Week 38: Shaking an Apostle's Hand and Nine New Investigators

Hi Everyone!

Greetings from the mission!

Transfer Information:

So… I am sure you are all wondering, “where in the Florida Tampa Mission is Sister Jenkins?” Well, the mystery is over! I am serving in Seffner B with Sister Sliger J I am living in Tampa again but am in the Brandon stake.

Sister Sliger and I for her birthday.

So a couple facts about the area: 1. Seffner has sink holes. A lot of them. 2. Seffner is a ward. 3. We have a family history center in our church building (that is a first for me). 4. We have three sets of missionaries in our ward. 5. One of the missionaries that I took over Gulfport A for is our District Leader. His companion also served in my last zone. 6. We have a washer and dryer in our apartment for the first time on my mission. 7. We have carpet! Gulfport didn’t have carpet, and I sure have missed it. 8. We have a gym!! Guess who is now running every morning on that treadmill and working her arms like crazy on the machines? I truly love our complex :)

Funny of the Week:

We saw a man walking with a lizard on his head. Yup, it was great. Took a picture. Hopefully it turned out.

Study Subject of the Week: Faith and Giving full heart, might, mind, and strength.

So I have been wondering how do I give it all to God? I want to become like Christ and our Father in Heaven, but how? I want to give my full heart, but how? I want to have my will be God's, but how? President Cusick had us read an excellent talk. I read it before my mission as well, but it was wonderful to have an opportunity to read it again. I encourage each of you to read it with your family, or personally, if you don't have one yet. Even though it is entitled, "The Fourth Missionary," it can apply to every day life as well.

Basically to give our will to God, we need to be willing. To be willing we need to have faith.

Elder Christofferson spoke in our Stake Conference this weekend. (I know, perfect timing for transfers!). He talked about faith and how it is a blessing of  obedience. In Helaman 3 (http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/hel/3?lang=eng) it talks about how the people were obedient, and they had faith, and prayed, and tens of thousands were baptized and their leaders were astonished.

Growing hurts, but it is worth it! In Jacob 5:64-77 (http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/jacob/5?lang=eng) It talks about how Christ wants to perserve the natural branches to Himself. Naturally we are all good. We are sons and daughters of God. But sometimes we have evil fruit and branches that cumber our tree. They cannot be removed all at once or else the tree wouldn't be able to handle it. They are removed a little bit at a time as the good is brought in bit by bit. It takes diligence, but it is worth it. Sister Bush had that great insight a couple weeks ago.

Tender Mercy/Miracle of the Week:

Wow! I don't even know where to start. So Elder Christofferson (one of the 12 Apostles on earth today) came and spake at our stake conference. I don't know why, but he did. I'm not complaining. We also had Elder Parker (from the Quorum of the 70). Yesterday he came right to our row and shook our hands (and said my name!) and shook the hands of an investigator we had there and two recent converts. It was great! Our investigator loved the talks and plans to come to church every week, oh, and is planning on getting baptized soon. Yeah, it was a great week!

Other Highlights of the Week:

We are just talking with everyone and bearing testimony and inviting! We were blessed with 9 new investigators this week. There were two families. We found them all sorts of ways. My favorite though, was just last night. A member texted us that he felt prompted for us to stop by a house on his walking route. We asked him if he could come. He said that he had plans. We didn't respond. About 15-30 minutes later the Spirit had worked on him enough for him to text us and say that he could meet us there. He did. He had never actually met the family before. But he introduced himself and us at the door. They let us in. They were very receptive. We ended the lesson with the mom in tears for feeling the Spirit. It was so cool! We found another investigator right outside their door (he was just walking to his sister's house). Yup, the work is hastening and even faster and members get involved.

So, guess who made our programs for Stake Conference? Press Media out of Provo, Utah. That was a nice little tender mercy to see :)

It was just an awesome week! Here are some highlights from stake conference:

-It was said that the missionaries in each ward should be getting 100 referrals a month from the members. 100, not under 10... and even that is lucky. So, guess what members? Go to work!

-Satan wants us to keep our mouth shut from doing missionary work.

-If we express thanks, God will give us more (we have been trying that this week and its been helping us so much!). Especially more of the Spirit.

-All Bishop positions are reviewed by the First Presidency. Trust in your Bishop and their calling.

-Don't have time to list all the things, but Elder Christofferson basically gave our stake a blessing by the authority he holds. It was cool!

