Well, this week was awesome.
We had Zone Conference in Nauvoo. My last one. It was a powerful conference. The Assistants and the mission presidency gave powerfully motivating trainings, to help us with 400. The mission is booming with excitement, and miracles. We currently have 254 baptisms, and 100 baptismal dates. 100 is the highest number of baptismal dates the mission has ever had SINCE IT WAS FIRST CREATED! During the Assistants' training, President told us, he had been sitting there thinking about what the AP's were talking about, and he had a powerful revelation telling him 400 WILL HAPPEN. I felt the spirit so powerfully as he revealed that to us. I know 400 will happen. It has to. Those people are there, and waiting for us! I had the privilege, as strange as it was, to stand up in front of the conference and bear my "going home testimony." At each Zone Conference each missionary there that is going home at the end of that transfer or the next bears their testimony. At that moment I knew more than ever that 400 is of God, I knew I have done good on my mission, and that President Jergensen is called of God. This mission is the greatest mission on the planet. I love the Iowa Des Moines Mission. Granted I am isolated, I know of no other missions that are seeing the miracles and the hand of the Lord in the work, the way we are. It is powerful, and a witness to me that God does direct His work.
We also had Stake Conference in Nauvoo. That was sweet. There were some amazing talks given by the Stake Presidency, President and Sister Jergensen, the Stake Patriarch, so chick, and return missionary chick, and her dad. They all gave great sermons. It was awesome because I got to sing in the Stake Choir. I hate singing in choirs unless they are good, because I like my music to sound good. so I usually try to avoid ward choirs. But the Kirksville 1st Ward surprised me with their choir. They are actually good! Not only is the director REALLY good, but she picks REALLY good arrangements for the hymns we sing, and the people can actually sing. We have a tenor section too, that's actually powerful- so that's pretty sweet. But they're losing a tenor now. I'm flattered. They said I'm the powerhouse to the choir. That's my brag for the day. I don't think I really was, I just thought I oversang a part. I hit this high F really well, and better than all the other tenors, so they were like HOLY CRAP! Everyone was like "was that YOU?!" I just look at them like "heck yes, you jerk! I am AWESOOOME!" But that would be prideful. So instead I just smile, tilt my head to the side, blush a little and say "Why yes, it was! Were you impressed?" Wait. That still sounds a little prideful. "No it wasn't. Who do you think it was? I couldn't hear anybody else but me belting a high F!" Now I'm just bragging, being stupid, annoying and prideful. I need a piece of humble cheesecake. I would say pie, but I'm not in the mood for pie. Maybe brownies. But I need to lose weight. So I'll just have some baby carrots or something. I'm not really sure what I'm writing about- OH MY GOSH! So when Elder Smith and I were driving to and from a outskirt town we saw a ZEBRA! A ZEBRA AT A FARM IN MISSOURI??? I was so confused! I didn't understand at first. Where would some Missouri farmer get a Zebra?! It's not in a zoo too, so that's super weird. Elder Flint and Elder McKenzie didn't believe me at first, but Elder McKenzie saw it as we drove to and from Stake Conference. So he is a witness to my sanity.
Christian and Sam are well. We are going to do a Church Tour/Presentation with them. Kristin is going to another church, which is sad, but she is still going to the YSA stuff. That's good, because she can be fellowshipped.
Anyways, I'm getting bored so I'll say good bye.
Good bye!
Elder Prows
Weekly Post - 9/17/2012
Well, this last week we had interviews with President Jergensen. He gave an amazing training on the WHAT, HOW and WHY of missionary work. He explained about how all that we do revolves around the churches duty to "gather scattered Israel." I came to understand the principle of those who hold Priesthood Keys. It would take too long to type out.
It was weird that that was my last interview with President Jergensen before my exit interview. This whole feeling is surreal. Other missionaries ask me what it is like, and what I mean by "bittersweet", because that is the only word I can find to express it. I love my mission, but it is unstoppable. It is ending. A member in our ward, Brother Morgan, was telling me about how in his mission the mission president would not extend ANY missionary. Because we are called for 2 years, and 2 years it is. If you realize that you want to work hard later then TOO BAD! You used your time.
We had a great district meeting too. It started off a bit shaky, I was feeling a little under the weather, but I felt better once the spirit really got going in the meeting. I was worried about my training. I didn't know how it was going to go, but I spent a good amount of time preparing, and the spirit took over and it was great. I felt prompted to do a testimony meeting, and it was great. We all took some time to meditate, and then share our testimonies. I enjoyed it.
I don't have much time, so I have to make it all worth it. That's all we can do. It's all we will do.
Elder Prows, P-Trowsers out!
It was weird that that was my last interview with President Jergensen before my exit interview. This whole feeling is surreal. Other missionaries ask me what it is like, and what I mean by "bittersweet", because that is the only word I can find to express it. I love my mission, but it is unstoppable. It is ending. A member in our ward, Brother Morgan, was telling me about how in his mission the mission president would not extend ANY missionary. Because we are called for 2 years, and 2 years it is. If you realize that you want to work hard later then TOO BAD! You used your time.
We had a great district meeting too. It started off a bit shaky, I was feeling a little under the weather, but I felt better once the spirit really got going in the meeting. I was worried about my training. I didn't know how it was going to go, but I spent a good amount of time preparing, and the spirit took over and it was great. I felt prompted to do a testimony meeting, and it was great. We all took some time to meditate, and then share our testimonies. I enjoyed it.
I don't have much time, so I have to make it all worth it. That's all we can do. It's all we will do.
Elder Prows, P-Trowsers out!
Weekly Post - 9/10/2012
Hello family!
So this week was good. We had the opportunity to be able to go to Zone Training Meeting, my last one. It was really weird to say that. But it was good. We set a Zone Goal for baptisms, and received some training from the Zone Leaders! It was way sweet. We now have a really good baptismal goal of 8 for the next 3 months. I prayed about it, just as the Zone Leaders did, and I know it is reachable.
We also had a way good lesson with Christian and Sam. We taught them about the Doctrine of Christ. They hinted at hoping to set a baptismal date somewhere in the future. They just hope to deal with marriage first. Which is good, and gratefully they don't need to get married before baptism though, because they are not living together. But I think that it would be very good for them. What better way to start attending a new church, than when you are newly married, and establishing grounds in the home. :) I'm way excited about them.
They also came with us to the CES Fireside with Elder Jefferey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. It was such a good sermon! I love Elder Holland. I loved when he talked about "Checking our religion at the door." I'm actually listening to that part now, which was awesome! "My young friends, that kind of discipleship cannot be! It is not discipleship at all!" It really made me think about my attitude towards life, and lots of other things. How often do we rationalize and justify ourselves in doing wrong? How often do we forget to watch ourselves? I loved the message. "There will never be enough police officers to replace moral cleanliness, and it never should." That was powerful to me. So much has our world changed to hope that putting evil men behind bars, is going to protect this world. The answer is morality! We have to be clean OURSELVES! That is the purpose of agency, is the Lord wanted us to figure it out ourselves. The Lord did not want us to do what we were not aware of. I am eternally grateful to that truth. In the Miracle of Forgiveness, President Spencer W. Kimball talks about the way that relying upon the laws of the land to protect us in a very literal way PREVENT true repentance-"Repentance is inseparable from time. No one can repent on the cross, nor in prison, nor in custody. One must have the opportunity of committing wrong in order to be really repentant. The man in handcuffs, the prisoner in the penitentiary, the man as he drowns, or as he dies---such a man certainly cannot repent totally. He can wish to do it, he may intend to change his life, he may determine that he will, but that is only the beginning. That is why we should not wait for the life beyond but should abandon evil habits and weaknesses while in the flesh on the earth... Clearly it is difficult to repent in the spirit world of sins involving physical habits and actions. There one has spirit and mind but not the physical power to overcome a physical habit"
We as Disciples of Christ must never ever allow ourselves to be shaken. We must "check our worldliness at the door." As Elder Holland said, "We cannot run from Babylon, we need to attack it!" So I hope we can all be strong, and endure to the end!
Watch carefully everyone, because Satan is out there, and he wants you.
20 For behold, at that day shall he rage in the hearts of the children of men, and stir them up to anger against that which is good.
21 And others will he pacify, and lull them away into carnal security, that they will say: All is well in Zion; yea, Zion prospereth, all is well—and thus the devil cheateth their souls, and leadeth them away carefully down to hell. [2 Nephi 28:20-21]
I'm grateful for my Savior Jesus Christ, who can help us to overcome the devil. We can beat him, and we will! Because it is by our Savior real happiness comes.
Elder Prows
So this week was good. We had the opportunity to be able to go to Zone Training Meeting, my last one. It was really weird to say that. But it was good. We set a Zone Goal for baptisms, and received some training from the Zone Leaders! It was way sweet. We now have a really good baptismal goal of 8 for the next 3 months. I prayed about it, just as the Zone Leaders did, and I know it is reachable.
We also had a way good lesson with Christian and Sam. We taught them about the Doctrine of Christ. They hinted at hoping to set a baptismal date somewhere in the future. They just hope to deal with marriage first. Which is good, and gratefully they don't need to get married before baptism though, because they are not living together. But I think that it would be very good for them. What better way to start attending a new church, than when you are newly married, and establishing grounds in the home. :) I'm way excited about them.
