Hello my favorite peoples!
This week we started our bike week. Yeah! The very first day, Mother
Nature decided to rip us a new one by sending a torrential downpour
upon us. At one point, the winds were roaring and the rain was
cutting across the landscape in ferocious fervor. I was pretty sure we
were going to die. But we managed to make it to the church building
where we found safety from the storm. In the process, however, us and
our copies of the Book of Mormon and our pass-along cards got soaked.
Once again, it was a great struggle in getting in contact with our
investigators. Door after door they either are not home or they are
busy. On one particular day, ever single person we talked to was like,
"now is not a good time. Come back later." It is so frustrating!
Missionary work is definitely work, but it is still a sweet labor.
Amid the trials we have faced, miracles were witnessed. While walking
down a street, we passed by a group of what appeared to be a group of
teenage girls. The spirit prompted us to go talk with them, but I
thought, "they probably aren't interested." Plus it is difficult for
me to teach children. When we where a few yards past them, one of the
girls ran up and told us her mom wanted a bible. So they were not all
teenagers. We went over, gave the mom a bible and a Book of Mormon,
and taught a brief restoration. The mom took it very well and was
interested to read and pray about the Book of Mormon. Afterwards, the
spirit chastised us that they had to come to us. It should have been
the other way around.
On Friday we had a Specialized Training, and for part of it we all
went out into the city we were in and practiced what we were
instructed on. The people I encountered were not receptive. Yet we had
a cool experience with one guy. We shared a brief message about how
Christ's church has been restored and we have a prophet today. The man
told us he had talked with missionaries before, read all the
pamphlets, and was not interested. But then I asked him, "What do you
remember about the Book of Mormon?" showing him a copy. "I don't think
I've heard of that," he responded. He seemed to soften a bit and was
less stiff as we explained it to him. The guy still was interested.
But it was cool to see that after bringing up the Book of Mormon, his
whole demeanor changed. There is power in the Book of Mormon. Never
underestimate that power.
Training is going well. Elder Lewis is leaning fast and has potential
to become a great teacher and leader. My understanding of the gospel
and ability to teach it has also improved. It seems that as I teach
Elder Lewis, the Spirit teaches me. It is such a wonderful experience;
part of me actually enjoys it. There are also challenges that come
with this responsibility. I have to be the example and give correction
as needed. Each day I have to rely on the spirit to guide me on how to
give training. How well I try train Elder Lewis effects the course of
his entire mission. It really puts things into perspective. Training
cannot be taken lightly.
"And now, as ye have begun to teach the word even so I would that ye
should continue to teach; and I would that ye would be diligent and
temperate in all things."
-Alma 38:10
Things are going awesome! I love my mission! I hope to hear from y'all!
Elder Price
Sent from my iPad
(11/9) Transfers and Training
So as my last email stated (and as the subject title reads), I got transferred and am now training. Before I go into all that stuff, some background info is needed. In Jonesboro, there are three sets of missionaries. All three are technically considered different mission areas, but work in the same geographical area. When I got transferred, I simply switched areas within Jonesboro. Basically, I moved across town. Such a far transfer.
My training situation is a little different as well. The last six weeks of his mission, Elder Hamblin (a missionary that was here in Jonesboro) did half the training of a greenie. Elder Hamblin is now home. I just took his place to finish training his greenie. Its all a very weird and complicated situation.
My greenie's name is Elder Lewis and he is from Chico, California. He is already half way trained which makes my job a whole lot easier. Elder Lewis is outgoing and has a strong desire to learn and improve. His teaching is a lot better than when I first came out. I feel he will be an excellent missionary. Stay tuned for The Adventures of Training!
"But ye will teach them to walk in the ways of truth and soberness; ye will teach them to love one another, and to serve one another." -Mosiah 4:15
Elder Price
My training situation is a little different as well. The last six weeks of his mission, Elder Hamblin (a missionary that was here in Jonesboro) did half the training of a greenie. Elder Hamblin is now home. I just took his place to finish training his greenie. Its all a very weird and complicated situation.
My greenie's name is Elder Lewis and he is from Chico, California. He is already half way trained which makes my job a whole lot easier. Elder Lewis is outgoing and has a strong desire to learn and improve. His teaching is a lot better than when I first came out. I feel he will be an excellent missionary. Stay tuned for The Adventures of Training!
"But ye will teach them to walk in the ways of truth and soberness; ye will teach them to love one another, and to serve one another." -Mosiah 4:15
Elder Price
(11/2) Halloween Happenings
Things were really happening here in Jonesboro this past week. Agnes (The preacher lady) still wants to join the church, but she has some concerns. As an "ordained minister of Jesus for life", as she put it, Agnes is very involved with other churches and ministries. She wants to be able to continue ministering to others and teaching the gospel and is worried that by joining the church she will no longer be able to do that. We explained to her that this church is very much a missionary church and will provide many opportunities to share the gospel with others. However, she may not be able to serve in the the same way she currently does. Agnes still does not understand priesthood authority and as yet can't see the need to be re-baptized. We are working on it.
