a couple more potentials. Wednesday we had District Meeting in Roxboro and we discussed having the faith to find new investigators. We were able to do roleplays and Elder Kopp and I were able to practice a new program with the Sisters. That night we were able to have a lesson with Keith and begin to address some of his concerns.

 

    Thursday we had a long planning session with a break to visit a less active member. We were able to invite him to commit to asking his manager for Sundays off and hope to see him this coming Sunday. He looks so much happier since we've been able to drop by. We spent most of Friday trying to contact the referrals we had received and that night we met with the Branch president and his family. We were able to begin to impliment the program of teaching the Doctrine of Christ and then helping them to think of people that God is preparing to be taught the Doctrine of Christ. The purpose is not for them to give us a list of people to go see, but for them to prayerfully consider what they can do to invite their friends to come unto Christ. We thought Saturday was going to be a pretty full day, but then everyone began to cancel. Either they were not home, or we were not able to enter and teach due to them being asleep or unaccompanied by someone else. We were able to see a member family and then after trying to contact a potential we noticed the next door neighbor's shed go up in flames. I look at my companion and asked "do you think that's supposed to be on fire?" We debated and once we noticed the ring of fire on the grass heading towards pinestraw and a forest, we decided he needed some help. Sadly, the hose had frozen up since it was about 26 degrees, but my companion was able to break about 60% of the ice out. After putting a bit of the ring out the neighbor took the hose from me and I ran and picked up the fire extinguisher. I was able to put a little portion of the ring out with the remainder of the contents. We then went medieval on it and pulled out a shovel and a hoe. I was able to stomp a small portion and kick a tire that was beginning to flare up and finally after much effort, the ring was out. There was not much we could do about the shed and at one point something exploded inside. Thankfully, noone sustained injuries, but I had a really red forehead for getting too close. The fire response team finally came after we left, in the form of one pickup truck.... XD That night we were able to teach Keith again and I could tell that one inspired question we were able to ask really touched him.

 

    Sunday we were able to do roleplays with the Branch council and that went so well that they want us to do training for the combined Priesthood and Relief Society along with the Young Men/Young Women. After three hours of church, an hour of choir, two hours of study and an hour for lunch, we were able to meet Jennifer at the Olsen's apartment and there we had a marvelous dinner and were able to teach the Plan of Salvation. Jennifer was visably moved by the Spirit that was there and she was mostly speechless throughout, but commented on the beauty of the plan. It truly is a perfect plan, made by a perfect loving Father in Heaven. Last night we were able to meet with a recent convert and we watched Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration. There is such a strong Spirit there. Everytime I see that movie I feel my testimony of the Prophet and His divine calling grow.

 

    I know that Joseph Smith was a Prophet and I know that through him Our Father in Heaven and His Beloved Son Jesus Christ restored Christ's original Church. I know that the Book of Mormon is evidence of this. This I bear witness of in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

 

With Love,

 

Elder Roberts