The Lord is GREAT so be GRATEFUL

 

My Loved Ones

So let me just say, HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

 

This last week has been absolutely amazing! My companion and I taught 24 lessons this week. When I started training we taught maybe 13 a week. OBEDIENCE BRINGS BLESSINGS!!! (D&C 130:20-21) I cannot stress this principle enough. I have a firm and unshakeable testimony of this. In the Book of Mormon it talks about the prayer of faith. The prayer of the obedient is the prayer of faith. If you have been struggling with a specific commandment, commit to keep it for just a week, and look for the the miracles the Lord will bless you with. I promise you that there will be miracles. SO, without further ado, I will retire my soapbox for a moment, and tell y'all about my 

week.

Monday: So, its like, no big deal, but it SNOWED!! Man was it cool! And then I had to walk out into it. And Drive in it. woohoo.  I think I saw 3 different accidents on our way to dinner and our way home. People just need to slow their roll! But Monday was a good P-Day, I bought a Van Der Hagen razor, which I am in love with! I've only cut my self once, which is less than I expected! I just need a brush and some shave soap to complete the set! And that's all I'm going to say about that.

Tuesday: We did some service again, and it was good! We focused on finding that day and our efforts paid off! We knocked on a door of a potential investigator who we had helped earlier in the week and had set an appointment with, and they let us in! We have been using this awesome survey with tracting and its been so effective! If any of you missionaries would like it just let me know and I will shoot you the form! Anyway, after getting half way through the survey, we started teaching the Restoration! The lesson itself was rough, because my companion literally went solo and wouldn't let me teach, but even that was a blessing, because it made me talk to him about how I was feeling and communicate better! But the important part is that we set up a return appointment, making them new investigators! What a blessing!

Wednesday: Today we did Weekly Planning, which went better than previous times! Weekly planning is so important, so I am forcing myself to love it, because if I were to be honest, I really really really don't like doing it. Mostly because I get bored out of my mind! We were able to meet with Sister Kless today, and it went really good! The lesson with our investigator Bobby was filled with the Spirit, but he wasn't willing to listen, which initially made me mad. Yet here is the thing. We all have our agency, and its up to us whether we choose freedom through the Savior or captivity through the devil.

Thursday: We had Mission Tour today with Elder Nash of the Seventy. It was so incredible. He literally promised me that I would wake up on time for the rest of my mission. Anyone who knows me will understand what an incredible blessing this was for me. And I am happy to report I have gotten up on time since! More importantly though he talked about the importance of members. Members make the difference. Period. Sister Kless wasn't progressing until we brought a member to the lessons.  Mission Tour was so spiritual for me, and I learned so much! He also told us to be Bold, which means to teach with confidence, clarity, and love. Because the fact of the matter is, we are teaching the truth. Don't be apologetic. Don't make excuses. Declare the truth, because that's what it is.

Friday: Friday we found a new potential less active! We taught a ton and felt the Spirit even more! I love the Lord brothers and sisters, I really do. 

Saturday: SISTER KLESS GOT BAPTIZED!! That is the power of members. That is the power that the Spirit has for conversion. We also found a new less active, who happens to be in another ward, but we were still led to him by the Spirit! It was awesome! We also had Stake Conference that night, which was also pretty sweet!

Sunday: What a day! We had 7 scheduled appointments that day, and we didn't get to study at all. This was kind of freaking me out, because studies is where we receive revelation for our investigators! But we said a prayer and asked the Lord to make up for our shortcomings, and boy did He ever! We Taught 6 of the 7 lessons and found a new investigator! Yesterday was a literal miracle. For some reason, when we give as much as we can, God does the same and more. I know this is because He loves and wants us to be like Him. I know it.

