Transfer 3 Week 6

Dear Everyone,

    It is the last week of this transfer and the last week of this year! So much has happened this year! I've been out for almost 4 months and what an experience it has been. I've served in 4 areas besides Cary including: Rocky Mount, Henderson, Raleigh (Spanish) and Goldsboro. I do a wide variety of service including temple work, volunteer work, proselyting, and family history work. I have learned so much in the areas I have been in and have met some pretty amazing families. I am happy to be back in Cary again and look forward to many wonderful experiences.

    I was studying the book of Mosiah in the Book of Mormon this week in chapters one and two. In chapter one it states the significant difference between the Nephites and Lamanites and states the importance that scriptures have had in preserving the Nephites' civility. It is interesting to note that the industry and society of the Nephites spring out from their desire to know and follow the things of God. In chapter two I noticed the gratitude present among the people of King Benjamin toward their God, including their gratitude for protection and for providing just men to teach them. This reminded me of the wonderful teachers that I've had in my life including but not limited to my parents, my quorum and institute teachers, and even my seminary teachers. Through their diligence and example I have learned so much. The next piece talks about the people preparing to listen to the discourse of King Benjamin. To start out they set up their tents and face them toward the temple. Literally this shows their willingness to listen to the words of King Benjamin, but figuratively it is a turning of their hearts or desires toward the temple or things of God. King Benjamin exhorts the people to have open ears to hear him and also an open heart to understand him. Having a heart open to understanding means a heart open to receive the promptings and revelations of the Holy Ghost, without which nothing of God can be understood. One of the obstacles to having an open heart is to have a heart set on the things of the world. Laman and Lemuel are a classic example of this. Laman and Lemuel had their hearts set on the precious things they had to leave in Jerusalem. Because of this their hearts were thus hardened to the things of God and even after appearances of heavenly beings they remained in spiritual darkness. It was interesting to me.

    Christmas in the field was an interesting one. My companion and I ended up over at the District Leader's apartment and we started a game of Monopoly. Elder Richards and Elder Harmon were the banker and realtor respectively. We also played by the rule that you had to pass go to begin purchasing properties. Well, everyone except me ended up in jail before they passed go and Elder Harmon ended up there 3 times before he finally made it through.. That's okay though, Elder Richards and Elder Harmon were embezzling money and properties the entire time anyways... XD It was quite an experience. We woke up on Christmas day and went to IHOP with one of the members of the ward. Elder Richards and I ended up staying at the apartment most of the day due to our lack of appointments and the fact that people do not want us tracting into them.... I returned to Cary on Saturday and was glad to see Elder Rees and Chupin again. :)

All in all it was quite a week...

With Love,

Elder Roberts

Transfer 3 Week 5

Dear Everyone,

    This week has been quite an amazing one! The Spanish Elders and I have been able to work with several families this week and bring them the blessings of the restored gospel. This has definitely been a week of miracles. ^^ I am so grateful to be serving with such wonderful missionaries and among such a sweet people. I have learned so much this week, mostly concerning faith and the light that faithfilled learning can bring. I've gained a stronger testimony of Jesus Christ and His divine mission, along with a greater desire to share His marvelous gospel. His Gospel truly is a gospel of hope. A hope of a better world, a better life and an increased ability to face trials in life. It is a gospel of change: changing from old to new, better to best, winter to spring and ultimately death to life. His gospel brings new life to our spirits and knowledge of our divine origin, purpose and destination. It envelops us with the comforting knowledge that we are sons and daughters of a Heavenly King. How precious is that knowledge in a world where our value as individuals is so violently oppressed? How wonderfully motivating it is to know that God is a God of love, mercy and compassion coupled with justice, knowledge and virtue. To know that He wants our best and is more than willing to help us along is as a breath of life to those struggling with sin and doubts. Faith, Hope and Charity the triad of Godly virtues leading us onward into a greater light... Oh how sweet....

    This coming up week is one of special note. It is the week wherein Christmas is observed by the world. It is a time set apart to look back at the birth of our Savior, redeemer and friend. The one who through His perfect life and atonement taught us the doctrines of love, sacrifice and obedience to a higher law. He healed the sick, raised the dead, cast out demons and blessed the lives of countless individuals. His life was freely given. He lived not for Himself, but for His Father. During this week let us emulate that spirit, that devotion, that sacrifice and love that so characterized the life of the Messiah. Let us reach out and heal those who lie broken hearted, those who hunger for the bread of life and thirst for living waters. Let us put aside our wants and minister to those in need. Let us follow the admonition of our Savior and visit the imprisoned, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, yea let us go about doing good, thinking of no reward... I know that service rendered is never a waste. I know that as we reach out to serve we are only in the service of God. We are doing what He would have us do. What greater cause is there, than to do the will of God?  May we all gain a greater testimony and a fuller appreciation for just how much our Savior has, does and will do for us and show our appreciation by following His example in blessing the lives of those around us.

    Jesus is the Christ, He was born in humble conditions in the town of Bethlehem. He grew in knowledge and bit by bit He gained a testimony of His mission on this earth. He lived a perfect life, unspotted from the  sin that so shrouded and still ensnares this world.. He was baptized of John to "fulfill all righteousness" and went about doing good. He called and ordained 12 apostles to go forth and preach the gospel. He healed the sick, raised the dead and cast out devils... He was despised, rejected, betrayed and condemned on false charges. He was beaten, tortured and finally crucified... Three days later He rose again. This is the message of hope.. He lives! He overcame the bonds of death and sin for all of us, if we but repent and come unto Him. :D
 This is my testimony, Jesus is the Christ.. He is our savior, our redeemer and friend. He is our advocate with the Father. He is the Way and the Light. He is the rock of salvation, the Lamb of God, and the great I AM. I know this. I pray that all of you will continue to grow in your testimony of Jesus Christ, His divine mission and redeeming love.

With love,

Elder Roberts

P.S. Happy Early Birthday Amy! :D

Transfer 3 Week 4

Ello Everyone,

    I am so happy to be back in the Cary area! Being in Goldsboro was a great experience and I look forward to returning, but there is nothing like my home ward. I had the honor of working with Elders Chupin and Rees once more and the work has been pressing forward quite nicely. Their first reactions were 1. Excited to have me back and 2. "You look chubbier." Oh well, I'm glad to be back.  While I was gone one of the investigators I had been working with got baptized! :) Damaris has been such a great addition to the branch and she has been bringing friends to church each Sunday! A few of them are also close to baptism along with a couple of families we are also working with. We also tracted into a member who had not been to church in 20 years! We were guided to her and have been able to invite her back to church. :) I love our bountiful blessings. :D Another large part of week has been helping set up the Creche Display at the Stake Center. Every year for at least since I became a member about 4 years ago, we've had a huge display of nativities accompanied by various musical talents concluding with the powerfully majestic Handel's "Messiah." I have had the pleasure performing as a part of a couple of different groups over the years and this year was no different. However, most of my time was not spent performing, but in setting up and taking down the various components of the Creche celebration. ^^

    As for me personally, I've been a bit sick since last Monday which was getting better until Saturday morning when my health declined again.. Accursed winter illnesses.... Lovely... Besides that though, my week has contained innumerable blessings.

