Weekly Post - 4/30/2012

This last week we killed Keokuk. We had such a good week.

 

Monday- Perfect timing on our p-day. We planned it out perfectly, and we played a great game of disc golf. We used every opportunity we could to find people to teach, and it all worked out wonderously. We also found our new investigators Terry, and Iyabo. They aren't a couple, we found them separately. We talked to Terry outside his house, he's a very lonely black Jehovah's Witness. Way chill guy. Iyabo is a black Jew who has had lots of run ins with the church in the past. She's solid though! We're so excited. We taught Terry about the Restoration, he understood it and said he'd read the Book of Mormon- sweet!

 

Tuesday- we did service. We had our first lesson with Iyabo and ended up talking about prayer. It's interesting teaching a Jew because you have to help her to gain faith in Christ before you can actually teach her about Christ. But she prayed at the end of the lesson, so that was sweet. We felt prompted to not invite her to be baptized yet, so obviously the Lord has plans. But we feel we soon will be able to do that if we can help her gain faith in Jesus Christ.

 

Wednesday- we did more service for the Salvation Army. It was interesting. We moved dirt. I liked it though. Some times it's just nice to get down and dirty. We also met with our recent convert Trina. She's having trouble with her sons. They're all being rebels, and jerks. So we left a message of hope, and faith- about Enduring to the End and keeping the commandments and how the Lord will support us in our trials if we do His will. We also taught Terry, and he didn't really seem to get the Plan of salvation. He's a Jehovah's Witness so he has different views, but we kinda started to see that he might just be wanting to be social with us. But we're going to see.

 

thursday- district meeting. Way good meeting, Elder Holmes is a STUD! We had a good lesson with Richard and Patty about the Restoration. Hopefully we can help them progress even more! Thurman & Tiffany's lesson went bad because they didn't understand authority and we learned that they believe that our church isn't the only church with priesthood authority. It was bad.

 

friday- weekly planning. That's enough about that.

 

Saturday- LOTS of hard work. It was so good though. We had a sweet lesson with Iyabo, about faith. We're working hard to help her gain faith. She seems to not understand what faith is too much, but it's working out because of what happened on sunday.

 

Sunday- Iyabo came to church! We had a killer Gospel Principles class with her, helping her to understand faith more. She gets what faith itself is, so maybe we can now help her to GAIN faith in Jesus Christ. this day was full of lots of hard work- but what happened at night shattered mine and Elder Holmes' universe.

 

So while Elder Holmes was reporting to the Zone Leaders numbers he had a shocked look on his face. "Hey, President Jergensen is beeping in, can I call you back?" he said. He talked to President Jergensen and hung up. He looked nervous. He told me President was going to call back in a few minutes to talk to ME! I was pretty sure I knew what was up- nerves kicked in. 5 minutes later President Jergensen called me. I don't know what the expression on my face was like when I was told that I am being emergency transferred. But that was not anticipated. On top of it the area I am going to, I am now responsible to rebuild the member trust because of a mistake a Elder made, and to keep the work rolling forward. The load was only heavier when I was asked to serve in that area as a District Leader as well.

 

So the big news this week.

 

I am now serving in Macomb, Illinois as a District Leader, with my boy- Elder Tripp... again! My mission has just taken a whole new turn. Buckle up everyone, the next few weeks are going to be one heck of a ride!

 

Elder Holmes and I are very sad by the way. We were being champions. We served together for 11 1/2 days. R.I.P.

 

Elder Prows

The Macomb District Leader

(I'm so nervous)

Weekly Post - 4/23/2012

Well, Elder Bradshaw was transferred to my dear sweet Fairfield. I love Fairfield. I wish I could be transferred back. But I can't, I already spent 5 transfers there. I realize now that 1 year of my mission has been in Keokuk and Fairfield. Two amazing areas. Now Elder Bradshaw will know my stories in Fairfield were all true, and he'll see how awesome it really is. I miss those members, and the people I taught. I love them. I hope he gets to love them how I do, and shows it.

 

Anyways, my new companion is Elder Craig Holmes of Pleasant Grove, UT. He has been on his mission for 9 months, and is currently serving as a District Leader. So he is senior companion, and I LOVE IT! I liked being Senior companion, but I feel so good being just "co-senior" as President Jergensen told me. When I got the transfer call from President Jergensen he told me that I'd be getting a District Leader companion he told me "I don't want you to feel like you're being demoted, because you're not. You're going to be co-senior." I was just like "Well, President, I was never promoted, so I don't feel demoted." I am excited to be serving with Elder Holmes though, and we are going to accomplish so much! We already have accomplished alot, and we are going to do more. I knew that when President told me that I was getting a District Leader companion that he'd be younger than me, both literally and in the mission. I wanted to say to him "Do you realize that when you started you're mission I'd been on my mission for 10 months?!" But I decided to be humble, and not try to be funny, and just smile.