They also came with us to the CES Fireside with Elder Jefferey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. It was such a good sermon! I love Elder Holland. I loved when he talked about "Checking our religion at the door." I'm actually listening to that part now, which was awesome! "My young friends, that kind of discipleship cannot be! It is not discipleship at all!" It really made me think about my attitude towards life, and lots of other things. How often do we rationalize and justify ourselves in doing wrong? How often do we forget to watch ourselves? I loved the message. "There will never be enough police officers to replace moral cleanliness, and it never should." That was powerful to me. So much has our world changed to hope that putting evil men behind bars, is going to protect this world. The answer is morality! We have to be clean OURSELVES! That is the purpose of agency, is the Lord wanted us to figure it out ourselves. The Lord did not want us to do what we were not aware of. I am eternally grateful to that truth. In the Miracle of Forgiveness, President Spencer W. Kimball talks about the way that relying upon the laws of the land to protect us in a very literal way PREVENT true repentance-"Repentance is inseparable from time. No one can repent on the cross, nor in prison, nor in custody. One must have the opportunity of committing wrong in order to be really repentant. The man in handcuffs, the prisoner in the penitentiary, the man as he drowns, or as he dies---such a man certainly cannot repent totally. He can wish to do it, he may intend to change his life, he may determine that he will, but that is only the beginning. That is why we should not wait for the life beyond but should abandon evil habits and weaknesses while in the flesh on the earth... Clearly it is difficult to repent in the spirit world of sins involving physical habits and actions. There one has spirit and mind but not the physical power to overcome a physical habit"
We as Disciples of Christ must never ever allow ourselves to be shaken. We must "check our worldliness at the door." As Elder Holland said, "We cannot run from Babylon, we need to attack it!" So I hope we can all be strong, and endure to the end!
Watch carefully everyone, because Satan is out there, and he wants you.
20 For behold, at that day shall he rage in the hearts of the children of men, and stir them up to anger against that which is good.
21 And others will he pacify, and lull them away into carnal security, that they will say: All is well in Zion; yea, Zion prospereth, all is well—and thus the devil cheateth their souls, and leadeth them away carefully down to hell. [2 Nephi 28:20-21]
I'm grateful for my Savior Jesus Christ, who can help us to overcome the devil. We can beat him, and we will! Because it is by our Savior real happiness comes.
Elder Prows
Weekly Post - 9/4/2012
man, this week was crazy.
so on Friday we got permission to go shopping for food, because remnants of Hurricane Isaac were coming to Kirksville's area, and so we had to be prepared in case if we had to be quarantined in our apartments. It rained very hard. It was fun though. I enjoyed it.
We had some lessons with Christian and Sam, and they are awesome. We taught about the Restoration again, because they were having some difficulties in understanding it. But they sincerely desire to understand it! Which is so good, and baptism is something that they are looking forward to as a possibility, which is exciting. I do not see them getting baptized while I am here, but that is not what matters to me. What matters is that they understand what the covenant they are making is, and that they sincerely and honestly make that covenant. I don't want a repeat of Thomas.
Kristin is doing very well too. We are so excited for her! I think she could be baptized while I am here, but it's the same deal as with the other two. It is more important to have them understand. Otherwise would be selfish.
I got my trunky letter this week. Meaning info on how to prepare to go home, which was SUPER weird, and it seemed way early. But I guess they want me to make sure that I am prepared to go home... seeing as if I wasn't I'd just be stressed out of my mind.
I've got this kink in my left shoulder that has been paining me, and it's frustrating. It makes it hard to drive, which is annoying because I'm the designated driver, and Elder Smith doesn't have a license! But I deal with it, and just work hard, and it puts a smile on my face. Two thumbs up!
I don't have much else to write about really. The weeks are flying by, and it's odd. But it works for me. I'm just trying hard to focus, but it doesn't help when your district keeps saying "how big is your trunk today?" "Hey! You're going home." haha, I'm just getting a taste of my own medicine. I did that to other missionaries ALL THE TIME. So now I get to see what it is like. It's fun. But does get old fast. Those poor missionaries who I teased. It was fun while it lasted.
Anyways, my dad asked me if I wanted lasagna for dinner the day I get home. I make this declaration:
LASAGNA SUCKS AND TASTES LIKE DIRT!
I ate dirt when I was a child once.
Sincerely,
Elder Prows
Weekly Post- 8/27/2012
This last week was amazing. We had an amazing 12 member lessons about our goal for 400. I am so excited to see excitement from members. We have a video that we have been showing with it called By Small and Simple Things. It is a very powerful movie about member missionary work, and the miracles it brings to pass. Each time we show this video there have been experiences members have had in finding something more they can do to share the gospel. We've also been giving them little packets of supplies they can use to share the gospel.
We got 2 new investigators this last week. I think I mentioned Christian in a post a few weeks ago. He walked up to us as we were teaching an investigator and pulled a Book of Mormon out, and told us he was interested and we took down his info. It was super cool! He's way solid too. We invited him to be baptized and he accepted, and we might start teaching his girlfriend Samantha too!
Kristin is our other new investigator. She came to church with a member, and went to a YSA activity. She talked to people about the gospel got a Book of Mormon and a member referred us to her and we started to teach her in the members apartment. She's sweet! We're hoping to set a date with her soon! She has alot of questions, and we answer them, so she likes that. I'm super excited. She and Christian might be my last two baptisms of my mission!
It's still crazy that a new transfer has begun, and it is my last. 6 weeks left. I'm just going to say it, I am trunky. But that is not a bad thing. What is bad is what I do with being trunky. Am I going to slack, or continue to work. One response makes me more trunky, the other saves me, and gives me peach and joy. I prefer the latter.
Elder Prows
We got 2 new investigators this last week. I think I mentioned Christian in a post a few weeks ago. He walked up to us as we were teaching an investigator and pulled a Book of Mormon out, and told us he was interested and we took down his info. It was super cool! He's way solid too. We invited him to be baptized and he accepted, and we might start teaching his girlfriend Samantha too!
Kristin is our other new investigator. She came to church with a member, and went to a YSA activity. She talked to people about the gospel got a Book of Mormon and a member referred us to her and we started to teach her in the members apartment. She's sweet! We're hoping to set a date with her soon! She has alot of questions, and we answer them, so she likes that. I'm super excited. She and Christian might be my last two baptisms of my mission!
It's still crazy that a new transfer has begun, and it is my last. 6 weeks left. I'm just going to say it, I am trunky. But that is not a bad thing. What is bad is what I do with being trunky. Am I going to slack, or continue to work. One response makes me more trunky, the other saves me, and gives me peach and joy. I prefer the latter.
Elder Prows
Weekly Post - 8/20/2012
So last week I talked a little about my conversion story.
That was really unexpected.
On my mission I've come to understand alot of things so much more fully about the Gospel. I've come to know Jesus Christ through the Doctrine of Christ. The more that I've studied His doctrine, the more real He has become to me. I've begun to understand repentance alot more thoroughly. It's a tough thing, but I love it. You feel so much better afterwards!
I have had my nose glued to the book titled "The Miracle of Forgiveness" by President Spencer W. Kimball. I know that for some people it might be strange that I'm actually reading a book, because I hate reading. Seriously, I don't like it at all. But this book is legit. President Kimball knows how to tear your soul out, put it in a blender and throw it back into you, and you just feel terrible, or Godly Sorrow. You feel the need to repent. I am so grateful in that respect we have prophets on the earth today.
We are on a big spree now in our mission. We are over past half way through the year, and only have 218 baptisms. We are behind for 400! We need prayers, and faith in 400! I know,and testify that 400 is possible, if we will have faith and work towards it TOGETHER! I'd exhort you all to pray about 400, and to pray FOR 400! We are going and sharing this message to all members in our wards, and pumping them up for missionary work! I love to see the light in peoples eyes, and they get it.
1 transfer left. 6 weeks left. I feel woozy when I think about it. It's bittersweet. President Jergensen called the other day and told me that I have to work hard and sprint to the finish. I've worked too hard to slack now.
Get ready every one. This is going to be a big transfer.
Elder Prows
That was really unexpected.
On my mission I've come to understand alot of things so much more fully about the Gospel. I've come to know Jesus Christ through the Doctrine of Christ. The more that I've studied His doctrine, the more real He has become to me. I've begun to understand repentance alot more thoroughly. It's a tough thing, but I love it. You feel so much better afterwards!
I have had my nose glued to the book titled "The Miracle of Forgiveness" by President Spencer W. Kimball. I know that for some people it might be strange that I'm actually reading a book, because I hate reading. Seriously, I don't like it at all. But this book is legit. President Kimball knows how to tear your soul out, put it in a blender and throw it back into you, and you just feel terrible, or Godly Sorrow. You feel the need to repent. I am so grateful in that respect we have prophets on the earth today.
We are on a big spree now in our mission. We are over past half way through the year, and only have 218 baptisms. We are behind for 400! We need prayers, and faith in 400! I know,and testify that 400 is possible, if we will have faith and work towards it TOGETHER! I'd exhort you all to pray about 400, and to pray FOR 400! We are going and sharing this message to all members in our wards, and pumping them up for missionary work! I love to see the light in peoples eyes, and they get it.