    I love my mission! I've been out for 3 months and a week and it feels like it has gone by so quickly. I don't know if it is because of the amount of areas I've been through or the depth of focus that is required or just the sheer excitement to be out here that is causing it to slip by so suddenly. Sadly I've heard it only goes by quicker as you go along. On to happier thoughts though... I'm glad to have at least 15 more months of this.

    One of the great things that I have learned over the past few months is to be proactively happy. Even when things do not seem so great or when everything seems to be falling apart, putting forth effort to remain in a hopeful, faithful state knowing that there will be difficulties, but looking at them as opportunities to grow. I have found it to be a great blessing in this work, especially when the highs and lows can come at anytime. I know that my having a sure foundation or faith in Christ has given me stability in an otherwise unstable environment.

    The gospel of Jesus Christ is such a comfort, the simple but profound principles therein are such a blessing. Faithful applications of this gospel knowledge is the key to receiving wisdom and in progressing in happiness in this life and in the life to come. These things I know: The Book of Mormon is the word of God, and mankind can come closer to God by abiding by its precepts than by the precepts of any other book. It is a second witness to the divinity of Jesus Christ and of His sacred mission. I know that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God and that through him the Gospel of Jesus Christ was restored in its original state once more. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ is the restored church of Jesus Christ on the earth today.  The Gospel truly is a light.. It illuminates the human mind and enlarges the soul, it casts out demons and shapes those who follow it into better people, enabling them to overcome the worldly and march on in a more excellent way. Jesus is the Christ, He lives and continues to guide His church through modern Prophets and through modern day revelation. This is my testimony, in His name, even Jesus Christ, Amen.

Love,

Elder Roberts
   

   

Transfer 3 Week 3

Ello Everyone,

 

    I have had quite a week this week tracting and biking in the rain XD. There were some positive highlights though; one of them is that we set a baptismal date with one of our investigators for late January! Another is that we are helping another investigator to stop smoking. We taught a lesson about how sincere prayer can help ease burdens and strengthen us against temptaions. We commited him to praying every morning before he did anything else, that way his mindset would be turned away from that craving and focused on more uplifting substances. We taught another investigator about the true miracle of forgiveness and how if we truly repent and strive to do better, God will remember our sins no more. It is a truly uplifting principle that edifies and motivates one away from the pondering on and misery of past mistakes, to pressing onward, taking care of what needs to be taken care of and simply moving on. The Gospel truly is a beautiful creation.

 

    My time in Goldsboro is up for now though. I'll be heading back to Cary for a couple of weeks and then heading back here for Christmas. We had a pretty sweet Christmas party here with a play and really nice food. A lot of people brought friends and I think it was a great experience for them to see that we do celebrate Christmas. Last night was a wonderful example of that. The First Presidency's Christmas Devotional was a great example of how Christmas should be: a holiday where the busyness of commercialism and impulsive compulsive spending give way to the simple, but profound spirit of service and love. I especially love the story of how the business man gave his ticket home to a young soldier who may have never seen his family again due to his being deployed to Vietnam shortly afterward. It is the random acts of kindness and charity that really make this season special.  

 

I bear my testimony that Jesus is the Christ, the light of the world, the Messiah testified of in the Old Testament and the Son of God. He was born in Bethlehem, raised in Nazareth and after 3 years of healing, teaching and selfless service accomplished the Atonement: the single most important act of love without which the world would be in its lost and fallen state forever. He was then illegally tried, convicted and crucified unto death, but rose again on the 3rd day. It is my testimony that He lives, He lives and guides this Church through a modern day Prophet, even Thomas S Monson. He lives so that we might come unto Him, walk the path that He has shown and partake of blessings beyond our comprehension.  I know that He lives, I know that He knows and loves each and everyone of us, regardless of our backgrounds, our race, our mistakes, our imperfections and philosophies. This is the testimony I give, in His name, even Jesus Christ...

 

Amen,

 

Elder Roberts 

Transfer 3 Week 2

 Ello ello,

 

    This week has been an incredible one; we've had a baptism, a few new investigators and heard a recently converted family give talks in sacrament meeting. Again I've found myself learning that the most discouraging events will occur right as miracles are around the corner. I found myself writing a poem today, which I haven't really done in awhile, but within that piece of literature I wrote that all seasons change, meaning that seasons of sorrow will change to seasons of joy and vice-versa. In this life we have trials, disappointments, heartaches, betrayals, missed expectations, but as we patiently endure and courageously press forward with faith we will make it through the clouds of despair and into the bright dawn of realized dreams.

    To those worn down by constant affliction: be of good cheer, these trials will surely come to pass by, if not in this life, then the next. To those who have lost a loved one: find peace in the truth that death is but a beginning, not an end. The beginning of new life and of rest from worldly sorrows and cares. To those who have gone astray:  know that the Atonement is real and that you can repent and again find peace. To those who have sheep that wander: continue to love them, be patient with them and look for opportunities to serve them.

    We did a lot this week, I got to know my companion better, we helped burn a lot of underbrush and stuff at Eagle's nest, including an organ (Matthew would probably have a heart attack hearing about that), got to know ward members better, had a great district meeting, had a powerful first lesson at the Melton's, had a wonderful Thanksgiving and ate way too much food XD, gained a greater appreciation for my blessings, Helped a Sister in the ward move, biked and tracted (knocked on doors) a lot, had another incredible lesson and gained two new investigators, and had one of the most amazing Sundays I've had so far. I Love Sundays!

    I will now touch on some of these events in detail:

First off we went over to the Melton's to teach them the first lesson. As I bore testimony of and shared the First Vision I felt the Spirit bear strong witness to the truthfulness thereof, which strengthened my own testimony and the testimony of my companion. For Thanksgiving we played a nice game of "touch" football, wherein people ended up with fat lips and in much pain for the rest of the week.. go figure... My companion and I had Thanksgiving lunch and dinner at two different homes, so we definitely got enough to eat. On Saturday we tracted into David and Doris and they invited us in, which never really happens.. most of the time it's either "we're not interested," "go away," or "I'm saved, I don't need to know anything else about Jesus..." Thankfully though they not only invited us in, but gave us a chance to actually say wat we needed to say. They were genuinely interested and it was amazing to watch the Holy Spirit work a change in them as we stated pure doctrine in response to their questions. It is indeed true that "True doctrine understood changes behavior quicker than the study of behavior changes behavior." I have see this in my own life when I have been confronted with behaviors or attitudes I have had that have been in need of a change. As I have studied the doctrines of Christ I have not only gained motivation to change, but that motivation has come from an inward desire to do so instead of an external source. This is important because you may not always have that external source of motivation, but you always have yourself.

    That brings me to Sunday, my favorite day in my mission (for most missionaries it's Monday...), It started out with baptismal preparations including, cleaning the font, making sure that the people who needed to play piano and whatnot.. We then went to Sacrament meeting and got to hear from the Hartzells. They are the recently converted family I mentioned earlier. We then had a Gospel Priniclples class on family responsibilities and a combined Priesthood and Relief Society on ward mission work and how we can all be missionaries! That is something I am definitely looking forward to in life, being a missionary my entire life and not just for my two year mission. I hold to David O' McKay who stated "Every member a missionary!" We then prepared everything else for the baptism and at 6:15 PM Kathy was baptised. :) Elder Richards and I were able to share the message of the restored gospel with those who attended the baptism and bore strong testimony of the First Vision and the restoration of the priesthood authority.

