Transfer 11 Week 4

Dear Everyone,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

With love,

Elder Roberts

Transfer 11 Week 3

Dear Everyone,

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

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

With Love,

Elder Roberts

Transfer 11 Week 2

Dear Everyone,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

With Love,

Elder Roberts

 

Transfer 11 Week 1

Dear Everyone,

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

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

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

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

With Love,

Elder Roberts

Transfer 10 Week 6

Dear Everyone,

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

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

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

With love,

Elder Roberts

Transfer 10 Week 5

Dear Everyone,

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

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

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

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

WIth Love,
Elder Roberts

Transfer 10 Week 4

Dear Everyone,

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

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

With Love,

Elder Roberts