 

So we finally got a member to come to Richard and Patty's for a lesson! Brother Olsen came along, and it was awesome. We taught about keeping the Sabbath Day holy, and invited to church (again). Brother Olsen has a profession with computers and Richard did have and profession with computers so they got along really well. I didn't understand a word they were talking about, but I did throw in a "My dad is a IT professional!" and just sat there with a smile on my face saying "I did it! I put my two cents in a conversation with my fellow nerds!" and they just looked at me like "So? What can you do?" I felt humbled because all I know how to do with computers use them. Darn my lack of computer genius! Now I'll never accomplish my goals in life! Or will I?

 

Anyways, after that awesome lesson they commited to come to church on sunday and they DID! I was so happy to see them I almost did this odd jumping jack kind of dance thing... I decided in my genius mind that that would not look good on my part, so I just stood there and smiled. I like to picture that 'badger badger badger' kind of dance that I was going to do, only it was going to be alot more rapid. But I'm going to stop embarrassing myself and making me look like a crazy genius, I want to be seen as a intelligent genius- yes there is a difference.

Church was good though. Richard and Patty brought their little grand-daughter Sandra with them, and it went good. They were worried how it would be for Sandra, but when they walked in there was a little girl about Sandra's age who was like "SANDRA!" and they ran off and did something. Probably colored, but in the long run Sandra had a good time, which was good for her and Richard and Patty. I feel it was a pretty good experience. Did it have its ups and downs?... Sure! But it was a positive experience and we will keep you posted- or I will. Elder Holmes does not write on this blog. Unless he wants to that is... maybe he'll reach over and just hit my keyboard and mess it up: ijgaojunA; LIKE THAT oh it went into caps lock. I was tapping on the keyboard with my hands, but then it made this beep noise so I stopped.

 

We've picked up some pretty cool potentials. One of them is a Jehovah's Witness and we are going to be teaching him today. I am very excited, because Jehovah's Witnesses intrigue me. I remember they once knocked on my door in Utah, and my mom would not let me talk to them. She probably knew how I'd act. But in the long run I like talking to people?

 

I'm almost done with the Book of Mormon again. I read today half of Moroni 7. I got really into verse 11-

 

11 For behold, a bitter fountain cannot bring forth good water;

neither can a good fountain bring forth bitter water;

 wherefore, a man being a servant of the devil cannot follow Christ;

 and if he follow Christ he cannot be a servant of the devil.

 

It was just like "Yeah! That's true!" I'm in a really happy mood right now, so I'm not really expressing my excitement in a way I want to but I don't really care right now. That scripture just made me think of this one guy who called me un-Christian and reading this scripture was like "you maniac!" But that's my story.

 

A kid this last week stopped me and Elder Bradshaw and started to say we're not Christian. We talked to him for a bit, he was like 12 years old or something. But in the long run he was like "wait what?" He didn't even really know what he was talking about, and was just trying to mess with us. But he messed with the wrong Elder. I messed with him. But I taught all truth in the process, and it was cool. One of his friends was like "dude, don't talk to these guys, they're ministers!" I was like "yeah, watch yo back!" I didn't say that out loud, but I thought it.

 

Anyways, I want to go get groceries now, and I'm bored. So bye

 

Elder Prows

Weekly Post - 4/16/2012

Well. This last Saturday was transfer calls.

 

Normally this would mean an email on Wednesday but this morning we got an email approving that we can email today. So we did!

 

This last week we didn't have much lessons. Our investigators were busy, and we did exchanges and alot of finding. We're currently working with members. The first time I was in Keokuk I wasn't too into Keokuk. But this time around I love it. I've gotten to know the members, and my investigators. I'm so grateful for the second chance I had here. The thing that is so good about it too is that I've learned what kind of an impact I left before. That left the impression on me that the impression I leave ought to be the best. That's the thing that President Jergensen taught me when I was being trained. He told me "You want to be the kind of missionary that the members will ALWAYS remember, because you changed the area. You worked like Christ." I've thought about that time again and again. In Preach My Gospel it teaches us to "leave our area stronger than when we found it." or maybe that's the White Handbook... either way that's what it says! Both are First Presidency authorized, therefore, I need to labor very hard!