    We ended that night with a Stake Priesthood meeting which touched on the importance of teaching pure doctrine and getting your home teaching done. My favorite part was the fact that my first companion Elder Anderson was there and that he let me know that some people we had worked with had been baptised and later confirmed just recently :D I was so happy to hear that. Uncle Charlie is going to be an amazing member :).... A shout out to him and Tiffany :) Congratulations! I know that this is just the first step of many on the straight and narrow path to lasting peace and happiness. I also heard from him that there were going to be a few more baptisms in the future... :) It's always great to hear about progress in areas I used to work.

 

    Well, I hope you all have a wonderful week!

 

Love,

 

Elder Roberts

 

P.S. To comment or communicate with me my email address is tenchi30401@gmail.com

 

P.P.S. for my physical address communicate with Brother and Sister Everett.

Transfer 3 Week 1

Dear Everyone,

 

    I'm in Goldsboro and am now serving with Elder Richards in the Goldsboro 1st ward. This week has been an interesting one full of rejection, introductions, triumphs and falls. We started out by shopping for food and ended our day with much tracting. I learned an interesting piece of doctirne, actually several pieces of doctrine, from an Elder Cox. He made the interesting connection that we, as Elders, are working under keys of teaching, but not of finding.. We don't have the keys to find... It is actually the members who operate under those keys. That doesn't mean we are going to stop tracting/finding though, someone has to do it. :)

   

    On Wednesday we had a very interesting district meeting involving an activity where we walked blind folded while a group of angels and a goup of demons tempted/encouraged us to either heaven or hell. I almost ended up in Hell, but at the last moment stopped and pondered. An "angel" appeared and took me by the shoulders, after leading me over a wall of chairs/trials I ended up safely in heaven. Not the most doctrinally sound district meeting, but interesting nonetheless. We also talked about the temptations of Christ and how one of the main goals of Satan was to get Jesus to doubt.. He does this in each of our lives by instilling doubt of correct principles by posing an "if" statement, just as he did with Christ. "IF, thou art the Son of God..." The Pharisees used the same when Christ was being crucifed, basically, if thou art who thou sayest thou art, lift thy self down. To combat this onslaught of doubt we must put our faith in a sure foundation, one that will not change. We must put our Faith in Christ and hold unto that faith, for He is the way and the Light of the World. Those who follow Him need not walk in the darkness of doubt, but with a brightness of hope.

   

    As I have gone through this week I have remembered that counsel, to doubt not and press forward with steadfast faith, and it has strengthened me and helped me to gain an even stronger testimony of Gospel principles. One of the greatest blessings I have found is a deeper appreciation for the truth and testimony I do have. I am grateful to have the wonderful blessing to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, it has blessed my life exceedingly and filled it to the brim with joy and purpose. Whenever I am in distress I know where to look for relief, for guidence and for comfort. I know whom I serve and am grateful for the opportunity to do so. I am grateful for the atoning sacrifice of the Son of God, Jesus Christ, and for the opportunity I have to share that enabling atonement with those around me. I am grateful for the restoration of simple truths and for the leaders of the church. I am grateful for Joseph Smith and his sacrifices in building up the Kingdom of God on the Earth. I am grateful for modern day prophets and how their guidence has directed my life toward Christ and His teachings. I am grateful for personal revelation and how it has directed me to make righteous choices. I am grateful for the Gift of the Holy Ghost and how it has guided me and testified of truths, I am grateful for the process of repentance for when I have not adhered to His promptings as well as I should have. I am grateful for the opportunities I have to improve and gain greater knowledge in this life. I am grateful for a loving family and for the sacrifices they have made that I could serve the Lord. I am grateful for their endless patience with me and my many faults. I am grateful for friends that uplift and ward members that have become family to me. I am grateful for the endless love of my Heavenly Father and how He has stuck with me through my hard heartednesses and stubborn times and has humbled me on countless occasions. XD God is real... He knows and loves each and everyone of us personally, despite our flaws, despite our weaknesses, despite our rebellious stages, He loves us and waits everso patiently for us to reach out and take the hand He offers each and every one of us. He has provided a more excellent way for us to follow, even His Son Jesus Christ. As we follow the example that He has set for us, as we seek to glorify our Father in Heaven and follow His will in our lives, we will begin to fill that void in our lives, we will find that peace, joy and stability that is such a precious gift in this world of unstable values and war.. I extend that offer to each and everyone of you. "Lengthen your stride," come and see the wonderful blessings of the restored gospel in more abundance. I know that as each and every one of us draws closer to our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ, we will draw closer to one another in unity of purpose and in joy.. I leave my testimony that the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the church of Jesus Christ restored again on the Earth, and that the Book of Mormon is the truest of any book on the Earth and that mankind can draw closer to God by abiding by its precepts than any other book. I leave this testimony with you in the name of Jesus Christ

 

Amen,

 

Elder Roberts

 

P.S. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

P.P.S Happy late Birthday to Emily and Elder Rees and Happy Early Birthday to Mary!

Transfer 2 Week 6

Dear Everyone,

    This week has been a most interesting week. I have again enjoyed the company of the Spanish Elders and have delighted in the opportunity to serve alongside them. We met with this one family and since our other appointments canceled on us we ended up watching The Restoration, Joy to the World and Faith in Christ while waiting for and then partaking of a most delicious dinner. On Tuesday we met with another family wherewith we taught the first discussion. (see note 1). We also had a really nice lunch at a member's house earlier that day. On Wednesday we had a neat discussion with a less active member and on Thursday we taught another First Discussion to this really sweet family we found through a referral from a member. On Friday we had a really good correlation meeting and came up with a good number of ideas to increase missionary work among the members of the ward, we then had dinner at one of our progressing investigator's house. On Saturday I volunteered at the Library and was later able to accompany the Spanish Elders to Demaris' house and then to Sister Lara's. At Sister Lara's we watched Special Witnesses of Christ and bore our testimonies to the family and friends there. We then had dinner at the Santiago family's house and following that had a wonderful kindof First Discussion with this one fellow who ended up bringing his entire family to church the next day. :D On Sunday, my favorite day of the week, I went to both English and Spanish church meetings. In Elders' Quorum we discussed prophets and how wonderful it is to have a Prophet on the Earth today, even, Thomas S. Monson. Especially at a time where the world on such shaky foundations. Afterwards I went with Elders Espinosa and Rodriguez and we ate at a member's house. On Monday I went with the Spanish Elders to an appointment and we watched "Special Witnesses of Christ." Afterwards we bore strong testimony of the truthfulness of The Book of Mormon. I added my testimony thereof and also that God sometimes asks us to do hard things, thing that we don't feel strong enough to do, but He will always provide a way for us to accomplish those things which He has commanded us and as we do those things we can grow and progress. I went to the temple on Tuesday, Wednesday and on Thursday night. This week was missionary week at the Temple so there were many Elders there every time I went. I ended up getting a chance to speak with the mission president and received an assignment from him.. I'm being transferred to Goldsboro, NC for 2 weeks and will return here for 2 weeks, then I will head back out on December 21st and stay till the end of the transfer.