Invitation: Refer a friend to the missionaries today. Do not delay. Share your testimony with someone today. It is not up to you to judge who is prepared and who isn't. It is your responsibility to invite. After that God will do the rest.

I know that this is Christ's true church. I know that He directs it. I know that the prophets and apostles today are called by God and hold the Priesthood authority.

I know The Book of Mormon is the word of God. I know the Bible is too. I know we are God's children and that He loves us.

Keep up the great work!

Sweet goodbyes :)

Sister Jenkins

The Errand of Angels: Week 37 Transfers and Betty's Baptism

Hello Everyone!

Sadly, I left all my letter notes at home! Hopefully I don't forget anything! :(

Transfer Information: 

The stress is on... where in the Florida Tampa Mission will Sister Jenkins go next? Well, she sure wish she knew! I know I'm being transferred, but I don't find out until transfer meeting on Tuesday (so essentially until I am on my way to the area). I will let you know where I am going and my new address. Please hold off on mail for the week.

Funny of the Week: 

Well, a few weeks ago we found a live gecko in our apartment. We found a dead one this week. That was fun. 

Study Subject of the Week: Forgiveness  

I love the talk "The Savior Wants to Forgive," http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/04/the-savior-wants-to-forgive?lang=eng

Not forgiving others is like poison. Forgiveness brings freedom and joy

Tender Mercy/Miracle of the Week: 

This was a really great week! So many tender mercies and miracles. Just to show God puts people in our path for a reason:

We were driving home from an appointment with a delicious, hot Hungry Howie's pizza in the car waiting to be eaten by three starving Sister Missionaries. We passed a lady stopped in the turn lane with her hood up and flashers off. We circled around and came back and asked if we could help. She said sure, but she didn't know what was wrong. We came over and helped push her car to the side of the road (with the help of two young men). She gave them $20 to get her gas. We then taught her a quick lesson and gave her a Book of Mormon. We checked up on her 30 minutes later and they young men hadn't come back, so we went and got her gas. She had read to 1 Nephi 12 by then. We then had another quick lesson for her before she went home. She unfortunately doesn't live in our area, so we referred her to other missionaries. We checked up on her a few days later and she was in 2 Nephi 6 (67 pages into The Book of Mormon). She has already prayed about it and knows its true. She is going on vacation this week and bringing The Book of Mormon. Yup, people are prepared everywhere.

AND it is always worth sacrificing the hot goodness of a pizza for helping someone in need. ALWAYS.

Other Highlights of the Week: 

At Betty's baptism. This picture makes me laugh. I am unsure who took it, but you gotta love the wind chimes!

  

 Betty's baptism! It was beautiful. We had a great choir from the branch and a good attendance with a nice luncheon afterwards. She said she felt so good following the baptism. Her confirmation and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost was the following day. It was so beautiful. She was promised that she would be an example to her family and that they would be blessed to come into the gospel. Betty has really given up A LOT for the gospel of Jesus Christ. She was the choir director in her previous church and was an active member for 20 years. None of her friends or family members came to support her, yet, she knew she did was right. Also, two of her grandsons are now joining our lessons and want to come to church. It is beautiful to see the ripple effect. Oh, and one woman gave all our recent convert women a bouquet of flowers on Sunday. That was so special.

So, I cried a lot when transfers came. I LOVE GULFPORT. I cried when they announced it in church. I was in front of everyone because I was interpreting. I cried so much in my departing testimony because I was so touched by how much love I felt for this branch and from them. Many members were crying as well. I know they will all be blessed for their service. I really feel so blessed to have served here with Sister Bush and, later, Sister Howard. I love and adore these sisters and this branch. I was also so blessed to serve in Carrollwood. We will see where the Lord needs me next.

 Invitation: Have you checked out the Hastening the Work Website yet? If you haven't, please do! It is a great Family Home Evening Activity. In fact, I think I gave this invitation earlier. So double judgement if you don't do this! :) http://www.lds.org/training/wwlt/2013/hastening/a-new-vision Have a great day! 
Sister Jenkins 

The Errand of Angels: Week 36 By Small and Simple Means

Hello Everyone!

I absolutely love being a part of God's army!! I love this work so much!! Being a missionary makes me so happy!! Well, and whenever I'm down, I try to choose to be happy, and it helps a lot!! I LOVE Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I love this work!