1 transfer left. 6 weeks left. I feel woozy when I think about it. It's bittersweet. President Jergensen called the other day and told me that I have to work hard and sprint to the finish. I've worked too hard to slack now.
Get ready every one. This is going to be a big transfer.
Elder Prows
Weekly Post - 8/13/2012
Well, this was a pretty good week.
We had one of the new Zone Training Meetings that the Missionary Department has instructed to be done every month. It was pretty sweet. I felt spiritually lifted up to go work even harder than I was working before. I always feel like I should push myself a little further than I already am going. They talked about the Atonement, and our conversion stories. Each missionary shared their personal experience of how they gained a testimony of the Gospel, and became converted.
I want to share mine.
In short, making a note in advance my conversion did take place out here on the mission, and I'd like to note that I am about to open up alot in this post- you're about to learn alot about me.
I was raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It was an interesting life. I grew up doing what I was told for the most part. I had my personal struggles, but amidst it all I had questions I wanted answered. But there was this bad problem I had, where I felt super closed to EVERYONE, and couldn't talk about what I was REALLY feeling inside. Ever since I was little I had absolutely no desire to serve a mission. It is a miracle that I am here, because I loathed the idea of going out on a mission. I didn't know what it would be like. Nobody had told me stories of their missions, or given me any real reason to serve other than it simply was "what I was supposed to do", it was a "priesthood obligation." I was very closed to my belief in missions being pointless, and beyond what I was supposed to do, because I didn't feel that I could ever voice my concerns to anyone.
I admit that in my youth I had spiritual experiences that kind of gave me a shallow foundation. But it was hardly anything I felt I could base myself on. I read the Book of Mormon once on a scout camp trip, and it was a spiritual high. But that was the most I really could say. I didn't feel I knew the Church was really true. I didn't understand anything. I couldn't grasp the most basic Doctrines. It seemed like everyone else had such firm knowledge, but amidst it all, I knew nothing. In High School I took lots of seminary time to take naps, and listen to music. I got in the wrong crowd in high school, dealing with alot of "crap" so to speak, and in short walked down a dark path of loneliness. About my sophomore year I beleive, was when this all started to happen. Kids, if your parents tell you not to hang with a certain group of kids, you listen. They know what is best, I testify of that from personal experience. The hardest thing for me was on my mission when I had to say "freak it, they were all right."
This is a hard part of my conversion to voice. Nobody back home really knows about it. In High School I did not like the church. I felt like it was a burden on me and my family. Later in life I came to find it is what holds us together, but that's later. I spent alot of fast sundays up on the stand bearing literally borrowed testimonies. I heard people bear testimonies, and I would think "well said, that is now my phrase. I'll use it, and everyone will think I do know that." Shocking? I also had a really bad plan in my heart. Before my mission I wanted to go to Southern Utah University. My plan was that I was going to move to Cedar City for a few months, get a job, and move away again. But I was hoping to not allow anybody to know. I would have my records removed from the church, and kind of just disappear. I believed that it'd be too hard to have everyone I knew on my tail, following me, and telling me I was wrong. I hated that. So why not just cut it all off from you, and start all anew? That was my reasoning. I look back, and realize that I had not thought everything through- I mean how the heck was I supposed to fund moving out of state?! Man, I really was a dumb 19 year old!
my life was summarized best by Elder Hallstrom in last conference "active in the church, but not in the Gospel."
Like I said, I really did not want to serve a mission. But I don't handle pressure well. I had a legion of friends, and family behind me asking ALL THE TIME "when are you going to put in your papers?" "when are you going to go?" etc etc. Eventually I got mad, and just decided- "alright! I'm going, because I'm tired of you asking. I'm eager to get out of Utah, anyways. So this is my chance!"
I started my papers sweating like no other, because I was scared out of my mind. I was thinking about how stupid I was to give in to pressure, and to do something I didn't believe in- something I hated. But in my minds eyes, I wanted to please people. I didn't want people to look down on me, I was all about my image. Look down on me now if you may, I don't care. But this mission was all going to be a game.
We had one of the new Zone Training Meetings that the Missionary Department has instructed to be done every month. It was pretty sweet. I felt spiritually lifted up to go work even harder than I was working before. I always feel like I should push myself a little further than I already am going. They talked about the Atonement, and our conversion stories. Each missionary shared their personal experience of how they gained a testimony of the Gospel, and became converted.
I want to share mine.
In short, making a note in advance my conversion did take place out here on the mission, and I'd like to note that I am about to open up alot in this post- you're about to learn alot about me.
I was raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It was an interesting life. I grew up doing what I was told for the most part. I had my personal struggles, but amidst it all I had questions I wanted answered. But there was this bad problem I had, where I felt super closed to EVERYONE, and couldn't talk about what I was REALLY feeling inside. Ever since I was little I had absolutely no desire to serve a mission. It is a miracle that I am here, because I loathed the idea of going out on a mission. I didn't know what it would be like. Nobody had told me stories of their missions, or given me any real reason to serve other than it simply was "what I was supposed to do", it was a "priesthood obligation." I was very closed to my belief in missions being pointless, and beyond what I was supposed to do, because I didn't feel that I could ever voice my concerns to anyone.
I admit that in my youth I had spiritual experiences that kind of gave me a shallow foundation. But it was hardly anything I felt I could base myself on. I read the Book of Mormon once on a scout camp trip, and it was a spiritual high. But that was the most I really could say. I didn't feel I knew the Church was really true. I didn't understand anything. I couldn't grasp the most basic Doctrines. It seemed like everyone else had such firm knowledge, but amidst it all, I knew nothing. In High School I took lots of seminary time to take naps, and listen to music. I got in the wrong crowd in high school, dealing with alot of "crap" so to speak, and in short walked down a dark path of loneliness. About my sophomore year I beleive, was when this all started to happen. Kids, if your parents tell you not to hang with a certain group of kids, you listen. They know what is best, I testify of that from personal experience. The hardest thing for me was on my mission when I had to say "freak it, they were all right."
This is a hard part of my conversion to voice. Nobody back home really knows about it. In High School I did not like the church. I felt like it was a burden on me and my family. Later in life I came to find it is what holds us together, but that's later. I spent alot of fast sundays up on the stand bearing literally borrowed testimonies. I heard people bear testimonies, and I would think "well said, that is now my phrase. I'll use it, and everyone will think I do know that." Shocking? I also had a really bad plan in my heart. Before my mission I wanted to go to Southern Utah University. My plan was that I was going to move to Cedar City for a few months, get a job, and move away again. But I was hoping to not allow anybody to know. I would have my records removed from the church, and kind of just disappear. I believed that it'd be too hard to have everyone I knew on my tail, following me, and telling me I was wrong. I hated that. So why not just cut it all off from you, and start all anew? That was my reasoning. I look back, and realize that I had not thought everything through- I mean how the heck was I supposed to fund moving out of state?! Man, I really was a dumb 19 year old!
my life was summarized best by Elder Hallstrom in last conference "active in the church, but not in the Gospel."
Like I said, I really did not want to serve a mission. But I don't handle pressure well. I had a legion of friends, and family behind me asking ALL THE TIME "when are you going to put in your papers?" "when are you going to go?" etc etc. Eventually I got mad, and just decided- "alright! I'm going, because I'm tired of you asking. I'm eager to get out of Utah, anyways. So this is my chance!"
I started my papers sweating like no other, because I was scared out of my mind. I was thinking about how stupid I was to give in to pressure, and to do something I didn't believe in- something I hated. But in my minds eyes, I wanted to please people. I didn't want people to look down on me, I was all about my image. Look down on me now if you may, I don't care. But this mission was all going to be a game.
I remember when the morning I was reporting to the MTC. I cried alot that morning, because I was mad. I was really mad that this was really happening. Glenn Beck said it best when he said "I didn't want to be a mormon." I was in the same boat, but beyond all reason I chose to be a mormon missionary? Yeah, I'm still trying to figure that one out too.
The MTC was a treat for me, because everytime they wanted us to practice teaching a lesson they taught us about the Doctrine, and what we were going to be teaching. We'd go through Preach My Gospel, and they'd explain very simple doctrines. There were some that I was like "wait what?!" when they explained it, and I had a interesting "ah ha! I finally get those mormons/Christians!" One of the funniest things was when the teacher taught about the Atonement, and I was like "wait, what? Dying for us? Suffering for our sins??? I thought that he was just making a statement on the Cross. Like some chill rebel guy. This is new."
Or when they talked about the Restoration, and the significance to the Priesthood. I literally thought the priesthood was people telling me I could do something, just because. Yay, they laid their hands on my head and told me I could not give people a tray of bread and water so they can take a piece and sip. Wooptie doo.
I finally started to get it!
When I was being trained my mission was really hard. I knew I was out for the wrong reason, and I was miserable because of it. I didn't realize then that was why I was miserable. But I later realized it. While I was being busted in my second area, I was still very unhappy. My companion one day just turned to me and said- "look, you are unhappy. Figure it out, or go home." That changed my mission, and my life. I am forever in debt to that companion. I decided to figure it out and to serve my mission. I started to pray, and to actually do work.
In the long run on my mission I figured it out. I'm starting to get rushed, not due to short time. But I know the church is true now. I am grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ in my life. I love it. I love my Savior. I know He is real, and that He DID die for me. It's a simple testimony. But a good one for me.