 

I had an amazing experience this week. Through my whole mission there has always been something weighing on me. Yes, I was writing a girl. I care about this girl alot, we did go on quite a few dates before my mission. She'd been writing me my whole mission, and was the only person consistently writing (other than family). Well I got the infamous "dear john" this last week. She told me she's with another guy, and that there are other people for me out there. I expected it. So it wasn't surprising, just distraughtful at first. But what surprised me was my reaction, after I reacted. Normally I'd think I'd just being angry, acting like a jerk, and go sit on my bed and throw a bouncy ball at the wall- punching stuff is far more childish, trust me. But instead I decided to get up, go in my room and on my knees. I prayed for strength, and energy to get over this, I prayed for the other boy, I prayed for her. I just want them to be happy, and for it to turn out good for her in the end. If I pray for that, and I do what is right, it'll turn out right for me. As I prayed with that attitude, and that faith I felt the strongest assurance of comfort I could've. I felt peace. I know that the Lord knows my situation, and cares about all my situations enough. That letter changed my mission. It made it better. I feel so good now, I feel focused. Yes, she is there in Provo, UT, and I can still think about it. But now I don't. I've actually put it behind me. It is sad to me that it had to be that way to do that, but hey, the Lord works in mysterious ways. I feel the spirit better, I work harder, and I have a stronger testimony and desire to serve the Lord.

 

Nothing is coming between me and the finish line now. I've got 5 1/2 months left, and I'm going to make them worth it!

 

Watch your back!

 

Elder Prows

Weekly Post - 4/9/2012

This last week was good. I had a dentist appointment and had a tooth fixed. It was nice to have that done. But then I lost my planner and I was angry for a while. At first I was angry because I thought the art on the planner I had made was cool. I was pleased with the design I had made and such. But then I tried to see past that. I was more upset because I realized the valuable, and precious information that was within the planner. The outer vessel is by far less important than the inner vessel. Referral information, less-active information, weekly planning information, potential investigators, all that info LOST. I was devastated. I tried to think of all the places that I bent down on Wednesday morning where I could've lost my planner. I couldn't find it anywhere. It was truly devastating. As I mourned the loss of the planner, that held the potential information to salvation of several souls, I had a thought come to mind. "Be grateful it wasn't your wallet!" In the same pocket that I keep my planner I keep my wallet. With all my important things; drivers license, Photo ID, temple recommend, white handbook, debit card. How is it that my planner had fallen out of my pocket and not my wallet??? I know the answer! A miracle! The Lord obviously knew I wasn't paying attention, and so my wallet was spared. Some might say I'm being rational or over dramatic about that, but I know that that was a blessing from the Lord. That is the ONLY time I have ever experienced that. Every time a missionary has a "greenie drop" EVERYTHING in the pocket falls. Cards, wallet, planner, pens- everything. But for some reason my wallet didn't. The tender mercies of our Father in Heaven are real, and they do still happen in this day.

 

Everyone should go to biblevideos.org and watch the sweet Easter Video called "He Is Risen". Just as it says in the pre-text stuff, ponder what the Savior's atonement and resurrection means to all humanity, and to you. Then share the good news!

 

I'm getting a haircut today. Yessss! I'm excited, it's getting too long, and too much to handle. I like my hair either way short, or long, and long hair is annoying. Most guys would think you'd like girls touching your hair all the time like I did when I had long hair ( apparently I have amazingly soft hair) but it's obnoxious! But I'd have girls touch my hair anyday over bugs! ARGH! I hate bugs! That was the only reason I was a little down about coming to Keokuk again, I'm here in the Spring when there are tons of bugs and for some reason beyond my understanding bugs love to try to crawl  in my hair! I DON'T LIKE IT WHEN THING TOUCH MY HAIR! Except me, and people as permitted. But bugs are a no no! Thank goodness Utah doesn't have bugs like Iowa does. Although I love Iowa. :) I'd just never move here.

 

Anywaaaays. My nose is very runny, and I'm tired of typing about my hair, (I'm starting to sound like a chick) I want to read talks. So BYE!

 

Elder Prows

Weekly Post - 4/2/2012

General Conference. I love General Conference. I love having the sacred opportunity to hear from Prophets and Apostles of our Lord and Savior.