    In my study this week I've been focusing on The Book of Mormon. I've had some insights on the cycles of Doubt as opposed to the cycle of Faith and I would like to share them. Using Nephi and Laman and Lemual as opposing examples I will expound on this. When Lehi, their father, prophesied of the destruction of Jerusalem and took them and fled into the wilderness, Nephi and Laman and Lemuel reacted in different ways. Both groups received the same directive or commandment from their father, but how each of the groups reacted varies. Nephi accepted and as he obeyed and sought to know if what his father was doing was right he gained a greater testimony that it was, which led him to gain greater faith to do even greater things. Leman and Lemual, however, doubted their father, complained most of the time and did not seek to know whether or not their father was indeed correct. Because they did not seek or act on their father's words or in other words exercise faith, their faith did not grow.  The cycle of faith: commandment given or truth presented>>>> action taken: asking, seeking knocking>>>> testimony strengthened>>> faith increased>> greater ability to follow commandments. The cycle of doubt: commandment given of truth presented>>>> action not taken, or negative action taken: slothfulness, procrastination, complaining, rebellion>>>> testimony diminished>>>> faith decreased>>> ability to follow commandments diminished. Just an interesting thought..

    Well, I'm getting transferred today, I look forward to serving in a new area and meeting lots of new people. I hope that each of you have a wonderful week and that you are able to accomplish all of the things you have set before you.

    I leave my testimony that this is the Lord's work, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the Church of Jesus Christ in the Last Days. It is Christ's Church. I leave that testimony with you in His name, even Jesus Christ. Amen

With Love,

Elder Roberts

Note 1: The first discussion contains simple, but truths leading up to the restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ in the latter days. It begins with how God is our Heavenly Father and we are His Children, it continues and teaches us that He loves us and knows us individually and that the Gospel of Jesus Christ can help us become like Him and can strengthen our family relationships. Heavenly Father reveals this gospel through Prophets (Amos 3:7) and they in turn teach it to the people. Sometimes the people accept it and enjoy the blessings thereof, other times they continued in their ways and even persecuted and killed the Prophets. When the people were too wicked and would not listen or began to twist and pollute gospel principles and truths they fell into a state called apostasy, or falling away. When Christ came to the Earth, He taught the Gospel and called Apostles to go forth and teach it to all nations. The Church of Jesus Christ began to be established on the Earth... However, the people began to reject and argue over some of the simple truths of the gospel, and the Apostles, which had the authority to preside over the church, were persecuted and eventually killed. This lead to the Great Apostasy, or the famine prophesied of in Amos 8:11. Because of this apostasy or falling away from the truth of the gospel, there needed to be a restoration. A restoration of the authority and of the Fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is my testimony that this restoration has happened. In 1820 a young boy, Joseph Smith was wondering which church he needed to join, for they all had their different doctrines. He had read Ephesians 4:5 which states: One faith, One Lord, One Baptism... He thought that there should be one church, one doctrine that would apply to all mankind. Having not been able to find an answer he continued to attend the different churches and one day came to a verse in James. James 1:5 which declares: "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God that giveth to all men liberally and unbraideth not and it shall be given him." No other verse had hit him with such power. His answer could not be found by an appeal to the man, because men were so at odds with one another on the same scriptures.. So, he had to ask the source of all truth, God. So, one early spring morning he retired in a wooded grove near his house. It was here that he found the needed solitude to open his heart to God in reverent prayer. In his own words, this is his experience: "I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me.... When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him." God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith. As I have borne my testimony of the reality of that appearance I have felt the undeniable testimony of the Holy Ghost, even the comforter spoke of by Christ in John 14:16, bear witness that these events are indeed true. Joseph Smith was called as the First Prophet in these the latter days and through him the Church of Jesus Christ once again began to be established on the earth, never to be taken again. Another powerful witness is the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon is a translation of an ancient record of the people on this continent and their activities here. It is another witness of Jesus Christ and testifies of His divinity. You can know if this is true too. Just as Joseph you can also pray to know. You can feel the powerful witness of the Holy Ghost and have the Gospel change you life as it has mine. I know this Church is truly the Church of Jesus Christ in the latter days. I know that as you search, ponder and pray, or act upon these things that your testimony will be strengthened, your family relationships strengthened  and you will receive a witness in as much as you ask with a sincere heart with a true desire to know the truthfulness thereof. I leave all these things with you, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen

Transfer 2 Week 5

Dear Everyone,

    First off, I would like to thank those who are reading; I am grateful that I have this opportunity to share my experiences with you. ^^ Mission life is interesting as always, and this week especially held a few surprises and many learning opportunities for both me and the other Elders. Zone conference was held this week and I was able to wake up extremely early to drive two other Elders and one member to Chapel Hill to attend. It was quite the learning experience. We learned how to focus on teaching doctrine and principles instead of focusing so much on the application. I spent the rest of my week with the Spanish Elders and also with giving service in the Temple and at Meals on Wheels. We had a lot of success this week in both finding and teaching new investigators. We found two wonderful families who are now being taught the Restored Gospel ^^ I was so blessed to be able to participate in teaching both of them. One of my greatest blessings this week was that one of our investigators has decided to enter the waters of baptism! Yay! :D It is decisions like that, decisions to take hold of the outstretched hand of the Savior, that make all our work worth it. I went with the Garner Spanish Elders this week too, I was able to bear my testimony on how reading and abiding by the principles of the Book of Mormon bring us closer to God and help us to overcome problems in our families and to find greater love for our fellowmen. On Tuesday I woke up with my allergies acting up and mistakingly thought I had gotten sick, so I called in to Meals on Wheels to let them know I could not come for fear of getting the Elderly sick. Thankfully I was able to go on Thursday though! ^^

    This week I learned a lot and I'm pretty jumbled at the moment trying to piece it all together. I learned to be more grateful, even when I have a headache and everything is going downhill. I learned that the night is darkest right before the dawn. That no matter what happens, it is important to stand up for what you believe in and never give up. It is more important to love than to be right. Take baby steps when teaching. Song truly is a type of prayer. We all have a million reasons to smile.

    I hope you will all forgive my shortness of writing today. I hope you all have a wonderful week!

    I leave you my testimony that this work is the work of the Lord and it will go forth. I testify that God loves each and everyone of you and He knows what you are going through. I know that as we reach out to Him through prayer and obedience to His commandments we can come closer to Him and partake of a marvelous and wonderful peace. I am always touched by the story "Footprints in the Sand" It reminds me that we will never be left alone.. I know that we will never be left alone in this life and that there is always someone reaching out to you. It could be a family member, a friend, a random stranger or just the guy who always smiles and waves to you on the way to work. I testify that the tender mercies of the Lord are on all of God's children and that as we look for them we will find them in abundance and grow in our own testimonies of His love for us.

    I am grateful for this opportunity to serve and look forward to continuing to do so.

With Love,

Elder Roberts

Transfer 2 Week 4

Hello All,

    This week has been quite an interesting week, as you all know I started a bit early with my work this week by heading out with the Spanish Missionaries early Monday afternoon. On Tuesday night I went to the Temple and on Wednesday I had my first normal day of the week.