I am different now. I can say that. You may have just found it out. But that is monumental to me. I had every reason to be happy before my mission, my life was going great! But I wasn't happy. Now I am happy, because I have Christ in my life.
I hope that nobody ever gives up on somebody. If someone has fallen they need time to fall further, and to feel the Atonement. Don't ever lose hope on yourself or another.
Have a great week!
Elder Prows
The MTC was a treat for me, because everytime they wanted us to practice teaching a lesson they taught us about the Doctrine, and what we were going to be teaching. We'd go through Preach My Gospel, and they'd explain very simple doctrines. There were some that I was like "wait what?!" when they explained it, and I had a interesting "ah ha! I finally get those mormons/Christians!" One of the funniest things was when the teacher taught about the Atonement, and I was like "wait, what? Dying for us? Suffering for our sins??? I thought that he was just making a statement on the Cross. Like some chill rebel guy. This is new."
Or when they talked about the Restoration, and the significance to the Priesthood. I literally thought the priesthood was people telling me I could do something, just because. Yay, they laid their hands on my head and told me I could not give people a tray of bread and water so they can take a piece and sip. Wooptie doo.
I finally started to get it!
When I was being trained my mission was really hard. I knew I was out for the wrong reason, and I was miserable because of it. I didn't realize then that was why I was miserable. But I later realized it. While I was being busted in my second area, I was still very unhappy. My companion one day just turned to me and said- "look, you are unhappy. Figure it out, or go home." That changed my mission, and my life. I am forever in debt to that companion. I decided to figure it out and to serve my mission. I started to pray, and to actually do work.
In the long run on my mission I figured it out. I'm starting to get rushed, not due to short time. But I know the church is true now. I am grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ in my life. I love it. I love my Savior. I know He is real, and that He DID die for me. It's a simple testimony. But a good one for me.
I am different now. I can say that. You may have just found it out. But that is monumental to me. I had every reason to be happy before my mission, my life was going great! But I wasn't happy. Now I am happy, because I have Christ in my life.
I hope that nobody ever gives up on somebody. If someone has fallen they need time to fall further, and to feel the Atonement. Don't ever lose hope on yourself or another.
Have a great week!
Elder Prows
Weekly Post - 8/6/2012
man, this last week was intense.
We went on exchanges and I took Elder Beckstead a missionary in the Kirksville 2nd ward with me. We did a ton of finding. It was so good! We got ahold of Ken, one of our investigators who we had been trying to get ahold of. We invited him to church and he said if we got him a ride he'd come. So we got him a ride, and he came to church! That was so sweet! He kept telling the members that he came because of me haha.
This last week we got to go a help to take down the Nauvoo Pageant. It's done now, so they had to strike the set. I was so happy to be walking around so much theatre instruments and stuff. I got to hold a Source 4 ERS. That felt so good. I got to watch the last 15 minutes of the Pageant too, which was pretty sweet. But what was the highlight of the night was I got to meet Robert Allen. Robert Allen is the amazing man who portrays the Savior Jesus Christ in the "Reflections of Christ" photo display. I felt like I was talking to someone super famous. He's probably not famous to anyone other than members of the Church or me, but I was so happy. He's super awesome, and I got a picture with him.
Becky got to go to the Pageant too. That was awesome. She loved it!
We were out until 2 in the morning striking the set though, and so we didn't exactly get alot of sleep. We spent the night in Keokuk, and I stole back my Plan of Salvation board game I forgot when I left because of the ET. I thought about taking my crockpot and BRITA pitcher, but I didn't want to pack them. And I was planning on donating them to the apartment anyways, so I left those. Hopefully Elder Holmes doesn't read this???
In church on sunday, during Elder's Quorum I was fighting so hard to stay awake. My legs were wobbly, and my eyelids heavy the whole 3 hours. But it was a good fast. I managed to wobble up to the podium to bear my testimony. I shared my love for the people there, and bore a simple testimony. I like them simple and sweet. I thought about doing something different, but I chose to just bear a simple testimony.
Bye
Elder Prows
We went on exchanges and I took Elder Beckstead a missionary in the Kirksville 2nd ward with me. We did a ton of finding. It was so good! We got ahold of Ken, one of our investigators who we had been trying to get ahold of. We invited him to church and he said if we got him a ride he'd come. So we got him a ride, and he came to church! That was so sweet! He kept telling the members that he came because of me haha.
This last week we got to go a help to take down the Nauvoo Pageant. It's done now, so they had to strike the set. I was so happy to be walking around so much theatre instruments and stuff. I got to hold a Source 4 ERS. That felt so good. I got to watch the last 15 minutes of the Pageant too, which was pretty sweet. But what was the highlight of the night was I got to meet Robert Allen. Robert Allen is the amazing man who portrays the Savior Jesus Christ in the "Reflections of Christ" photo display. I felt like I was talking to someone super famous. He's probably not famous to anyone other than members of the Church or me, but I was so happy. He's super awesome, and I got a picture with him.
Becky got to go to the Pageant too. That was awesome. She loved it!
We were out until 2 in the morning striking the set though, and so we didn't exactly get alot of sleep. We spent the night in Keokuk, and I stole back my Plan of Salvation board game I forgot when I left because of the ET. I thought about taking my crockpot and BRITA pitcher, but I didn't want to pack them. And I was planning on donating them to the apartment anyways, so I left those. Hopefully Elder Holmes doesn't read this???
In church on sunday, during Elder's Quorum I was fighting so hard to stay awake. My legs were wobbly, and my eyelids heavy the whole 3 hours. But it was a good fast. I managed to wobble up to the podium to bear my testimony. I shared my love for the people there, and bore a simple testimony. I like them simple and sweet. I thought about doing something different, but I chose to just bear a simple testimony.
Bye
Elder Prows
Weekly Post - 7/30/2012
Man, this week was hard.
So we are having a way hard time finding still. Last week I gave the analogy about the Escalator Effect in missionary work, in regards to finding. I've come to really understand that even more this last week. It is critical to missionary work that we are constantly finding. Just as Preach My Gospel states- "Nothing happens in missionary work until you find someone to teach..."
That is an eternal truth. We cannot teach people, and baptize them, if we do not find them. That is a commandment from Jesus Christ- to "find them that will receive you".
We went to a member's wedding this last week and had a funny experience. Some former Southern Baptist Preacher walked up to us, and tried to bash with us. He was asking dumb questions, trying to make us look stupid in regards to dancing, being virgins, and Joseph Smith being a prophet. We answered all his questions boldly, and truthfully, and he was confounded. He ended the conversation saying "Well, I can tell you sincerely believe what you believe and so I will stop this conversation because I do not want to destroy your belief." I don't think he realized he strengthened it, because we bore testimony of the Authority and Divinity of this work, and we felt the Spirit. My favorite part was when we were talking about how we do dance, but not provocatively, and he asked if we find any of the girls there attractive "sexually" and I said "yes". We explained a difference between thinking if a girl was pretty and wanting to sleep with her, and we quoted Jesus saying "He that looketh upon a woman and lusteth after her, hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." His response was "He said that???" Later he was like "we need to read the bible together, so I can show you the truth." He didn't really know what he was talking about HA!
The hardest part of this last week was on thursday. I'm so hesitant to share it, because it is really devastating.
So these last 2 weeks or so we've been trying super hard to set up a time to meet with Thomas for the new member lessons. But we haven't been able to meet with him. Thursday I felt impressed to text his wife, Nikolee, and to ask her when we can meet for the lessons. She texted back "I don't think Thomas wants to be a member anymore. It is very complicated everything..." a big "WHAT?!?!?!" popped up over my head, and in my head and through out the apartment. I immediately got a text message from Thomas as well saying "Thank you for everything you have done, but I will not be meeting with you anymore. Hopefully I find my way back, but until then please respect my wishes." I asked Thomas what was up, and if everything is ok. He texted back saying: "Sort of. I lied to everyone. Nikolee and I are working through things. I never had a testimony. I apologize but I cannot meet mormon standards right now." I started going back and forth inside through anger and sadness over this, because Thomas lied. He seemed super sincere in his investigation, but it was all a game.
To give a little background for new readers- Thomas and Nikolee were separated earlier this year, because Thomas wouldn't work with Nikolee on some things. Nikolee decided she wanted a temple marriage, and Thomas was not wanting to do what he needed to to give her that. But after the split he decided he wanted to give a shot, and got baptized. But I guess, he didn't do it sincerely, and only wanted her back. I feel crushed enough as it is, but I can't imagine what Nikolee is going through right now. We saw her at that wedding this last weekend, and she looked like she'd done a lot of crying. In short, this is hard. But on a positive note, I have come to understand the Atonement more through this. I realized two things:
1. No, it was not my fault Thomas lied
2. It was Thomas' fault he lied. (yes, I am very slow at times- get that beam out of your eyes, jerks.)
Thomas made the choice to make a covenant he was not sincere about. That is huge. He will stand accountable for not using the Atonement in the way that God and Christ deemed it to be used. Salvation is not a game. It is important, and open for anyone. But God will judge us on the thoughts and intents of our hearts, and if we do not live the Doctrine of Christ to the max, and sincerely- what is the point in doing it anyways? Without real faith, it is nothing.