 

Some of my favorite talks? My favorite was definately President Henry B. Eyrings talk during the Saturday Morning Session. That was exactly what I needed to hear. A Message of hope and faith. Given I now have 6 months left, I don't really know what is ahead of me. But I was glad to hear a Apostle give me the council I needed to strengthen faith. I also loved Elder Bednar's talk on the Priesthood, and President Uchtdorf's talk on Forgiveness and grudges. That's definately something I need to work on. I liked Elder Wilson's talk on helping people change upon principles of righteousness. I also loved Elder L. Tom Perry and Elder D. Todd Christofferson teaching the Doctrine of Christ! The stud those men are! I was sad to see President Packer and Elder Hales in such poor health states. I love President Packer, and Elder Hales- both very powerful men, who have impacted me big time on my mission. They have done alot for the world, and they teach truth. I was glad I got to hear from them again.

 

I don't really know what to talk about other than General Conference. It was just awesome. Not much else to say.

 

The basic message I got out of this Conference for me personally is:

 

1. Don't give up hope-

when the world is falling apart so speedily, deteriorating with pure filth, you just begin to wonder how are we going to fix this. But I learned about the importance of "by small and simple things are great things brought to pass." When we make changes they impact in majorities. I loved the storied that talked about how one baptism influenced alot of people, even thousands! That is why we need to be righteous, and ready. "The day speedily cometh; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand, when peace shall be taken from the earth, and the devil shall have power over his own dominion." Just as Elder Holland and another Elder declared this conference- We are at war! We cannot stop to sniff the roses. We need to prepare ourselves for what is to come.

 

2. I need to honor my priesthood better-

The priesthood is an amazing. I've always known the priesthood is Authority, but until Elder Bednar spoke on Saturday I don't think it ever crossed my mind about the difference between Priesthood Authority and Priesthood Power. The Priesthood is an Oath and Covenant that men take. If we do not hold to that Oath and Covenant, then we do not have the power to use that priesthood. I've realized in that way that many changes are needed to be made in me. And so all I can do is as Elder Shayne M. Bowen of the Seventy said when he visited the Iowa Des Moines Mission in November, is "Repent, and be better."

 

3. Live what you preach-

It is one thing to have a know something, and another to live by it. True conversion is when you apply your testimony. Many people find this the hard way, but I am glad that I did. Without finding it out the hard way, how else would I have? The Lord does not require us to sit around and be idle after words. "Faith without works is dead." I was reading an interesting book I bought in Nauvoo the other day about this. Lots of members get on a spree about how it is by Works we are saved, and others Grace. It is a huge argument in the other religious world as well. But I never realized that if you look at Romans 3:27, where it states it is by faith in Christ we are saved is a popular thing people use to take about Grace. I never realized however, that if you read the background of this scripture, and read the WHOLE CHAPTER you come to know that Paul is actually teaching people who were "going through the motions" so to speak. They went to church, did everything they needed to, were baptized, and yada yada yada. So Paul showed up, and is telling them, "no! It is not by just what you do on a regular basis that saves, UNLESS you do it with faith." You must live the Gospel with faith! If it has no faith it has no meaning, and so God will not acknowledge it. Now in Romans 2:13 however, it states "For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified." Again if you read up on history of this chapter, and the whole thing you can understand the whole context. The people in this land believed that they knew all they needed. They "had the word" as some would say it. Because they "knew enough" they were "saved". Paul teaches however that this is wrong. It is one thing to know you need to live the Law of Chastity, and another to actually do it. It is one thing to hear about the example of Jesus Christ, and know the example He set, and another to follow it. The Savior told Peter 3 times to feed His sheep because it was that important. After He left the Apostles didn't know what to do, even after the Savior had instructed them to feed His sheep. So when the Savior appeared to them, and taught them again, He reminded them- 3 times- "Lovest thou me?... Feed my sheep." We know that the Savior has said "If ye love me, keep my commandments."

In the long run, "it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do." But the 'after all we can do' is the key part. We must be DOERS of the Word not just HEARERS. I hope we can all apply that. If it made any sense. 90% of the time, I'm dead certain that what I'm thinking doesn't come out right, and that's why people look at me like "whaaa?" But that's just because I'm awesome, and I put things together in my head, and it's too much for others to comprehend. SO HA! I'm not President Uchtdorf or Elder Holland who do make everything difficult sound simple. Those men rock.

 

Anyways, I hoped this was a cool week for all of you. It was for me. My ear is itching right now, so my neck is doing this weird twitchie thing. I'm emailing at a college too, so that's not good. The students will see me, and think "he is possessed!" but in reality, my ear just itches. Those jerks. They don't understand the kind of crap we missionaries endure. Hurrah for Israel!

 

Elder Prows

 

who has 6 months left on his mission... let's make them count! BOO HOO, WOO HOO!