    I started Wednesday morning with a trip to the lovely Temple in Apex. I would like to take a short moment to express my testimony of Temples. I know that they are the House[s] of the Lord, the peace, beauty and sheer majesty of them is a testimony of that in and of itself. I know that if one takes the time to just sit outside of one they can feel that peace and spirit that resides there. I am so grateful for the opportunity I have to serve there on a regular basis and feel the strength, peace and joy that comes therefrom.  In between sessions (two in the morning and two at night) I shelved books at the library and had luck in finding books that had been thought to be lost. I also found out that one of my friends was a member. My excuse for not knowing is that she was in a completely different stake. I also had a couple of really good conversations about what my mission is and how it is a little bit different from the usual missions that 19 and 21 year olds embark on. On Thursday I delivered meals for Meals on Wheels and caught up with on of my potential investigators there. She had read the restoration pamphlet and I recommitted her to reading The Book of Mormon! ^^ I am so very grateful to have this gospel to share! I later went with the Spanish missionaries to Apex and we had quite a time tracting. We had a couple of people who were interested and hope to return there soon. On Friday I went back to the temple again and also to the Library. I had a way sweet conversation with one of the Librarians about family history and he told me about how he had done a large chunk of his family history and was glad to have access to the original paper records. That night I went with the English missionaries and we had a good time talking with a less active. On Saturday I went with the Spanish missionaries for most of the day, but we were counseled to get indoors before dark due to the festivities of Halloween. It was weird to not celebrate Halloween at all this year, but it was definitely worth it. Sunday was a pretty good day. We had fast and testimony meeting and were able to hear the testimonies of the members on the truthfulness of various principles of the gospel and how simple they really are. Many times we try to over complicate it, but the truth is that the basics can be understood by children. "Do your best and leave to the Lord the rest." I know that as I have followed the true and simple principles of faith, obedience, repentance, prayer and work I have found a fuller sense of joy and peace in my life.

     I am grateful to know that I have a loving Heavenly Father who knows me personally and loves me despite my weaknesses. I'm grateful to know that He sent His Son, even Jesus Christ to provide a way for me to return and live with my Heavenly Father. I am grateful to know that the Church of Jesus Christ is again on the earth and that a Prophet of God presides over it, even Thomas S. Monson. I am grateful for Joseph Smith and his valiant life and testimony. I am grateful for the Book of Mormon and the source of wisdom and support it has been to me. I would exhort all of you to renew your commitments to study, ponder and pray about the Book of Mormon. For those of you who have never read this book, I would challenge you to pick it up and give it a serious read. If the testimony of the millions of lives that have been changed, the families that have been strengthened and the wounds that have been healed because of this volume of scripture is not enough reason, I hope that my testimony of how it has changed my life and those around me will be. It has lifted me from a life of pain and misery into a life of hope and joy. I have seen families draw closer, addicts gain the strength to overcome, and those who already had a relationship with God find themselves even closer through this book. I know that all of you can experience these same miracles in your own life. Why? Because of the truthfulness thereof, because of the true and simple principles taught therein, because it is a tried and true way... For those of you who have read it before I hope that you are finding time to read it daily. It will be a constant reminder of who you are and your relationship to God, Jesus Christ and those around you. I know that as you strive to live in harmony with the teachings therein, you will have a constant source of strength and purpose in your lives. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen

    I hope that all of you have a wonderful week and that you have enjoyed reading these updates.

With love,

Elder Roberts

Transfer 2 Week 3

Hello all,

    Sorry that my post is late, but I only took a partial P-day yesterday so that I could get to work earlier. This past week has been pretty incredible. I am continuing to learn a lot and am abundantly blessed with opportunities to share my testimony of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. I volunteered at Meals on Wheels twice this week and spent time at the Library shelving books in between trips to the Temple. However, most of my week was spent with the Spanish Missionaries. We taught a few first discussions and I was able to share the First Vision in Spanish again this week :D I have found that sharing the First Vision is my favorite part of teaching a lesson. The Spirit testifies so strongly every time, without fail.  I can definitely say my Spanish is improving; but I still have a long way to go in terms of holding a decent conversation without having to ask how to say a specific word.
    During the past week I've come to have a greater sense of charity for those whom we are teaching and even those we pass by. It all draws back to the fact that we are all brothers and sisters, we are all family and are in this mess together. So, either we work together and get something done, or we gripe, envy and bicker and end up forgetting the whole reason why we are here. That is one of the beauties of the Gospel: it teaches us who we truly are and what we have the potential to become. (Romans 8:16-17)
     I've also found that this work is very easy to lose yourself in. There are so many people out there searching and so many different ways to reach them that you can hardly take time to think about yourself, except to remember to eat at some point and that sleep is kind of important. Besides those two things, we have the luxury of focusing our entire 2 years to the needs of those around us. For most of us, we will never have that chance again. Thankfully, I've been given a chance to serve and am very grateful for that opportunity. One more thing, I've found that early morning study is what really keeps me going. Taking time to really pray and really focus on what I need to learn gives me a spiritual jump start that keeps me going for the day.

    Okay, time to elaborate on my experiences this week. On Monday night the Spanish Elders and I went to a less active's and shared a spiritual thought on being diligent, I shared my testimony that diligent righteousness will bring peace and happiness into our lives. On Tuesday I delivered meals to the Elderly and went with the Spanish missionaries to multiple appointments. We met a way sweet new family and taught the first discussion. Their ferret liked me a bit too much and took a sample of my arm. Thankfully, it turned out well in the end. I went to the Temple twice on Wednesday with a break in between to shelve books at the Library. On Thursday I delivered meals again and met up with the Spanish Elders. We had a wonderful experience watching The Restoration with one family and some other great appointments. On Friday I went to the temple again and went with the Spanish Missionaries. We attended the Chili Cook Off and were able to invite some less actives and investigators to attend. On Saturday I was with the Spanish Missionaries from 9am-9pm and we had quite an amazing day. We tracted in Apex and taught a wonderful First Discussion to a family we found there. We also set up appointments with 4-5 people and will return this Thursday. Sunday was absolutely wonderful, as always. After church, which was amazing by the way, the Spanish Missionaries and I ate dinner with a way sweet family. On Monday I went with the Spanish Elders again from 12:15-9. Elder Chupin and I were able to go on splits together and we taught 3 incredible lessons and found three new investigators. I was able to share my conversion story in one of the lessons and the First Vision in another. It was by far my favorite day.

    I bear my testimony that the Gospel of Jesus Christ changes lives. It takes the weak and lifts them up, it takes the strong and refines them. It is a means by which we may come to know Our Father in Heaven and His Son, Jesus Christ. As we come to know them and the immense love they have for us and strive to follow the commandments we have been given, we will find peace and happiness in our daily lives. I leave this with you in the name of Jesus Christ.

Amen,

Elder Roberts

Transfer 2 Week 2

Hello all,

    This week has been quite a week. I started the week by going with the Spanish missionaries to teach a Family Home Evening lesson, because I am still learning Spanish I sat pretty quietly and bore my testimony as necessary. On Tuesday I went to volunteer at Meals on Wheels and delivered meals to the elderly :) I love being able to converse with those who are not able to get out much. I actually had an amazing conversation with one Mrs. Wright on Thursday :D

    I spent the rest of my Tuesday with the English Elders and we went around to see less actives and one of the members. At the member's house we taught about patience and how we can acquire Christ like attributes through faith, specific sincere prayer, and obedience.

    On Wednesday morning I had an amazing Temple session and proceeded back home to have brunch before heading to the public library to shelve books for 3 hours :) I had a gospel conversation with one of my fellow volunteers and was able to share a brief history of the church, including the First Vision. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity I have to share that miraculous vision. I then picked up the Spanish missionaries and had an great dinner appointment with Sister Calderon. We then headed over to a less active's house and I got along really well with the family. Elder Chupin and Rees were way excited about that.
   
