Transfer 13 Week 5

Dear Everyone,

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

With Love,

 

Elder Roberts

Transfer 13 Week 4

Dear Everyone,

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

With love,

 

Elder Roberts

Transfer 13 Week 3

Dear Everyone,

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

With Love,

 

Elder Roberts

   

     

Transfer 13 Week 2

Dear Everyone,

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

With Love,

 

Elder Roberts

Transfer 13 Week 1

Dear Everyone,

 

    It is good to be back in Henderson! This is highly unusual to return to an area, but nothing about my mission has been ususal so far. We had transfers a day later due to the "ice storm" that passed by. On Wednesday I went with one of the Harker's Island Elders and a family from that ward to transfer meeting and for the first time I was officially transferred somewhere. They read my name off and everything. We were driven back to our apartment by a member of the branch and had a slight detour to South Boston, Va to drop off the Elders who will be working in that recently opened area. For the past while only senior couples have served there. I was grateful to jump right into teaching after I unpacked and got settled in. We were able to have dinner with one of our progressing investigators and answer some of the questions she had. She is so enthusiastic about being taught and is keeping all the commitments that we have given so far. She used to live in Utah with her parents and since her father is a member, she grew up going to our church, but never formally became a member of the church. Her boyfriend, whom she lives with, goes to another church, but when she went with him, it lacked the spirit that she was used to feeling. It really is a miracle that the missionaries were able to get in contact with her and it is a blessing to see her progress in the gospel. We watched "The Restoration" DVD with her and the Spirit was really strong there. It was quite a marvelous experience. Later that night we met with another of our investigators (Keith) and commited him to stop smoking and to begin to read The Book of Mormon and pray about it.

 

    The next day we had Zone Conference and the focus was "The Role of the Holy Ghost in Conversion." We were taught portions of the Doctrine of Christ and thenwent into detail on how we can work on inspired listening, which is where we rely on the Spirit to help us discern needs from the responses to inspired questions. We were able to do a couple of role plays to practice and I had the hardest time with teaching one of our "investigators." We also had a portion dedicated to improving our planning during our daily planning sessions and we were even allowed to have our nightly planning session about 6 hours early. We were all witnesses to the blessings that flow when we followed the planning guidelines outlined in our planners. Afterwards I was able to buy my food for the week and when we walked out we realized we had parked next to one of the branch members. He graciously invited us to dinner and we were able to eat and talk with him about some of the things we had learned that day. Later that night we met with the Sullyan family and were able to set an appointment with a group of investigators.

 

    We spent most of Friday morning in our weekly planning session and then went out to contact some referrals we had received. We then visited with Ann and Alfreda. Sadly Ann's aunt had passed away the previous week and then while we were talking with her the phone rang informing her that her son had broken an arm and a leg in an automobile accident. We were able to have a prayer with her and give her a blessing of comfort and for her health. We will be checking on them again pretty soon. We then went out pretty far and met with the Gooch family. We watched "The Restoration" DVD to clear up some questions on the first lesson and I was able to make an authority chart showing the flow of authority from God to His prophets from the Old Testament to Modern Times. Through that and the power of the Holy Ghost, they were able to come to an understanding of the need for men to have authority to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinaces thereof.

 

    The rest of our week was spent in lessons and in searching out referrals. I look very forward to this coming week. A short side note though, my companion and I spent a couple of hours on preparation day playing mini-golf and laser- tag and we had a really enjoyable time.

 

    Jesus is the Son of God. We are all Children of God and He is our literal Father in Heaven. He wants us to follow the example of His Son Jesus Christ and to a knowledge of His will in our lives. I know that God has one plan for all of His Children and that it is through His Son Jesus Christ and His Atonement that this plan is brought to pass. Our work is to keep the commandments by living by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. We are to be doers of the word and not simply hearers. I know that God reveals His word through Prophets and that this pattern as show in both the Old and New Testament, still continues today. Thomas S. Monson is His Prophet. We can know the truth of these things for ourselves, by the power of the Holy Ghost, through prayer as we read and ponder the message contained in the Book of Mormon. I have received an answer for myself. I know these things are true and give my testimony, in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