We are going to work with Thomas and Nikolee and see what we can do to help Thomas out, but from what it sounds like chances are slim.
On a brighter note, Becky is doing AMAZING. We've had 3 new member lessons with her, and she has born her testimony to us twice, and is making comments in class and everything. She texts us about what she has studied and is just awesome. I'm glad she is doing so well. :)
In the end the Gospel is still true. Yes, life comes with heartaches, and pains, bumps, bruises, and Satan. But God is good, and we can overcome anything through him, and our Redeemer, the Victor; Jesus Christ!
We're entering August. 1 year ago I was in Fairfield, sweet Fairfield. Yesterday was my 22 month click, I remembered when I called Elder Howard who was in the MTC with me, and is now an AP. First thing he said was "happy 22nd click!" I was like "oh yeah", two more months! DANG!
anyways bye.
So we are having a way hard time finding still. Last week I gave the analogy about the Escalator Effect in missionary work, in regards to finding. I've come to really understand that even more this last week. It is critical to missionary work that we are constantly finding. Just as Preach My Gospel states- "Nothing happens in missionary work until you find someone to teach..."
That is an eternal truth. We cannot teach people, and baptize them, if we do not find them. That is a commandment from Jesus Christ- to "find them that will receive you".
We went to a member's wedding this last week and had a funny experience. Some former Southern Baptist Preacher walked up to us, and tried to bash with us. He was asking dumb questions, trying to make us look stupid in regards to dancing, being virgins, and Joseph Smith being a prophet. We answered all his questions boldly, and truthfully, and he was confounded. He ended the conversation saying "Well, I can tell you sincerely believe what you believe and so I will stop this conversation because I do not want to destroy your belief." I don't think he realized he strengthened it, because we bore testimony of the Authority and Divinity of this work, and we felt the Spirit. My favorite part was when we were talking about how we do dance, but not provocatively, and he asked if we find any of the girls there attractive "sexually" and I said "yes". We explained a difference between thinking if a girl was pretty and wanting to sleep with her, and we quoted Jesus saying "He that looketh upon a woman and lusteth after her, hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." His response was "He said that???" Later he was like "we need to read the bible together, so I can show you the truth." He didn't really know what he was talking about HA!
The hardest part of this last week was on thursday. I'm so hesitant to share it, because it is really devastating.
So these last 2 weeks or so we've been trying super hard to set up a time to meet with Thomas for the new member lessons. But we haven't been able to meet with him. Thursday I felt impressed to text his wife, Nikolee, and to ask her when we can meet for the lessons. She texted back "I don't think Thomas wants to be a member anymore. It is very complicated everything..." a big "WHAT?!?!?!" popped up over my head, and in my head and through out the apartment. I immediately got a text message from Thomas as well saying "Thank you for everything you have done, but I will not be meeting with you anymore. Hopefully I find my way back, but until then please respect my wishes." I asked Thomas what was up, and if everything is ok. He texted back saying: "Sort of. I lied to everyone. Nikolee and I are working through things. I never had a testimony. I apologize but I cannot meet mormon standards right now." I started going back and forth inside through anger and sadness over this, because Thomas lied. He seemed super sincere in his investigation, but it was all a game.
To give a little background for new readers- Thomas and Nikolee were separated earlier this year, because Thomas wouldn't work with Nikolee on some things. Nikolee decided she wanted a temple marriage, and Thomas was not wanting to do what he needed to to give her that. But after the split he decided he wanted to give a shot, and got baptized. But I guess, he didn't do it sincerely, and only wanted her back. I feel crushed enough as it is, but I can't imagine what Nikolee is going through right now. We saw her at that wedding this last weekend, and she looked like she'd done a lot of crying. In short, this is hard. But on a positive note, I have come to understand the Atonement more through this. I realized two things:
1. No, it was not my fault Thomas lied
2. It was Thomas' fault he lied. (yes, I am very slow at times- get that beam out of your eyes, jerks.)
Thomas made the choice to make a covenant he was not sincere about. That is huge. He will stand accountable for not using the Atonement in the way that God and Christ deemed it to be used. Salvation is not a game. It is important, and open for anyone. But God will judge us on the thoughts and intents of our hearts, and if we do not live the Doctrine of Christ to the max, and sincerely- what is the point in doing it anyways? Without real faith, it is nothing.
We are going to work with Thomas and Nikolee and see what we can do to help Thomas out, but from what it sounds like chances are slim.
On a brighter note, Becky is doing AMAZING. We've had 3 new member lessons with her, and she has born her testimony to us twice, and is making comments in class and everything. She texts us about what she has studied and is just awesome. I'm glad she is doing so well. :)
In the end the Gospel is still true. Yes, life comes with heartaches, and pains, bumps, bruises, and Satan. But God is good, and we can overcome anything through him, and our Redeemer, the Victor; Jesus Christ!
We're entering August. 1 year ago I was in Fairfield, sweet Fairfield. Yesterday was my 22 month click, I remembered when I called Elder Howard who was in the MTC with me, and is now an AP. First thing he said was "happy 22nd click!" I was like "oh yeah", two more months! DANG!
anyways bye.
Weekly Post - 7/23/2012
Well, this last week was definately a test.
Granted we baptized all our solid investigators right now we don't have much going on. It's a testimony to me of the "escalator method" Elder Shayne M. Bowen described in finding, rather than the "elevator method". An elevator goes straight up and back down, and the escalator moves consistently. As well in an elevator you can only put in a few people at once, then it moves up. An escalator is constantly having people getting on and off, because it is constantly moving- Elder Bowen explained it much better I promise. But that is how our teaching pools need to be, we can't fill our teaching pool and then stop finding, because once our pools empty there is NOTHING! We need to be constantly finding! If we are then we will see much more success. So Elder Smith and I are going to do much better this week on finding new investigators, and filling our teaching pool!
This last week was a powerful week for me in regards to prayer. It has been a test for sure, because what I attempted was not easy. But it is getting easier. Sister Jergensen and the AP's ALWAYS are talking about how much President Jergensen loves each and every missionary in the IDMM- and he does! They talk about a particular thing he does, which is pray for each and every missionary in the mission by name, every day, and every night. That is alot of missionaries. This last transfer was hard because amidst how much I like serving in Kirksville, for some reason finding the capacity to love the people got harder. I don't know if it is just Missouri, or me being lazy because I'm seeing how close home is, but I really want to love the people.
On thursday- I'll get back to what I was just talking about, I promise- we had a surprise Zone Training Meeting in Quincy. It replaced District Meeting and Leadership meeting, so I didn't have to give any trainings this week, that was nice, but yet a bit of a drag. I was excited about this weeks set up I had. But hey, we had an awesome meeting. President Jergensen kind of ellaborated on his whole prayer deal, and he talked about how when he started to do that, he had a special love come into him. He could get to know the missionaries better, as well as he knew where to send them better. That inspired me, because for the last 6 weeks I've been trying to figure out how to develop true charity. I pray for it, and I don't really feel it coming. But when I started to pray for each family in the Kirksville 1st ward by name-not each family member, but the whole family- I started to see how the Lord will help me with it. I thought, "how on earth will I remember all their names?!" but as I prayed I'd remember 2 or 3 names, and after I prayed for them 2 or 3 more popped up! Before I knew it, I'd prayed for the ward, in a specific and genuine manner. I testify that I feel love for the Ward. In addition it adds power to it as I pray for my family, and friends back home individually and personally by name as well.
uh oh, times almost up! So that's my story for today, pray for people by name and you'll love them!
I hope everyone know that I love them and care for them.
Love ya!
Elder Prows
Granted we baptized all our solid investigators right now we don't have much going on. It's a testimony to me of the "escalator method" Elder Shayne M. Bowen described in finding, rather than the "elevator method". An elevator goes straight up and back down, and the escalator moves consistently. As well in an elevator you can only put in a few people at once, then it moves up. An escalator is constantly having people getting on and off, because it is constantly moving- Elder Bowen explained it much better I promise. But that is how our teaching pools need to be, we can't fill our teaching pool and then stop finding, because once our pools empty there is NOTHING! We need to be constantly finding! If we are then we will see much more success. So Elder Smith and I are going to do much better this week on finding new investigators, and filling our teaching pool!
This last week was a powerful week for me in regards to prayer. It has been a test for sure, because what I attempted was not easy. But it is getting easier. Sister Jergensen and the AP's ALWAYS are talking about how much President Jergensen loves each and every missionary in the IDMM- and he does! They talk about a particular thing he does, which is pray for each and every missionary in the mission by name, every day, and every night. That is alot of missionaries. This last transfer was hard because amidst how much I like serving in Kirksville, for some reason finding the capacity to love the people got harder. I don't know if it is just Missouri, or me being lazy because I'm seeing how close home is, but I really want to love the people.