So that was my week. We taught the majority of our lessons in 2 days, and it was all because of The Lord. I also finished Jesus the Christ this week, and it brought me closer to my Savior. I love Him brothers and sisters, and I stand as a special witness of Him. Being His representative is the most fulfilling, incredible experience I have ever had. And I get to do it for 2 years! Jesus Christ is our Savior. The Atonement is real, I testify of these things! It is the power by which our nature is changed. I testify of the fact that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. He was, there is no if ands or buts about it. He sealed his testimony of our Savior with his blood. I raise my voice with his and testify that the Book of Mormon is the book of books. It is the surest way to get closer to your Savior. I know this because I have read it multiple times and I pray about it constantly. To quote the Prophet Moroni, Dispute not because ye see not. (Ether 12:6). Faith is not a perfect knowledge. It is a choice. We choose to believe these things and THEN we receive a witness. Sometimes we forget this. That's why it is so important we do spiritual CPR! When we go to Church (C) Pray continually (P) and Read the Scriptures (R) we keep our Spirits and our testimonies fresh and nourished. The basics are there for a reason. Finally I testify of God's love for us. He loves me, and He loves you just as infinitely and deeply. He is a God of love. Pray for that love brothers and sisters, pray to feel it in your life. (1 John 4:7-9, Moroni 7:45-48) You will not regret it.

I love you all, some more than others ;) But I do love you all. You are in this missionary's prayers.

Love,

Elder Rogers

 

 

It Snowed!!

 

 Me and Frank, My Balloon Bro.

 

 

Elder Gill and I

My Fellow Warriors in Christ,

 So my mail box has been generally empty the last few weeks....... And instead of just leaving room for inference, I WOULD LOVE SOME LETTERS AND SUCH. But besides the lack of mail, my week has been a great and marvelous struggle! God is forging me into something, Im not sure what yet, but Im feeling the heat and lovin the pressure! 

Monday: So last Monday I experienced quite a few great things! The day before I fasted for humility for both myself, and an Elder in my district who has been struggling! It was a very spiritual experience and forgot about it for awhile. Well, until I went mountain biking. So a bunch of people in my Zone decided to go do a trail in the Cheyenne's, the mountain range where NORAD is found! This particular trail is named Captain Jack, as for the why, I know not. This is the second time in my entire life that I've been mountain biking. Until my mission it had been a solid year since I had ridden a bike. Then I got stuck behind a sister who was worse than me. So as Im cruising along this trail, which happened to be between the cliff face and the mountainside, I start to get a little nervous. More accurately I was scared out of my mind. All I could think about was losing control and falling off the mountain. Well, Im happy to say I didn't. Unfortunately I didn't escape unscathed.

I started to pick up a significant amount of speed, probably upwards and around 20 miles an hour, when lo and behold, a turn! and a Sister missionary in the way! How wonderful! So, I hit my back brakes, just a tap, just a little bit. Well, my brakes work, maybe a little too well, because my back tire locked up. This event inspired me to attempt to kick the tree that had teleported in front of me down. Tree 1 Mason 0. After painfully deflecting off of the tree and landing quite spectacularly on my back, what I fasted for came back to mind. God sure does work fast haha. The rest of trail consisted of me walking the bike because of the gaping mental wound my crash inflicted upon me. All bike confidence I once possessed is now decimated. Completely. But somehow I came away virtually unharmed. In all honesty I should have broken my leg. God had other plans, and boy am I grateful. I some how had the strength to finish the trail, and I thank God that He was willing to teach me to rely on Him more. That night we had a lesson with a potential investigator. Just to put the icing on the cake, I had forgotten to grab my scriptures that morning. I just said a prayer and asked God to make up for my huge shortcomings, and the Spirit was so strong. Because that experience I received a greater witness that this is God's work and His work alone. I'm just here to grow and be along for the ride!

Tuesday:

We picked up a new investigator on a stop by, and had a great lesson with our progressing investigator sister Kless, who will be baptised this Saturday! 

Wednesday: We weekly planned. 'Nuff said.

Thursday!: Ok, so Thursday was pretty great, because Elder Zundel was at Temple Jubilee, And I got be in charge of the area! At 8 Weeks! it was scary! So we only had one set appointment, but we were able to pull off 4 extra appointments, making it one of the most productive days of the week. I know it was all the Lord, and I literally could not have done a minute of it without Him!

Friday: So sister Kless gave up her cigarettes today! It is so awesome to see the Lord change the very nature of people as they choose to believe. It makes the difference. We taught a ton of people, and we were able to help a lot of others! How grateful I am that I get to be a missionary!