Funny of the Week: We were at an appointment and it was pouring rain. We called for a ride to take us and our bikes home. By the time they arrived the rain had mostly stopped. There was still lightening though, so I guess it was a good thing. We arrived home and our electricity was off. That was fun! It came on about 30 minutes later.

Study Subject of the Week: So today isn't a specific talk, I am going to do a "study subject." Why? I absolutely loved my scripture study this week!! (Well, I love it every week, of course). This will be titled "by small and simple means."

There are many instances in the scriptures that describe how even the small choices truly matter, "by small and simple things are great things brought to pass," (http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/37.6-7?lang=eng). So therefore, we must be, "diligent in keeping the commandments of God," (http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/37.20?lang=eng). 

In Alma 47(http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/47?lang=eng), we learn how the adversary works in many instances. In this story, Lehonti and a group of men leave the city because they didn't want to be obedient to the king (Alma 47:50). At the beginning of this story, the disobedience is actually good because they aren't going to war, but think of it symbolically, disobedience can put us into danger.

They established their camp on a mount. This is great. Many of us may be on a spiritual mount and think that we are safe. A very wicked man, Amalickiah, sends three embassies to Lehonti desiring that he come down to the foot of the mount. Lehonti does not. The adversary typically won't tempt you with a large sin, and if he does, you typically won't give in. For example, you might not walk out of a church building and see someone selling drugs in the parking lot, and you probably wouldn't give in if they were. 

Amalickiah tempts Lehonti a fourth time. This time he comes to right below Lehonti's camp and asks him to come down a little way and bring his guards with him (a little can't hurt right?) (Alma 47:12). The adversary will typically tempt us by saying "lie a little" or "go to church late" or "you are so tired, you don't need to read your scriptures today." He may even make sin look like a really exciting option (Alma 47:13). But he really isn't there to help you. Sin WILL never lead to happiness, only sadness, pain and guilt. 

In Lehonti's case, he is offered great power, but then is killed by Amalickiah's servant by being "poisoned by degrees" (Alma 47:18). 

By "small and simple means are great things brought to pass."

Tender Mercy/Miracle of the Week: Ask and ye shall receive. We asked for new investigators this week and got one that day and then three referrals. It was great!

Other Highlights of the Week: I am just so impressed by people showing their determination to follow Christ. On Sunday, we had multiple people at church in severe pain, yet they stayed. For example:

-Barry was wincing for a good part of church. He stayed.

-Betty stayed home from many activities yesterday so she could get enough rest to arise and come to church, even when her legs were hurting her.

-Many, many other members. 

I am so impressed by these people who choose to put God first. He will bless them and bless you as you do the same.

Invitation: Read your scriptures and pray. Those are some of the "smallest" things I can think of. These truly do yield the most powerful results.

I know that this is the fullness of Christ's gospel and we become happier as we follow Him and His teachings!Have a wonderful day!

Sister Jenkins

The Errand of Angels; Week 35 Talking with Everyone and a Brush with Fame

Hello Everyone!

Thank you all for your birthday wishes! I had a very enjoyable birthday! Actually probably one of my best, if not my best, because I got to teach people the gospel of Jesus Christ on my birthday. Wow, I sure do love being a missionary!

Funny of the Week: You know... I don't know... I had a blast on my birthday, which was a "FUN" for the week. We also went to the Ray's baseball game for "Mormon Night," which was also a "FUN" for the week. 

Talk of the Week: "Come, All Ye Sons of God" by President Monson. This talk discusses the importance of stepping up and doing your duty. It is your duty to help others and become like Christ. You have the freedom of choice (agency), and the responsibility to choose to put God first. One of my favorite quotes for helping us with the duty to choose correctly, share the gospel, and become a disciple of Christ: "May I suggest a formula that will ensure our success: first, search the scriptures with diligence; second, plan your life with purpose(and, I might add, plan your life regardless of your age); third, teach the truth with testimony; and fourth, serve the Lord with love." Here is the talk: http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/04/come-all-ye-sons-of-god?lang=eng

One other talk that stood out to me is, "Your Sacred Duty to Minister," from Elder Beck. The fullness of God's priesthood power is on earth again today. I testify that that is true. For those who hold the priesthood and for those who support the priesthood (so, basically everyone). You have a responsibility to minister to others. This is a sacred duty and God will hold you accountable for how you have used it. Have faith that God will qualify you. He WILL. Move forward with that faith. "Minister every day. Opportunities are all around you. Look for them. Ask the Lord to help you recognize them. You will find that most consist of small, sincere acts that help others become followers of Jesus Christ. As you strive to be worthy of the Spirit, you will recognize thoughts and feelings prompting you to minister. As you act on these promptings, you will receive more of them and your opportunities and ability to minister will increase and expand." I know that God will help you see those opportunities and will help you know what to say when they come. http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/04/your-sacred-duty-to-minister?lang=eng