 

With Love,

 

Elder Roberts

 

For more information please visit:

 

Mormon.org

Transfer 12 Week 6

Dear Everyone,

 

    This has been quite a week. We spent our Preparation Day at Atlantic Beach and Fort Macon. Don't worry, we avoided the water. We were able to take several pictures around the fort and gained a greater knowledge of the history of that place. Afterwards we had Family Home Evening with the Pace family, friends and two recent converts. We were able to have a good discussion on basic doctrines and the laws and ordinances of the church. On Tuesday we biked a lot and stopped by members and non-members alike. One of the people we stopped by was a 32nd Degree mason. He is so close to being a member. He lives the law of chastity and the word of wisdom. He lives a Christian life, but is against organized religion. *sigh* Well, he is progressing towards that, but it will takes time and faith. Another interesting person we met was a homeless man who has his tent 10 feet off the road next to the railroad tracks. He came out professing to know God and to read His Word daily, but once we mentioned The Book of Mormon, he started to listen. He called us Brothers in Christ in a Native American dialect and proceeded to grab us in a double headlock and give a prayer. It was quite an interesting experience. We were able to find his tent a couple of days ago after giving him a copy of The Book of Mormon. That night we went with a recent convert to dinner and then watched "Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration" with an investigator. It was a marvelous spiritual experience. I can feel the Spirit so strongly every time I watch it. Wednesday we had four hours of meetings sandwiching our day. In the middle we were able to drop by an investigator and then have dinner with a recent convert again. Thursday we had weekly planning and I finally met the members we live with. They had been on vacation for a few weeks. We then visited the Laveck family and talked with their niece abit about the Gospel.

     Friday morning we were driven out to Beaufort to tract and walked for four hours. It was quite an experience. My companion was in so much pain that night because he pulled something from walking on unlevel ground. Brother Pierce picked us up and we went over to the Libbys for a lesson. On Saturday we tried to contact some referrals, but they would not answer the door.  We then stopped by the Libbys again and had dinner for them. That night we returned and I received a call from President Cotterell. I found out that I am being transferred to Henderson! YAY! I have not been there for over a year. I look very forward to serving with them. We woke up Monday to snow and found out that transfers are being pushed back a day.

 

    I know that this is the Lord's work. Jesus is the Christ, the very Son of God, our Savior and our Redeemer. God is His Father and Our Father in Heaven. He knows us and loves us individually. He understands our nature and our mistakes. He has provided a way for us to be cleansed of sin and the negative effects of guilt and shame associated with it. He gave His Son to show us the way, to be an example of Godliness in thought, word and deed. Jesus Christ died that the justice of God might be satisfied and that men might find mercy through accepting and living the laws, ordinances and covenants of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His Prophet on the earth today is Thomas S. Monson. His Church is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I am His missionary and He is my Savior. These things I know and testify by the power of the Holy Ghost and in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. 

Transfer 12 Week 5

Dear Everyone,

   

    I have safely arrived in Morehead City and I love it. My new companion is Elder Crezee and it has been a blast serving with him. We have had a lot of success so far and have been working as hard as we can to bring others unto Christ. Our ward is so wonderful when it comes to member support. We had members present for every lesson we taught this week and when we were told to decrease our miles, we were able to get exchanges for every day we needed to be driven out. We are working with the Leveck family and the father of the family and a couple of others are the only ones who have not been baptized. We are working with him and have been able to teach two lessons so far. He seems to enjoy our lessons and seems to be taking it in pretty well. He came to church on Sunday and seemed to enjoy that as well. We had fast and testimony meeting and my companion and I bore our testimonies and were able to teach the Elder's Quorum and that went pretty well. I can't think of much more so I hope you all have a good week.

 

    I know that Jesus is the Christ, the very Son of God. I know that God is our Father in Heaven and that He loves us. I know that Joseph Smith was a Prophet and Thomas S. Monson is a Prophet of God. I know that this is the Church of Jesus Christ, restored upon the earth with the same foundation that existed in the primative church. Of these things I bear testimony in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

 

With love,

 

Elder Roberts