Saturday: So Saturday went pretty swell except for a really really really awkward lesson with a part member family. We have been teaching the Less active member and we felt that she needed to come to church. So we asked her if she would. She said no. We asked why. She said personal reasons. We then noticed the extreme tension in the room, eminating from her husband. So my companion decided to ask if HE went to church. He said no, and that its "frankly none of our buisness"......Awkward silence. We then closed with a prayer and left. But the whole time this guy was getting offended, all I wanted to say to him was get over yourself. So often we let ourselves get in the way of learning, of growing, and of coming closer to God. So, my simple counsel this week is this: GET OVER YOURSELF. Pretty simple right?

Sunday was good, Elder Zundel and I went on splits so we could cover both the Fort Carson branch and 17th ward. I had to teach Elders Quorum, which went better then I thought it would. I had completely forgotten that I had to teach that day. The Lord helped me out a ton.

I leave you with my testimony. Jesus is the Christ and this is His church. It will never bend to match the world, and I am so grateful for that. Just as the Sanhedrin sought to persecute the saints for not conforming to their standards, We as latter day saints are persecuted because we won't bend either. I know that the Atonement works. It is the enabling power by which we change, repent,and become better. If you are trying to change by yourself, you may have noticed that it is nigh impossible. The Atonement is necessary. I am so grateful for the Sacrament (D&C 84:19-21). It gives me such peace in my heart. I know that Prayers are heard and answered. The only thing stopping us is ourselves. I know that its by choice that faith is grown. There is no compromise for that. Nephi said that he knew that God loved all His children, but he didn't know the meaning of all things. (1 Nephi 11:17) Its ok not to know. We walk in a world of falsehoods and lies, and the ONLY light is that of Jesus Christ and His Gospel. We were sent to this world to be tested and to grow. We WILL have doubts and we WILL have hard times. BUT all trials and afflictions are for our good. Just like how I will be forever grateful for crashing my mountain bike, when we look back on our trials, after trusting in the Lord, we will see just how much the Lord was and is with us. I testify that God loves us. That Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. That the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. It is the truth. This work that Im involved with is not about me. I have to get over myself everyday, and I am so grateful for my weakness, for my lacking, for my shortcomings. Because I get to see the miracles of the Lord every single day, despite being there to potentially mess it up. Doubt not, only believe. 

I love you all and you are in my prayers. Turn to the Lord, let Him know how you feel, ask for help, and He will provide.

Love,

Elder Rogers

Faith Overcomes Doubt: My First Convert!

Salutations Family and Friends,

So the title is a lil deceptive, I haven't baptized anyone yet! But, my first convert is accurate. I am talking about myself. A few weeks ago I was having some SERIOUS doubts about my testimony. Satan was trying really really really really hard on me. BUT. As Nephi of old I know in whom I have Trusted (2 Nephi 4:15-21) I just had this sickening feeling for a couple of days. I couldn't think straight. I thirsted after the Spirit, I NEEDED that relief. But Satan tried hard on that too, and tried to deceive into thinking what I was feeling wasn't real. Since I'm not home right now I've since killed and buried these doubts. What made the difference in my life was a choice. I chose faith over doubt. I simply said I'm going to believe in all of this, and I'm going to act on it. And I learned something spectacular from this great wrestle I had within myself. The Lord allows us to doubt, so that we can obtain greater faith. The principle of opposition in all things was so prevalent in this experience. It was so scary, so gut wrenching, so depressing and because of it I have more courage, more tenacity, and more happiness in my life. More importantly my faith has GROWN. Typically I testify at the end of this shindig, but today I'm going to change it up. I know in my heart that I have a Heavenly Father who loves me. I know that Christ suffered, bled from every pore, was scourged, beaten, and bruised, forced to carry the very boards that He would be nailed too, crucified, and then gloriously resurrected because He loves me. Because He loves you. I know that the Atonement is real. It works. I have seen it too many times in my life to say otherwise. I know that we are led today by men of God. They have been called and set apart because God looked past their weaknesses and failings and saw the potential to be like Him. He chooses us the same way. That's why I am on a mission, because even though I fail at so much and lack in so many areas, God saw potential in me. I know that the Book of Mormon is the Word of God. Everytime I read it my soul hungers for more, and the Spirit bares witness to me of the book's divinity. I know that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God. I also know brother Joseph was a man. He was not perfect, and that gives me hope, because if God can take a simple man and turn him into a Prophet, then surely He can help me become who I need to be. I love being a missionary. I love every struggle, hardship, embarrassing moment, and heart ache. So with out further ado, I relinquish my soap box, and report on my week!