    On Thursday I went to Meals on Wheels again and had a quality gospel conversation on the Atonement of Christ and how it marked the end of blood sacrifices for sins. I then delivered the meals and met up with the Spanish missionaries. We had a way good discussion on the institution of the sacrament by Christ to the people of ancient America. I bore my testimony in Spanish, but some German slipped in. We then had a dinner appointment with one of the families in the Cary 3rd branch. Afterwards we headed over to pick up the Garner Missionaries because they had forgotten their bike rack and were not able to bike back to Garner. So, I picked them up, went to Garner, dropped them off, and drove and dropped the Cary Spanish Missionaries off. :D

    On Friday I went to a temple session and then went to the Family History Center. I ended up listening to one of the workers recount many miracles in being able to find records for his deceased ancestors and also in teaching the restored gospel. I went with the English Elders later that day and we were supposed to turn down one street, but ended up pushing a jeep out of the mud on a street further down. This experience ended up being a lesson for us on following the promptings of the Holy Ghost, because even though we missed the first turn we felt alright about it and kept going until we felt it was right to turn. 

    I woke up way excited and ready to get to work on Saturday. I had a nice walk, studied, had breakfast and went to the Library to shelve books for 3 hours again. :D I ended up coming back with a long mental list of books to read. You never know what you have until it's gone, or you are not able to do anything about it. Afterwards I went with the English Missionaries. Later that night I was able to share the First Vision and some of my missionary experiences with one of my old co workers! I was very glad to have an opportunity to do that.

    Sunday was by far the most amazing day. In the morning I went over and studied with the Spanish Missionaries. We then headed out and invited our investigators to church. We headed out afterwards to the church and ended up leading our recent convert to the Singles' Ward to introduce them to the missionaries there. We had an amazing sacrament meeting there and the min topic was that of the Atonement of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. One of the speakers was Sister Clark who had just returned from her mission in Anchorage, Alaska. Yay for sister missionaries! Later that day we lead our recent convert to an amazing fireside at President Deaver's house. I had an incredible time there and after the wonderful testimonies (all in Spanish), I had an opportunity to converse with my companion from Raleigh, Elder Allen! I also ended up being able to converse with Elder Perez in Spanish for about 15-20 minutes and also with the recent converts. ^^

 I realized many times this week that one of my greatest problems is my tendency to focus so much on the amount of work I have yet to do in this life and how much I have yet to grow that I fail to fully notice and appreciate how far I have come in such a short time. I know that all of my progress would be naught without the Atonement and the assistance of my family, friends and the Holy Ghost though. :)  I also know that the tender mercies of the Lord are upon all His chosen servants, all of those who will harken unto the voice of the Savior and align their will with the will of the Father. We are all children of a loving Heavenly Father. He loves us and wants to bless us with blessings beyond our comprehension. He wants us to be happy forever and has provided a way to do so, He sent a savior, even Jesus Christ to teach the way in which we can return to our Father. He has called a Prophet in these the latter days, to organize the Church of Jesus Christ again on the earth, that all nations might know whereby they may obtain salvation and eternal life. I bear you my testimony that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is that very church, restored through a Latter day Prophet, even Joseph Smith. You can know for yourself if this is true through the power of the Holy Ghost,  for the "...[Holy Ghost] will teach [us] all things..." John 14:26 And as you read in, ponder about and pray about the Book of Mormon, "with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truthfulness of these things unto you by the power of the Holy Ghost, and by the power of the Holy Ghost, ye may know the truth of all things" Moroni 10:6-7 I leave this testimony and witness unto you in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior Amen.

With love,

Elder Roberts

Transfer 2 Week 1

Dear All,

    This past week has been quite an adventure. I transferred back to Cary from Henderson on Tuesday night and am way excited to be back in my home ward. I've spent most of my time with the Spanish Missionaries and have reinforced my resolve to learn Spanish while I'm out on my mission. We had about 9 investigators come to church and also had another confirmed a member of the church :D Elder Chupin and Rees invited me to participate, but because I did not know the person it would have been slightly awkward. Last night though, I had an amazing experience with one of our progressing investigators. We watched Legacy, which is a movie about the hardships and persecutions the early saints had to bear. Afterwards, the missionaries and I bore strong testimonies of Jesus Christ and how our faith in Him can get us through any trial. I bore my testimony that as long as we put our faith in Christ and follow His teachings, we will find peace and joy in our lives. I also testified that God will never give us commandments without providing a way for us to accomplish them. I know that as we build our lives on the Foundation of Christ, His Atonement and teachings that we all can find a greater sense of peace, joy and purpose.

   I also drove the English missionaries around, but most of our investigators were not home :(. We did have a way good discussion with this one lady though. She felt the spirit and should be coming to church next Sunday! :D

   I started to work on my service in the community by volunteering at Meals on Wheels. I had a way sweet time delivering meals to elderly folk and spending time listening to them reminisce about times 60-70 years ago. I plan on working with them twice a week and possibly more than that as times allows.

Thankfully I don't have a mile limitation, because I drove about 300 miles the past few days...

    On my mission I've experienced a happiness beyond anything I have felt before in my life. There is something unique about missionary work.. In Calvin Stephens' talk "The Mission and Work of the Savior" he talks about how Christ cast out demons by teaching people a better way to live. That's what we are doing! We are helping people overcome addictions, overcome hatred, overcome hardships and all manner of trials and afflictions by simply teaching them that there is a better way and teaching them how they can follow Christ's example and find peace.

    I know this church is true, I know that Joseph Smith saw God the Father and Jesus Christ and that he translated, through the power of God, an ancient record that stands as a second testimony of Jesus Christ. A record you can hold in your very hands. This very record, The Book of Mormon, is the fruit of a true Prophet of God. A Prophet just as Moses, Abraham and Noah of Old Testament times. I know that as you read, study, ponder and pray about the Book of Mormon, with real intent, seeking to know the truthfulness thereof, the Holy Ghost will testify to your very spirit that it is true. I know that as we strive to learn and follow God's will in our lives that we will find happiness and peace, even though we are tried, even though the world is falling apart around us, we can know that our foundation is sure. For "[Christ] is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall." Helaman 5:12 I leave these things with you in His Name, even Jesus Christ, Amen.

With Love,

Elder Roberts

P.S. Thanks for all the letters!*
I have stamps now! XD

Transfer 1 Week 6

Dear All,

    Wow, this week has been pretty amazing. We have been doing a lot of really good work and have seen some miracles. :) Conference was amazing! For those of you who missed it there are links on LDS.org.

    I've had a pretty enlightening week, I've been studying a lot and gaining a stronger testimony of gospel truths. We're having a lot of success here and I've met some pretty amazing people. I wish I could express and share everything I've learned and experienced, but every experience, every step I take, every testimony I share brings me to a more sure knowledge that this is the true church. Neil L Anderson gave an amazing talk once entitled "It's true isn't it? Then what else matters?" Those words ring true to me and show me how I've allowed those things that don't really matter get in the way of those things that do. Yes, it is hard to do certain things. Yes it is hard to wake up every morning and discipline myself to get to work, but it's true.. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is true. If that is so, then what else matters?

   

     I love this Church and the changes it has brought in my life and continues to bring as I am open to them. I love this work, this opportunity to bring a more sure joy and purpose into the lives of those I teach. I love seeing how the principles of the gospel can lift even those who seem unliftable.