Tender Mercy/Miracle of the Week: On Friday we had a member go with us to a couple lessons... well, it ended up being five lessons. The sister that came is so awesome! She teaches with us whenever we have the car and whenever her health will allow. During the first lesson of the day we had two different sisters with us. It was with Betty, who by the way, finally committed to a baptismal date of August 17!! We are so excited for  her! She was a really strong member of her other church and she is still going to be friends with all of those, but she just says she can't deny something higher. She knows this is higher. She wants to go higher.

Anyways, we ended up having five lessons with the sister that came with us. Two of them ended up being at one of out favorite restaurants that we stopped by to use the bathroom. There was this huge downtime and we were the only ones there. We were able to teach the owner the first lesson. She is open to learning more and wants to. Someone walked in at the end of our lesson and sat down with us and started asking questions about the church (the owner had to get up to help this person with food). Then a swarm of people came in so we weren't able to talk to the owner anymore. The man's name who sat down with us is Malachi. He was so open to the gospel and really wanted another Book of Mormon (because he lost his). He felt the power of the message about the fullness of Christ's gospel. We enjoyed sharing some scriptures from Malachi about how important temples are :) (Malachi 4:5-6 http://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/mal/4.5-6?lang=eng)

Both the owner and Malachi are in the Gulfport Elders' area, but that's okay! We were happy to refer them!

Other Highlights of the Week: Well, I already mentioned it, but Betty has committed to  be baptized! She is excited! She committed in a lesson with another member there who was so bold in asking her that if she knew this was true, why wasn't she getting baptized. Wowee. It was cool. The Spirit was super strong.

So, I am an old woman now! Well, at least compared to the Elders :) Haha. My birthday was fantastic thanks to my companions and members! Sister Bush made waffles for breakfast :), my companions let us go on a longer run, My district got me a cake and took us out to lunch at Kissin' Cuzzins (best southern restaurant around!), plus they paid for my companionship, We split up and taught with members, which was awesome (our branch sisters are so great!!), We had dinner with the Sloat family who got me a cake and my companions a cake, We made dinner for them actually, which was fun! (salmon chowder), and then I taught the young women ASL and we had a lesson with Barry. Good day or what!! Oh, and I got lots of fantastic gifts and letters! I really appreciated the practical things that Mom and Dad got me... I REALLY needed those.

On Saturday we got to go the Ray's baseball game for "Mormon Night." I was thankfully picked for a missionary choir (30 Elders and 15 Sisters) that sang the "National Anthem." That was really cool! But can I tell you something that was much cooler?! So before the game we had some down time (which I really don't like as a missionary)... And so, we really tried to make the most of it. We kind of semi-split up into two companionships because we had an extra Sister with us. We had the opportunity to give a Book of Mormon away to the lady that helped us at the Ray's stadium (she said that she will hear a message. She has had exceptional experiences it the past with missionaries in Chicago), we gave away another Book of Mormon to a family at Subway, plus we gave away lots of pass along cards and even found a less active. I was so grateful for the opportunity to get referrals for the Gulfport Elders. I just love sharing the gospel. In a very non-vain way, I really hope that other missionaries saw so they would do the same. We saw lots of people with Mormon.org cards so I am sure they were doing that! :)

Church yesterday was awesome! We are definitely getting to the point where members WANT to do the work. Fast and testimony meeting yesterday was phenomenal. One sister got up and bore her testimony saying that if this is true, which it is, why wouldn't you share it with everyone you know. We also had a returning member who recently came back from 20 years of inactivity and a recent convert, Barry, bear their testimonies. The Spirit was so powerful. I really think member referrals are going to explode soon! I am so excited for it! Plus, the sisters are being so, so, so supportive of us and the recent converts, plus some of the brothers are as well. I am grateful for this area!

Invitation: Will you go teach with the missionaries this week? Your testimonies have so much power! Please, please do!

I know that this is the fullness of Christ's gospel and we become happier as we follow Him and His teachings! Have a wonderful day!

Sister Jenkins