Monday: Last P-day was pretty fun! I played basketball, emailed y'all, and got to see Elder Gill, one of my bestest friends from the MTC! It was so good to catch up! Other than that it was pretty boring haha.

Tuesday: We did a lot of service, which was awesome! Went to the Chiropractor for my comps back. We taught a few lessons and then something amazing happened! We found a new investigator! One of the less active members we have been working with cancelled on us, so we decided to go visit her at her house! (typically we met with her at her grandparents house) When we showed up we were welcomed in and got to know the family! Aunna ( the less active) requested a blessing, which we happily provided. Then her mom started asking questions! So we taught the first lesson and asked if we could come back. She said yes!! She said she felt the truth of what we taught and it was so exciting!

Wednesday: So Tuesday night we exchanged with the Zone Leaders and I was able to go with Elder Smith. We stayed up far too late talking about the Gospel, and would have struggled the next day if not for the mercy of the Lord! We got to take a cool guy named Jacob out for the day! He reports to the MTC in like a week and he wanted to know what missionary life is like. We did a lot of service, but sadly a ton of appointments cancelled so he wasn't even able to experience teaching! So after we dropped him off we got a few doors closed in our faces (I guess they didn't want blessing or something) and we proceeded to dinner, which was pretty tasty! The lesson we taught was on the plan of salvation and included a Ukulele and a lot of singing between me and my comp! It was super fun! We then got to meet with a new investigator who has been investigating for 5 years! He married a member and has been seeking diligently to find the truth! I learned something incredible in this lesson. Elder Smith invited him to live the Gospel (tithing and all) for a set amount of time. He explained that he never got a burning in his bosom for an answer, but still wanted to know if it was true, so he decided to live the doctrine. (John 7:17) And Lo and Behold he got his answer! When he lived the Gospel he was happy, and he had peace and blessing in his life. He didn't receive his testimony in a mighty rush or feeling like some people do. He built it by testing it out. And I realized that I had too! I was happy and blessed because I did live the gospel! It strengthened my testimony and made the difference in my life. 

Thursday: Thursday was rough haha. We had more Chiropractic visits, and apartment inspections that day, so it sort of imploded. We did go on exchanges that night though.

Friday: So Friday was sort of a big deal because I was in charge of the area for the whole day! Elder Henning and I came out together, and he was my companion for the day! And what a day it was! I was pretty nervous so I just relied on the Lord with all my heart. Suffice to say it worked out! We taught 6 lessons and it was so much fun! Missonary work is awesome!

Saturday: Saturday we weekly planned. It was.... rough, but way better than last time. So at the beginning of October we had a zone training about obedience, where we commited to being more obedient than we were before. Let me tell you ladies and gentlemen, it works. Obedience brings miracles. I am so grateful for it. The Zone Leaders were looking at the key indicators for our zone and they are shooting through the roof! Its soo awesome. 

Sunday: Today I fasted with Elder Zundel and the Zone Leaders for a missionary in the district who is struggling. It was a great experience to sacrifice for those who need it. I also want to take the time to testify of the sacredness of the Sacrament. It is the best thing I do every week. I love it with all my heart, and I encourage all of you to ponder its meaning in your hearts.

So there ya go, my week in a nutshell! It was exciting and trying and faith building! I didn't take any pictures (sorry mom) because I was so busy, but I do want to take the time to thank my Aunt Christine and Grandma Janet for the package. It was such a Godsend. I am so grateful for the love and support I have back home, it is so humbling. I also want to thank Alexa for the sweet packages and letters she keeps on sending to sustain me! They save my life! I hope y'all have a great week and I want you to know I love and miss you all. I wish I could write you all letters! but if that were the case, i wouldnt be a very good missionary now would I?

Lots of Love,

Elder Rogers

My fellow Saints!