   

    Thank you to everyone who has sent me letters and emails of encouragement. For those of you who have not been written back to yet, I apologize, I ran out of stamps and accidentally left some of your addresses back in Cary...

    I love the Henderson Branch, it has some really strong members and I've come to love them as much as one can in such a short period of time.

    I love you all and hope you all have a great week!

With love,

Elder Roberts

P.S. No, I haven't forgotten those of you in the Rocky Mount area. I love and miss you all too :D

   

Transfer 1 Week 5

Dear all,

    This week has been insane! I transferred from Rocky Mount to Raleigh on Tuesday and attended a mission tour by Elder Maynes! He's one of the General Seventy's and his talk/lecture was pretty intense. I learned a lot and gained more of an eternal perspective. My companion for Raleigh was Elder Allen. He's a way awesome guy and we got a lot of tracting done. For the first day we spent a lot of time at the mission tour and then getting everything set up before heading to some appointments. The second day I memorized most of the First Vision in Spanish. Sadly, I was transferred the very next morning to Henderson.

    Henderson has been interesting. I've been dealing with a lot so it has been tough to focus and be cheerful. My companion: Elder Regnier, has been a great support though. We have some great people here and a possible baptism in October :D

    I'm looking forward to General Conference this next weekend. A chance to hear from the Prophet: Thomas S. Monson and the other leaders of the church. I am going to learn so much! It has been a very humbling week and I've had to come to terms with a lot of my weaknesses. I know that the Lord will provide a way for me to overcome them though. It's what life is all about: preparing ourselves to meet God. That means doing our best to overcome whatever trials come our way and coming out stronger because of them, it means setting our sights on Eternity and not getting hung up in the things of the world. I've been hit with that pretty hard my entire mission and especially this week.

   

    I thank everyone for your prayers and letters and emails. :) I need each and every one of them. For those of you sending letters, send them to the Cary, NC address. Thanks!

With love,

Elder Roberts

P.S. HAPPY BIRTHDAY KAYLA!

Transfer 1 Week 4

Hello All,

    First I want to stress just how much I am going to miss this area. I love the members, the investigators, the recent converts and I love my companion. I am definitely visiting whenever I can. Until then though I'm transfering to Raleigh, NC (Spanish speaking).

    This week was bike week so I had the opportunity to bike all over town. I came back to our home very sore, but my sleeping hasn't improved much. That's okay though, I've had the energy I've needed to accomplish the work. We had dinner at Ron's (recent investigator) house, but Lorenzo (recent convert neighbor) invited other people without Ron knowing. This led to an interesting situation where we couldn't follow up with Ron except to leave a message on how Christ knows us individually. I know Elder Anderson will catch up with him this next week. Charlie, Tiffany's dad, is showing progress though. He's started taking the lessons and we watched "The Restoration." He got mad at the one preacher in the movie who was pushing Joseph Smith to come to his church. He also came to church and the last talk seemed completely focused on him. He lost his wife back in February and the talk was on how you don't know what you have till it's gone and how the speaker didn't appreciate his family enough. In Gospel Principles we talked about sacrifice and that hit him pretty hard too.

    We ate at the Clarks and Bro. Clark will be getting baptized at some point. He basically said that he's still preparing to become a member and when he's ready, he'll let us know. :) I met the Wilkins family two days ago and they became my favorite family in the area quite quickly. Brother Wilkins and I are so much alike and think alike and have surprised each other with that. :D I am definitely going to keep in touch and visit them post mission. Their daughter is getting married in December to a hopefully by then member: Alec L. We set a baptismal date for October 11th and we'll see what happens there.

    Matthew will be happy to know that we went to see a chiropractor this week. I didn't think my neck and back could pop so much. :D Bro. Treanor, the second counselor to the bishop, is a chiropractor in the area. He went with us to see Sister Lawrence (Laurence?) who used to be Sister Walker. We had quite a time in that visit because she wasn't reading the pamphlets... Brother Treanor and Elder Anderson saw right through her lie and kept pressing her. We ended up finding out that she was lacking in a testimony of the pre earth life and her purpose. We reaffirmed her commitments and ended on a good note though.. I'm usually the quiet one, which to people who know me is quite funny, but I was quite bold and clearly stated some doctrine and she snapped at me.. It was alright though, we got down to the problem and we are at a point where she needs to pray and press forward.

    I've felt the adversary this week, weighing me down and trying to distract me. It hit it's peak last night after giving a blessing to Sis. Dickens but after a long prayer and some hymns I was fine :)

    We helped the Bentons paint some rooms this week and they are moving out really soon. I will miss them even though I only met them twice..

       I love this work, I love the gospel, I love that I have a opportunity to meet and serve my fellow brethren and sisters. I hope that you are all well and if not I hope you find wellness in the near future. Thanks for the letters/packages :D you have sent, they've been a source of strength.

       

       I know this church is true and I love it!

With love,

  

Elder Roberts

Transfer 1 Week 3

Dear All,

    Oh wow... This week has flown by! I've had so many wonderful experiences in this area. We have found at least one new investigator each day. I have had to restain myself from just teaching everything at once on a couple of occasions. :) One of our best lessons was with the neighbor of a recent convert, Lorenzo.. Lorenzo kept calling Elder Anderson with issues and such and finally Elder Anderson told him to go find someone we could teach... He called a little bit later and told us to come over at 4pm. We ended up teaching a really good lesson to his neighbor, Ron, and he invited us to dinner to teach the second lesson today! :D

    I love Sundays! We had Ward Conference and Bishop Compton and Stake President Judd gave really good talks on being an example of a believer. I was feeling a bit homesick in choir, I really missed having other tenors singing alongside me. I've been really working on focusing on my mission though and living in the here and now, but it has been a challenge since I am used to thinking into the future and such. I've also been working on being a better companion and losing myself in the work. I have found a greater love for those I serve, but am still struggling with being a better companion. I'm not going to give up though, I know Elder Anderson and I can learn a lot from each other if we are patient with one another.

   

    This week I have been adjusting to missionary life and to teaching the gospel. I didn't go through the MTC (missionary training center) so I have had to brush up on teaching techniques and such with the help of Elder Anderson. He's a good teacher and I am learning a lot from his example and by studying the Preach My Gospel manual. I've memorized the main points of the first 3 discussions and the First Vision. I've also been working on recognizing and following the Spirit.

    I love bearing my testimony! We were at a couple's house, the Clarks, and were teaching the Word of Wisdom. Bro. Clark got hung up on the commandment not to drink tea or coffee, but after we all bore testimony of the truthfulness of the church all was well. Preach My Gospel teaches that most disputations on commandments, if not all, tie back to whether or not Joseph Smith was a Prophet speaking in behalf of God. Once they read, pray and get a testimony that the Book of Mormon is true then that proves that Jesus is the Christ, Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God and that the commandments given were of God and should be followed. Bishop Compton, a convert, gave a great example of this when he told the story of how the missionaries kept trying to scientifically tell him why he shouldn't drink tea. He kept rationalizing it away until one missionary told him "I can't tell you why you shouldn't drink tea save the Lord has commanded that we not." This pierced him and he hasn't had any since.

Overall, this has been a marvelous week, we have a nice pool of new investigators, and a few people with plausible baptismal dates. I know that this area has so much potential and I look forward to finding it! I love this gospel, I know it changes lives and that as long as we harken unto the words of our Prophet, Thomas S. Monson, and strive to keep our will in line with the will of our Father in Heaven, we will find joy and peace in our daily lives.