On thursday- I'll get back to what I was just talking about, I promise- we had a surprise Zone Training Meeting in Quincy. It replaced District Meeting and Leadership meeting, so I didn't have to give any trainings this week, that was nice, but yet a bit of a drag. I was excited about this weeks set up I had. But hey, we had an awesome meeting. President Jergensen kind of ellaborated on his whole prayer deal, and he talked about how when he started to do that, he had a special love come into him. He could get to know the missionaries better, as well as he knew where to send them better. That inspired me, because for the last 6 weeks I've been trying to figure out how to develop true charity. I pray for it, and I don't really feel it coming. But when I started to pray for each family in the Kirksville 1st ward by name-not each family member, but the whole family- I started to see how the Lord will help me with it. I thought, "how on earth will I remember all their names?!" but as I prayed I'd remember 2 or 3 names, and after I prayed for them 2 or 3 more popped up! Before I knew it, I'd prayed for the ward, in a specific and genuine manner. I testify that I feel love for the Ward. In addition it adds power to it as I pray for my family, and friends back home individually and personally by name as well.
uh oh, times almost up! So that's my story for today, pray for people by name and you'll love them!
I hope everyone know that I love them and care for them.
Love ya!
Elder Prows
Weekly Post - 7/17/2012
Man, this last week was sweet.
Becky was baptized! That service was the best. Bishop Wilson baptized
her and that was amazing. Everyone was crying, and it was just good. I
don't know how else to describe it.
I guess President Jergensen has this thing about my past companions
after they are done serving with me going to Fairfield, because that
is where Elder Davis went. My new companion is Elder Matt Smith from
Payson, UT. He has been out 14 months, and is way sweet! We're way
excited to work hard.
I guess my family got a letter from President Jergensen finding out
I'm a District Leader again, so there you go. I'm a District Leader
again. Yay!
So we got 3 referrals this last week too, and that was cool. We're
contacting them today so we're excited to see what's up.
We found a new place to email that is open on monday too, so we can
email on mondays now. So that's also exciting. We're playing
basketball every morning now too, so we're on a weight loss spree. I'm
gonna go home looking good. Hopefully.
Anyways, I am almost out of time.
Elder Prows
Becky was baptized! That service was the best. Bishop Wilson baptized
her and that was amazing. Everyone was crying, and it was just good. I
don't know how else to describe it.
I guess President Jergensen has this thing about my past companions
after they are done serving with me going to Fairfield, because that
is where Elder Davis went. My new companion is Elder Matt Smith from
Payson, UT. He has been out 14 months, and is way sweet! We're way
excited to work hard.
I guess my family got a letter from President Jergensen finding out
I'm a District Leader again, so there you go. I'm a District Leader
again. Yay!
So we got 3 referrals this last week too, and that was cool. We're
contacting them today so we're excited to see what's up.
We found a new place to email that is open on monday too, so we can
email on mondays now. So that's also exciting. We're playing
basketball every morning now too, so we're on a weight loss spree. I'm
gonna go home looking good. Hopefully.
Anyways, I am almost out of time.
Elder Prows
Weekly Post - 7/10/2012
Well this last week was sweet.
Thomas was baptized and confirmed, and Becky is pretty much set to go as well. I am so happy to see how Thomas has grown and changed. He really has grown for the better. His family is a huge source of continual support for him, and in one year, I'm coming back to the mid-west for Thomas and Nikki's sealing! :) They've already got a date and everything. I better get a job and start saving, because that's way important. 2013 is going to be a year of trips- I've got a Mission President's homecoming to go to, and a sealing. I think I might just tour around my mission when I come back out in 2013. We'll see.
So Elder Davis is getting transferred, and I am staying here in Kirksville. Our District Leader Elder Nelson is leaving too, because he is done training Elder Flint. So we've got a new DL this next transfer, and I'll have a new companion. I know I'll be senior companion still, and I'll probably be with him for 2 transfers. I wonder who he is??? Who is going to kill me???
The Nauvoo Pageant starts today. That's pretty sweet. REFERRAL SEASON IS HERE! I'm hoping to get an investigator to go to it. I can't go watch it again sadly, because we're only allowed to watch it once on your mission. But oh well, I'll come back someday and watch it. I love the Pageant, it is such an amazing show!
I discovered today that my electric shaver that I bought at the beginning of my mission does work. I didn't get to shave yesterday because I ran out of razors, and I needed to shave. I am manly and get pretty scratchy after a day of not shaving. But my electric razor made me not scratchy, and that was nice. So maybe electric shavers are worthy investments, because that way I won't mutilate my face. I don't like razors. They are not nice to my face as of late. But that's just because I have to be a cheap-o and buy what cheap-o's buy: cheap razors. :P
We picked up a new investigator too. His name is Ken, and is dating a less-active. It's a particular situation, but I'm not gonna talk about it- due to personal reasons for them.
In other news, I got a letter from one of my friends- Elder Barry, serving in the Brazil Brasilia mission. He's going home in a few weeks! That's way crazy, but awesome. Hopefully, I'll get mail from him more consistently now??? Or maybe other people will write? Because they realize I am desperate, because I'm talking about a letter I got.
Anyways, I'm done with this email.
Elder Prows is done with this email.
Thomas was baptized and confirmed, and Becky is pretty much set to go as well. I am so happy to see how Thomas has grown and changed. He really has grown for the better. His family is a huge source of continual support for him, and in one year, I'm coming back to the mid-west for Thomas and Nikki's sealing! :) They've already got a date and everything. I better get a job and start saving, because that's way important. 2013 is going to be a year of trips- I've got a Mission President's homecoming to go to, and a sealing. I think I might just tour around my mission when I come back out in 2013. We'll see.
So Elder Davis is getting transferred, and I am staying here in Kirksville. Our District Leader Elder Nelson is leaving too, because he is done training Elder Flint. So we've got a new DL this next transfer, and I'll have a new companion. I know I'll be senior companion still, and I'll probably be with him for 2 transfers. I wonder who he is??? Who is going to kill me???
The Nauvoo Pageant starts today. That's pretty sweet. REFERRAL SEASON IS HERE! I'm hoping to get an investigator to go to it. I can't go watch it again sadly, because we're only allowed to watch it once on your mission. But oh well, I'll come back someday and watch it. I love the Pageant, it is such an amazing show!
I discovered today that my electric shaver that I bought at the beginning of my mission does work. I didn't get to shave yesterday because I ran out of razors, and I needed to shave. I am manly and get pretty scratchy after a day of not shaving. But my electric razor made me not scratchy, and that was nice. So maybe electric shavers are worthy investments, because that way I won't mutilate my face. I don't like razors. They are not nice to my face as of late. But that's just because I have to be a cheap-o and buy what cheap-o's buy: cheap razors. :P
We picked up a new investigator too. His name is Ken, and is dating a less-active. It's a particular situation, but I'm not gonna talk about it- due to personal reasons for them.
But we talked to Ken like 3 weeks ago, and have been trying to get in contact with him for a while now. We were out doing work, and I felt we should drop by his place, and lo and behold! He was there on his porch having a smoke. We walked up and he was like "oh, you caught me." That's what the Lord does, you see? But anyways, we had a WAY sweet lesson, and set up a return appointment. As we talked to him, by the spirit that is, he opened up to us, and told us about how he really does want to come to church. He's wanted to come to church for a long time actually. He just doens't see any need to. But as we talked to him, we pointed out the spirit, after answering his questions, and he recognized that he felt the spirit. We are going to continue meeting with him, and we'll see what happens there.
In other news, I got a letter from one of my friends- Elder Barry, serving in the Brazil Brasilia mission. He's going home in a few weeks! That's way crazy, but awesome. Hopefully, I'll get mail from him more consistently now??? Or maybe other people will write? Because they realize I am desperate, because I'm talking about a letter I got.
Anyways, I'm done with this email.
Elder Prows is done with this email.
Weekly Post - 7/3/2012
HELLO!
This last week has been good. We had some way good lessons with Thomas and Becky.
Thomas is set for this saturday on baptism. We are way excited. He asked me to speak on the Gift of the Holy Ghost, so that's going to be fun. I'll have to do it in just 5 minutes, because it's supposed to be a quick service. But that's how they want it. I love watching that family. Thomas and Nikolee's family, how they've grown so close because of the Gospel. On sunday we had a pretty tender moment. Elder Davis is likely being transferred in a week, and so he let them know that. The family, and us all got a little emotional- because we are all important to each other. Later Thomas and Marty (Nikolee's dad) embraced us, and told us they love us. That meant the world to me. I love that family so much. To not only grow close to them, but to see them grow closer to each other, and their Heavenly Father has made me one of the happiest people on the planet. There is NOTHING, absolutely nothing like seeing the Gospel change peoples worlds. Shattering the world in peoples lives to help them come unto Christ. I love the Gospel.
Becky is also doing very well. We might have to push her date back a week or two just because we haven't been able to meet as consistently. But she is doing amazing. I love watching her put the "puzzle" together herself. When she says "well, this makes me happy. It's made me better." That warms my soul. It may already be 105 out side with 100% humidity, but it feels so good to hear someone say that. Again, I love the Gospel.
This last week we had interviews with President Jergensen. It was an hour and half long drive to Quincy, and another hour and half back to Kirksville, and once again- I was stuck behind the wheel. So much driving. But in the long run, interviews were awesome. President Jergensen is my friend. I love him. He always does what he needs to, as directed by the spirit, to address my personal needs. He is very aware of every missionary. We have laughed together, and we have cried together. He is like my second father. I will always look up to him. I'm glad the Lord put him here in the Iowa Des Moines Mission to help me become the man I am today. I am glad that I can say I am a man now too, and with confidence. I used to say it in high school just to make other kids mad, because I thought it was funny. But now, I know I am a man. Because I have changed my life. I also got a new temple recommend. THAT WAS WEIRD! I am nearing the end. I say it in every email- I think.