How time flies! I cannot believe it has been 6 weeks. I am officially half way done with Training, It's insane. Let me first start by saying HAPPY HALLOWEEN! I didn't even know about the shooting that happened in the Springs, because the work is too important, but I will be even more careful now, for those of you who worried. So imagine this. Six weeks ago, on my first day to the MTC, I promised my self that I would never have a bad day ever again. My attitude and how I feel is 100% up to me at all times. And Ladies and Gentlemen, the results are in for the first 6 weeks of this experiment (Drum roll please).....IT WORKS!!! But only on one condition. You have to trust the Lord. You have to give up being offended, getting your feelings hurt, and sadness. You have to ask for help. (Mormon 9:21) Brothers and Sisters I testify to that this life is not easy, but with Jesus Christ, and through daily (Sometimes hourly) application of His Atonement, You too can have great days everyday. So without further ado, my week:

Monday: After emailing all you wonderful people, I had the chance to do the usual, which translates to FOUR HOURS OF BASKETBALL. One of the APs helped me with my shot, so im not completely terrible, but im no Kevin Durrant. I then was able to have dinner with the Kowalis family. They had us give a lesson on obedience and honoring thy father and thy mother. While some of the kids didn't listen, ironically, the Spirit was still there, and I'm hoping they figure it out. Mum you'll be proud of me, I've eaten surplus of everything that's been put in front of me (even salads...sometimes). If i forgot to mention it last time, I am being fed everyday, the members here are awesome. I think we taught a lesson after that, but the days kinda blend together. I feel like I've been in the Springs for 2 days.

Tuesday: We did a lot of service, and then went to a Chiropractor for my companion, which was cool, because I want to do that someday. We taught some more people ate dinner, then taught some more and went to bed.

Wednesday:Wake up, Study, Teach, Eat, Repeat.

Thursday: So I actually remember what happened Thursday!! We had Weekly planning today and my comp was freaking out because he wasnt quite comprehending how to do it correctly. Apparently he hadnt done it his entire mission, so he was learning too. We finally figured it out, but only got a little bit done. It was frustrating for me because Im used to having my input mean something, but he would just bulldoze me most of the time. I realized that thats his personality, but it took me awhile to be humble and pray for help. We taught for the rest of the night, so it ended on a good note. 

Friday: We had 7 Lessons planned for the day, but 2 fell through. But we still taught a bunch of people and it was really good. Had a Trunk or Treat and was able to have a lesson after that, which was made semi difficult because of my allergies being activated by 4 cats at once. Puffy eyes for days!

Saturday: We finished weekly planning. It was...interesting!

Sunday: We had two less Actives come to church and this week we are expecting 4 investigators to come! The work has just been picking up and I'm so grateful! We had dinner with one of my favorite families, the Scaddens, and our white shirts got a little wrecked from the pomegranate we ate. I love love love being a missionary! I also was able to write a few people back (mom included) so hopefully those letters get sent today!

Let me end by apologizing profusely for the lack of details! My brain leaves me when I sit down to write this, and I forgot my planner from last week -_- my bad! What has not left me is my testimony. Over the last 6 weeks I have seen miracles happen, chief of them being the change Ive seen in myself. I testify that Christ lives. It was His love for us that held Him to the Cross and led Him to the Garden. And because He did His Father's will, I also testify that Heavenly Father Loves us just as much. I testify that a mission is for every young man. If you are considering going, know this. Before you came to this earth you promised certain individuals that you would come and find them. And most of all you promised your Heavenly Father you would serve. God only gives commandments because He knows we can live them. A mission is a commandment, and He always provides a way. (1 Nephi 3:7 D&C 130:20-21) I promise you, that if you decide to serve, you will one, grow more then you ever have, and two, you WILL NOT REGRET IT. There are many regrets that I have in my life. But none of them stem from doing the Lord's work. Most of them are because I didn't. Luckily for me we have the Atonement. I know that the Book of Mormon is not only another testament of Christ, It is the most powerful testament of Christ. Over half of the verses contained in the Book of Mormon testifies of Christ. I testify that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God. I know it I know it I know it. I know it because I made a decision, then I took it to God. and He answered me. The Spirit has witness to me all of these things. I stand as a Witness of Christ, and I am not ashamed to proclaim him Lord of All and my personal Savior. I say it again, He Lives. If you want to know for yourself, if doubts are assailing you, ask God. He will answer. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. 

Brothers and Sisters, I love you deeply, and I miss you lots. Your'e a powerful motivator for me. Have a great week and rely on the Lord.

Your'e Homie,

Elder Rogers