With love,

Elder Roberts

Transfer 1 Week 2

Hello All,

Being an Elder has been quite an experience so far. I got set apart on Sunday night and immediately headed out to Rocky Mount where I met Elder Anderson, Elder Wilson and Elder Nelson and settled in quite nicely. On Preparation day we got up and went about the morning schedule: wake up, exercise, personal and companion study, breakfast ect.. We went to Office Depot to make copies and Wendy's for a nice lunch. Elder Anderson and Elder Wilson went golfing and Elder Nelson and I went to the bookstore where we waited, out of the rain, for Elder Anderson and Wilson to finish. After that we went back home and played Frisbee in the rain. After P-day ended, Elder Anderson and I visited some recent converts: Lorenzo and Judy and then we stopped by and met up with Quantay who had been having a hard time. After these visits we stopped by to visit Tiffany who had just been baptised the previous Saturday. We then headed back to the house to have a planning session and turn in for the night.

Today we had to email because the libraries were closed yesterday. Elder Anderson and I went around delivering media to those who had ordered it. We are so grateful to have the car this week because there are 50 orders to fulfill... We delivered a bible to Julius B. and had a really good discussion on the restoration. He seems to be taking it in pretty well and should see him in a couple of weeks. We then stopped by and dropped off a "Faith in Christ" movie and talked for a bit with Lisa. We then met with Sharay and had an absolutely wonderful teaching experience. She has been searching for the right church for so long and she's finally found it. She's a really good person and sincerely wants to know her Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. She felt good when we told the restoration story, especially when we came to the First Vision. She agreed to come to church on Sunday and we are going to bring a member over on Saturday so she has someone to go with. Finally, we went to the Holleman's to drop off a bible. We hope to meet with them again soon.

Overall, it has been a good few days. I know I have so much to learn in the ways to teaching and getting used to things. I am thankful for this opportunity to serve and for the support of my church leaders, friends and family. I love you guys! I love this church. I know that this, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, is the restored church and the true and living church. I pray that all of you are well and that all of you are having a good week.

With Love,

Elder Andrew J Roberts

P.S. You can email me, but I can't answer. Those who want to write me, email me your mailing address @ tenchi30401@gmail.com

Ello again, I just found out this morning that I will be immediately placed with a companion after I am set apart. His name is Elder Anderson and he's from  Rexburg, Idaho. That's all I know for now. So, for those of you who write me, my address will be different for 2 weeks starting Sunday night. If you need the address just email me or call.  I'm so excited to have a companion so soon! I thought I would have to wait till November. Oh, I'm also getting my number changed on Saturday, so call me before then if you need to bid me farewell.

Until later,

Elder Roberts

Preparations

Ello all, I've got 6 days until I'm set apart.. I so can't believe that I'm going on a mission! I'm counting down the days waiting to serve in the Apex North Carolina Stake mission. I'll be serving in the Temple, working at various charitable organizations, volunteering at the Family History Center and working along side the other missionaries in the area. I so look forward to serving the Lord and doing all I can do to build His kingdom on Earth.

It is going to be such a wonderful experience!

See you all in 2 years!

TEST AGAIN

There are strange things done in the midnight sun

By the men who moil for gold;

The Arctic trails have their secret tales

That would make your blood run cold;

The Northern Lights have seen queer sights,

But the queerest they ever did see

Was that night on the marge of Lake Lebarge

I cremated Sam McGee.

Now Sam McGee was from Tennessee, where the cotton blooms and blows.
Why he left his home in the South to roam 'round the Pole, God only knows.
He was always cold, but the land of gold seemed to hold him like a spell;
Though he'd often say in his homely way that "he'd sooner live in hell."

On a Christmas Day we were mushing our way over the Dawson trail.
Talk of your cold! through the parka's fold it stabbed like a driven nail.
If our eyes we'd close, then the lashes froze till sometimes we couldn't see;
It wasn't much fun, but the only one to whimper was Sam McGee.

And that very night, as we lay packed tight in our robes beneath the snow,
And the dogs were fed, and the stars o'erhead were dancing heel and toe,
He turned to me, and "Cap," says he, "I'll cash in this trip, I guess;
And if I do, I'm asking that you won't refuse my last request."

Well, he seemed so low that I couldn't say no; then he says with a sort of moan:
"It's the cursed cold, and it's got right hold till I'm chilled clean through to the bone.
Yet 'taint being dead—it's my awful dread of the icy grave that pains;
So I want you to swear that, foul or fair, you'll cremate my last remains."

A pal's last need is a thing to heed, so I swore I would not fail;
And we started on at the streak of dawn; but God! he looked ghastly pale.
He crouched on the sleigh, and he raved all day of his home in Tennessee;
And before nightfall a corpse was all that was left of Sam McGee.

There wasn't a breath in that land of death, and I hurried, horror-driven,
With a corpse half hid that I couldn't get rid, because of a promise given;
It was lashed to the sleigh, and it seemed to say: "You may tax your brawn and brains,
But you promised true, and it's up to you to cremate those last remains."

Now a promise made is a debt unpaid, and the trail has its own stern code.
In the days to come, though my lips were dumb, in my heart how I cursed that load.
In the long, long night, by the lone firelight, while the huskies, round in a ring,
Howled out their woes to the homeless snows—O God! how I loathed the thing.

And every day that quiet clay seemed to heavy and heavier grow;
And on I went, though the dogs were spent and the grub was getting low;
The trail was bad, and I felt half mad, but I swore I would not give in;
And I'd often sing to the hateful thing, and it hearkened with a grin.

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Till I came to the marge of Lake Lebarge, and a derelict there lay;
It was jammed in the ice, but I saw in a trice it was called the "Alice May."
And I looked at it, and I thought a bit, and I looked at my frozen chum;
Then "Here," said I, with a sudden cry, "is my cre-ma-tor-eum."

Some planks I tore from the cabin floor, and I lit the boiler fire;
Some coal I found that was lying around, and I heaped the fuel higher;
The flames just soared and the furnace roared—such a blaze you seldom see;

Then I burrowed a hole in the glowing coal, and I stuffed in Sam McGee.

Then I made a hike, for I didn't like to hear him sizzle so;
And the heavens scowled, and the huskies howled, and the wind began to blow.
It was icy cold, but the hot sweat rolled down my cheeks, and I don't know why;
And the greasy smoke in an inky cloak went streaking down the sky.

I do not know how long in the snow I wrestled with grisly fear;
But the stars came out and they danced about ere again I ventured near;
I was sick with dread, but I bravely said: "I'll just take a peep inside.
I guess he's cooked, and it's time I looked;" . . . then the door I opened wide.

—Word Info image © ALL rights reserved.

And there sat Sam, looking cool and calm, in the heart of the furnace roar;
And he wore a smile you could see a mile, and he said: "Please close that door.
It's fine in here, but I greatly fear you'll let in the cold and storm—
Since I left Plumtree, down in Tennessee, it's the first time I've been warm."

There are strange things done in the midnight sun

By the men who moil for gold;

The Arctic trails have their secret tales

That would make your blood run cold;

The Northern Lights have seen queer sights,

But the queerest they ever did see

Was that night on the marge of Lake Lebarge

I cremated Sam McGee.