But I don't know what I'm going to do when I get back. I've changed too much. I do believe that. Many things that interested me, now do not interest me. My life has changed, for the better. But where will I start?
I dunno, I'll pray about it.
Elder Prows
Weekly Post - 6/26/2012
This last week was fast. We helped some members move, and that was sad because the Ward loved them. I think I mentioned this in my last email, but I found out one of the members' sisters just got home from her mission and had reported tot he MTC the same day as me. Weird!
We met with a less active named Ashlee, that we got as a referral from Mormon.org. She had seen us several times and felt like she should talk to us. So she got ahold of us on Mormon.org- that was cool. But she dropped us. She said she had somethings she needed to "work out". In reality she feels guilty because she knows she's got some changes she needs to make in life. She expressed desire to go to the temple- but the thought of going and talking to the Bishop really scares her. Repentance shouldn't be scary, it is to people, but it shouldn't be. I loved how Elder Christofferson talked about it being said with a smile on our faces. Because repentance is GOOD! We're changing to be like our Savior and our Father in Heaven.
Friday we had exchanges with the Zone Leaders. It was a good exchange. It was hard though, because we didn't have the car that week, so there was a lot of walking. They were a bit unhappy about that, but we can't help it if we don't have bikes. I'm not going to by one too, because biking is not my thing. I like to walk.
We've been helping a member build a shed. It's pretty cool to see it going up. We are starting on the roof next week, so that's going to be fun.
It's been pretty hot out here. It's been somewhere in the 80's-90's. It's going to get hotter too, because the humidity isn't here yet. That's going to be a blast.
Thomas is progressing really well. He's actually ready for baptism, we just need to get some more things in order, and he should be good. Becky is running a little slower just because she's been busy. We might have to push her back a little, just for times sake. But we will see what happens. They are both progressing very well. I love Thomas and his family. They are such good people. Thomas is married to a member, and her family is in the ward as well. They all love Thomas so much, and are ecstatic that he is going to be baptized. I too am way excited. It's weird to think in a few months Randy, one of my recent converts in Fairfield, and his wife will be going to temple in a few months! He has the melchizedek priesthood and is going strong! I'm so happy to hear that! Man, I need to call that guy.
Interviews is this week, and I am excited. I love interviews! I'm going to have to get my temple recommend renewed by President Jergensen. That's so weird to think it has been almost 2 years since I first got a temple recommend.
Sunday a member brought her friend to church. The experience for her was really good, and I guess she got whatever it was that she needed because later that day the sister called us and told us her friend wants to know how she can get baptized! So we're going to start teaching her now. Miracles do happen!
Anyways, I realized this last week that this year is the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. That's kind of a bummer that I'll miss it. I love the Summer Olympics. They're sweet. London is cool too. So it'll be a good one, but I'm hoping my family will record all my favorite events. (girls gymnastics and volleyball are SWEET- the sport part that is). But if I miss it then oh well, I get to baptize people and help save souls!
Anyways, I'm bored.
Bye
Elder Prows
Weekly Post - 06/19/2012
Man, this last week we had the car again. It was nice to have the car, but I really like to walk. I feel so energetic and ready to work and do things when we walk. Plus, I sleep better. But at least I don't have the risk of getting sunburnt, but hey, I got sunscreen so I'm invincible! It's funny because I got it for free from a member who owns a tanning salon so it makes me tan too haha. It's not like that way fake tan though, it's legit. I've got major missionary tan. That defines awesome.
I found another really big spider in our apartment this last week. My younger sister would LOVE the midwest. It's awesome. I also caught some fireflies. It was cool.
We had Zone Conference this last week. It was pretty sweet. President Jergensen is my buddy. We were asked to come to Zone Conference with some questions that we were wanting to answered at Zone Conference. I didn't have very many things that I wanted answered, but they wanted us to come with 5 questions AT LEAST. So I came up with 5, #1 being the most important to me- How can I better understand my covenants & priesthood? Despite Elder Shayne M. Bowen doing an amazing training at Zone Conference back in November, I still didn't feel like I quite got it. Leave it to President Jergensen to help me get it. He's a stud. It was a really good Zone Conference. This last week I got my "trunky call" which is when the Mission secretary calls missionaries going home in the next 3 months and gets the info she needs for their plane tickets home. It was bizarre- so at Zone Conference I was worried I was going to get to bear my "Departing Zone Conference Testimony", which is when the missionaries who go home soon bear their testimony at zone conference. But I didn't get to bear my testimony, which was good, it means I still have one more Zone Conference. Sister Jergensen gave a training on how Mormon.org is seeing alot of success, and miracles. She asked who had been in the mission when Sister Jergensen first talked about Mormon.org 18 months ago. Only 5 missionaries raised their hands out of 50. I was one of them. I think that get late into the mission is not fun. The mission is still fun, but seeing it come to a close is just reality smacking you in the face with a spiritual 2X4.
We were helping a family move the other day and I got talking to Brother Marin's sister, and I found out she had got home from her mission like a little less than 2 months ago. I was like "that's weird, because that means I started my mission before you, and you're home." She asked when I reported to the MTC and I told her September 29, 2010- she said "ME TOO!" So in reality, she started the same day as me. But she's still home. I'm old.
Thomas is doing way good. We had planned to teach him this last week about the Law of Tithes and Fast Offerings, but we felt inspired otherwise. We felt there was some sort of concern. So we talked to him about the Book of Mormon, and scripture study. As a result he talked a little about concerns, and we addressed them. It was really cool to feel the spirit work in that manner.
We also taught Becky, and that was really good. A return missionary came with us, and we talked about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It went way good. Becky is as solid as they come. She told us about how our church makes so much sense, because she had never even contemplated authority- and that is why Jesus went to John the Baptist! We just said "yes! That's exactly right."
I'm so sick of driving, I'm so happy to be able to us my feet! Zone Conference was in Iowa City, so it was a 3 hour drive to Iowa City, and a 3 hour drive back. SO MUCH DRIVING! I strategized the route just right that we got to pass through Fairfield on the way back though. I felt at home. I miss that place so much! My first week back in Keokuk I thought would've been way happy to be back, but I was HOME SICK for Fairfield. I still miss it a ton. There will never ever ever be another area in my mission like Fairfield (because this is my last!)
So this last week I almost didn't bother checking the mail, because I knew I'd get nothing. And I got nothing. Oh wait, I got my new suit from missionary mall in the mail. But that doesn't count because nobody talked to me. This last week, nobody loved me. It's cool though. Heavenly Father loves me, and we talk every day. Who needs paper when you got the spirit, foo?!
Anyways, I'm bored so I'm done. Also I need to email President.
Elder Prows
Weekly Post - 6/12/2012
Hey family!
short email today. So I forgot to mention last week that I now email on tuesdays, since the library here in Kirksville isn't open on mondays. It's pretty lame, but the emailing happens.
So we set another baptismal date with a woman named Becky. She is amazing. She's a former Jehovah's Witness. On saturday we taught her in the Stubbs' home about Keeping the Sabbath Holy. We extended the date, and invited her to church and she accepted.
On sunday she had a neat experience. She went to another church in the morning called the Cornerstone (Kirksville 1st Ward begins at 1), and after she attended the Cornerstone she was going to come to the 1st Ward. When she left the Cornerstone she started to feel a bit nervous, even scared about coming to our church. She wasn't too sure why, but when she started to hesitate, and was about to drive home she heard "No! You are going to church today." So she said to herself "ok then, here I go." and she came to church. I know that was the Lord guiding her. When she got to church, she saw tons of people she already knew! She said "This is the first church I've been to where I've already known everyone." Ironically in Relief Society and Priesthood the lesson was on following the spirit too. She is scheduled for July 14th
Thomas is doing very well. We taught him twice this week, and I'm pretty certain he's going to be ready for his date, even sooner! But we're going to stick with the 7th, because it's what he wants.
We walked TONS this week. One day we walked over 7 miles. It was long and hot, and hot... But good. I'm getting a good missionary tan.
Anyways, I have to get going.
Elder Prows
Weekly Post - 6/5/2012
Well I am no longer in Macomb, Illinois. I am in my last area of my mission. It's super weird to think that I am here. I would like to introduce you all to:
KIRKSVILLE, MISSOURI!
I can now say that I have served my mission in all three states that are available in the mission. I am serving in the Kirksville 1st Ward, my district is made up of the Kirksville 1st and 2nd Ward. So two sets of Elders are in this town. It's different. Granted I am in my first car share since Bloomington, and it's a district that consists of ONLY elders, I am no longer District Leader, and I am the oldest member of the district BY FAR. It is also interesting given the fact that this is a college town in Missouri. Now if you are familiar with church history in Missouri.....
My new companion is Elder Jonathan Davis, from American Fork, UT. He was actually Elder Tripps MTC companion, and is shorter than me. I finally got a companion who is shorter than me! Not by alot though. It's like BARELY. It might just be my mind playing tricks on me, because it's too good to be true. I can dream though, right? My next companion will be shorter than me definately though- I just know it!
Ironically this area was Elder Sonderegger's last area. So it's funny that my Padre died here in Kirksville 1st, and I will die here in Kirksville 1st. I am indeed my fathers son.
So it's a way sweet area though. I haven't even been here a week, and Elder Davis got a new referral, taught him two lessons and set a baptismal date with him. President Jergensen told us that we are awesome because of it, because the number of baptismal date we have now is the most Kirksville 1st has EVER had. 2 (we had one already when I got here). 2 baptismal dates, haha, oh Fairfield, I remember those days of have 8 baptismal dates. FUNNY! Speaking of Fairfield, on the way back to Kirksville from transfers we stopped in Cantril, IA a small town in Fairfield's area. We went to a popular amish super store called DUTCHMAN'S it's really cool. It's like an amish wal-mart. But while we were there we bumped into Sister Neilsen from the Fairfield Branch! I was so excited to see her! We talked for like a half hour, I was glad to find out that she and her husband loved me. I loved them. I was sad that we didn't get to go out to the town they live in (Keosauqua, IA) to see them more. But Elder Wilson never wanted too, because he wanted to save miles (even though we had like 700 miles to spare). But hey, we had a good half-hour long talk and caught up, and I promised that when I fly out to visit in a year or so that I will go back and visit then! It was way cool to see someone I knew from Fairfield too, I also saw brother Huntoon from Fairfield at transfers as well actually. I love that man. He is a giant in my eyes, very respectable. He's got a way nice truck too.
So this new baptismal date we got this last week is named Thomas. His wife, Nikolee, is an active member of the Church. Ironically her whole family is very active. She chose to marry outside of the church though, and Thomas for the most part has been very anti to the church. Recently, Thomas and Nikolee separated and were kind of living their own lives for a bit, and were in the process of a divorce. But their love was too strong, and Thomas turned around. His heart was softened. Sunday we set with him a baptismal date for July 7th. The lesson we taught was very powerful, the spirit was there, and he and his wife were both crying. It was very very clear that Thomas had been prepared to recieve the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He is truly a miracle.
Our other baptismal date is named Josh. He's a 17 year old son of a less-active member. He's very shy, and so he's nervous to come to church. That's a bit of an issue. But we are hoping to help him feel comfortable in coming to church. His grandparents are very active, and so when they go he will go, because he feels comfortable with them. But when they are out of town, and right now they are, he is a bit more shy about coming.
Anyways, this last week has been mainly meeting members, and finding investigators and well, Transfers. But it is good, and I am a bit perplexed to say that the next time, that I know of, that I will be packing will be to board a plane! Wow, has it really been 20 months?
Hit me!
Anyways, if anyone has been willing to read my blog for the last 20 months, and still is then I hope you're as excited as I am about Kirksville. Because I am excited.
Elder Prows
Weekly Post - 5/28/2012
man, it has been a HOT week. It's been in the upper 90's for the last week, and that has been hard. Our apartment attracts in the heat so it gets toastie. So we go to study and weekly plan at the church where it is cooler.
This last week Selena dropped us. She's a roller coaster ride, and just can't make up her mind. She read an atheist book, and said she felt "happy" as she read it, so therefore it must be true. Now she won't respond to our texts, so that's dumb. But what she doesn't realize is that the Holy Ghost, which is what we teach about with those happy feelings, does not testify against what it testifies of- Jesus Christ and the Father! So those feelings she says she felt contradict truth. Sily girl. Oh well, she'll find out that she needs the gospel, and will come back; you'll see.
However, I won't update you on that because I got word on Saturday that I am being transferred! I knew that I was going to be because of the emergency transfer earlier, and so I was destined. There was like a 1% chance I could stay in Macomb, but that would mean that Elder Tripp would move because we can't serve more togethe than we already have, so one of us had to go. So I'm off to my last area! MY grave! WOO!
Interestingly I've been released as a District Leader. But there's a catch, that I won't voice. So don't freak out mom and dad!
Schuyler is doing really well too. He has gone almost a whole week without smoking! That's HUGE! Because he is a way heavy smoker. But now he's going to be a NON-SMOKER! Woo hoo! I made a deal with Schuyler and Tracy that when I come back to visit Macomb after my mission, that I would visit them and we'd have a movie night. So I'm going to have to do that. It'll be cool. We'll watch something cool. He refuses to watch the Lord of the Rings, because he HATES it. They say Schuyler and I are exactly alike. Nope. He hates Lord of the Rings, and I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE Lord of the Rings! It's like the one thing I've been trunky for other than my music. Family is cool too.
This last week I told Elder Tripp all about Anchorman, because that movie is hilarious. I couldn't believe he hadn't seen it. But then again, I haven't seen Nacho Libre. But I watched the first bit of it, and it wasn't that good from what I was seeing.
We've started working with some Less-Actives out here, that Bishop Thurman told us to go see, and we've got some new potential investigators out of it, due to Part-Member families. YES!
We also are going to set up a baptism with non-member who has been going to church at the Macomb ward for like 5 years. She's SOLID. Dry mormon. She gives talks in sacrament meeting and everything. We had dinner with her husband and her on saturday, and it was so bizarre. She had a quad on their living room coffee table, and she's subscribed to the ensign, and has visiting teachers. She also requested at one pointed to be a visiting teacher, but they told her she needs to be baptized first. But she decided while we were talking she just needs to give herself a little kick in the rear and do it. So we are! We're going to start teaching her, and MAYBE her husband. We'll see.
Anyways, I can't think of much else to write.
My studies are going killer. I'm semi-starting to come up with ideas for my homecoming talk. But not putting too much time into it, because it's not necessary. I've just been reading alot in the Book of First Nephi and it's totally changing my perspective of the Book of Mormon, and I just love voicing it. I feel this urge to just tell everyone about it! So I am planning on giving it as my homecoming talk, because I think saying it behind a microphone would be legit, and satisfying.
Anyways, if anyone is reading this then I say hi to you.
Now I say bye.
Elder Prows
Weekly Post - 5/21/2012
Well, this last week was sweet.
Elder Tripp and I killed it. We worked way hard. The only problem that my allergies are going WILD! I need to get better allergy medicine. Our apartment is pretty hot too, so it makes it difficult to sleep at night. But it's all good. A good 10 minute nap during our lunch our takes me through the day. Technically I shouldn't be doing that, as far as I know, but it helps me work harder through the day and that is important to me.
We had a really good lesson with Selina this last week. During weekly planning we were trying to figure out how we could teach her about obedience to God's commandments and our Moral Agency. When suddenly it hit us! We went and bought a bag of KISSES! We decided what we would do is offer a KISS (it symbolizing a choice). It was her choice to accept the KISS or to reject it. If she accepted it, we'd ask her how it was and what she liked about it. Then we'd offer her another. If she took that one we'd offer her another. Then another, and another until she rejects a KISS. We would ask her why she said 'no', and listen. The actually answer she gave was she'd "had enough." We pointed out that the choices we make have consequences. Particularly in this examples, we compared it to sin. At first a sin might seem gratifying, and pleasing, so you want to do it again; because you want that continuous pleasure. However, the more KISSES you eat, the more you realize the downside to eating them. You might realize they are very rich, and so you are thirtsy, or maybe you realize you might gain weight. Whatever the reason is, there is always a downside to sin. Sin is our choice. Every decision, in the long run, is ours to make. With every choice there is a concequence. Our Father in Heaven wants us to make the right decision, and Satan does not. But nevertheless, our Father in Heaven gave us the ability to choose for ourselves. This is called 'Moral Agency'! We chose to read with Selina 2 Nephi 2:27
27 Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.
notice the contrast in word choice that we are given by Jacob in this sermon:
Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to chooseliberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.
Now notice the source of the contrasts:
Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.
Notice that the Devil is only able to do so much with us as his captivity will allow us, as well as the Savior. We have to make choices for ourselves. I remember hearing an analogy by a General Authority once describe it as a voting process- Satan has 1 vote for us, and Jesus Christ has 1 vote for us. The question is where will OUR vote go? Either way the decisions we make determine our happiness. We are free "according to flesh" and so we must also recognize that while our decisions do appear "according to the flesh" the things we know and share as members of the Church of Jesus Christ are of ETERNAL significance. That is why it is important to make right decisions- the liberty and eternal life we are talking about is ETERNAL! The death and captivity that we are talking about can be as well- if we allow ourselves to fall.
I've learned alot on my mission, that with every choice there is a consequence. We can choose it either way-
1. We can just make a choice, and face the consequences the come as a result. If you choose to steal something and you get caught you go to jail. You made the choice, now you must face the consequence.
however if we look at our other option!
2. We can evaluate the consequence, see what we want and then make the choices necessary to get the best result- we are happier. So if you feel tempted to steal, and you realize that there are bad consequences to stealing, you'll probably choose otherwise. Unless you're an idiot.
I could go on and on about how important our decision making is. But I know that decision making is critical in our lives. It is through our decision making that we are able to qualify for the Grace of Christ, and by that that we are ultimately saved by His grace.
So make good decisions, people!
I also had a way sweet insight this last week when reading the Book of Mormon. But I'm going to save that for another time. But it's something that has really impacted me and I'm glad I had that insight.
Have a great week!
Elder Prows
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