Aside from that, it has been another slow week as far as missionary work goes. It was raining a lot this week which did not help at all. But Halloween this year was a blast. The ward here put on a Trunk-or-Treat and a Chili cook-off. This was the first Trunk-or-Treat I had ever been to so I didn't know what to expect. For those like me who don't know what it is either, everyone just parks there car in the parking lot and hands out candy from the trunk (Really, its quite self explanatory). Some people will decorate there trunks to make it more festive. It was lots of fun. For the Chili cook-off, us elders were the judges. We tried 21 different chilies of varying spice and flavor. But I wasn't complaining.
The actually night of Halloween, a member invited all six of us missionaries over for dinner and to carve pumpkins. Elder Ceron, one of the Spanish Elders, is from Mexico and this was his first American Halloween. It was different for him, but he enjoyed it.
As yet another transfer comes to a close, I discovered that I am being transferred. Not only that, but I will also be training. Kind of. The missionary has been through half the training process so I will just be finishing it up. I feel so unprepared for such a calling! But the Lord qualifies whom he calls. Many new adventures await...
"Yea, and then shall the work commence, with the Father among all nations in preparing the way whereby his people may be gathered home to the land of their inheritance." -3 Nephi 21:28
Y'all be blessed!
Elder Price
Aside from that, it has been another slow week as far as missionary work goes. It was raining a lot this week which did not help at all. But Halloween this year was a blast. The ward here put on a Trunk-or-Treat and a Chili cook-off. This was the first Trunk-or-Treat I had ever been to so I didn't know what to expect. For those like me who don't know what it is either, everyone just parks there car in the parking lot and hands out candy from the trunk (Really, its quite self explanatory). Some people will decorate there trunks to make it more festive. It was lots of fun. For the Chili cook-off, us elders were the judges. We tried 21 different chilies of varying spice and flavor. But I wasn't complaining.
The actually night of Halloween, a member invited all six of us missionaries over for dinner and to carve pumpkins. Elder Ceron, one of the Spanish Elders, is from Mexico and this was his first American Halloween. It was different for him, but he enjoyed it.
As yet another transfer comes to a close, I discovered that I am being transferred. Not only that, but I will also be training. Kind of. The missionary has been through half the training process so I will just be finishing it up. I feel so unprepared for such a calling! But the Lord qualifies whom he calls. Many new adventures await...
"Yea, and then shall the work commence, with the Father among all nations in preparing the way whereby his people may be gathered home to the land of their inheritance." -3 Nephi 21:28
Y'all be blessed!
Elder Price
 |
| The trunk or treat! |
 |
| Pumpkins we carved |
 |
| Mr. Pumpkin head |
 |
| At the ward party... |
(10/26) No Subject...
Hey peoples!
Well, this past week wasn't that all that impressive. It was dismal and rainy and my companion was off and on with a cold. It was just a slow week. There was at least one thing good that happened. One of our investigators randomly came up to us while we were outside chopping wood with her son and told us she wanted to join the church. We were thrilled. She is an old preacher lady that we have been working with for over a month, and is about time she decides to be baptized. we haven't worked out all the details yet, so...
"Take therefore no thought for the morrow, for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient is the day unto the evil thereof." - 3 Nephi 13:34
Elder Price
Well, this past week wasn't that all that impressive. It was dismal and rainy and my companion was off and on with a cold. It was just a slow week. There was at least one thing good that happened. One of our investigators randomly came up to us while we were outside chopping wood with her son and told us she wanted to join the church. We were thrilled. She is an old preacher lady that we have been working with for over a month, and is about time she decides to be baptized. we haven't worked out all the details yet, so...
"Take therefore no thought for the morrow, for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient is the day unto the evil thereof." - 3 Nephi 13:34
Elder Price
(10/19) Power week!
Thank you for all the wonderful emails this week! I appreciate being able to see how the gospel is in effect in the lives of others. I have drawn inspiration and motivation from all y'all's emails. I rejoice with you in the gospel of Jesus Christ. I thank you all for what you do, but mostly for who you are.
Last Monday, I was blessed with many opportunities to use the priesthood which I hold. While on our way to contact a referral, we received a call from one of our investigators asking if we could pray over one of her sons in the hospital. We rushed over there and administered the blessing. This faithful woman had complete trust in us as the Lord's servants believing that her son would be all right. After the blessing she kept telling her son, "You will be alright. These two boys have prayed over you, and I know God heard them." This is the kind of faith that produces miracles.
Later that night we had another opportunity to use our priesthood. We met a younger lady named Dedra who is very much prepared to receive the gospel. We were talking with her about how we are missionaries and what it is we do when she randomly asks, "do you believe in spirits?" Dedra than explained to us how she felt there was something else in her house and she didn't feel safe there. We offered to bless her home and she accepted. It was a unique experience for me to use my priesthood to cast out an evil spirit. But now I can say I exorcised a house.
The rest of the week we were focusing on finding new investigators. At a Zone Meeting this past week, our leaders did something...different. Towards the end of the meeting the left the room while we all sang "The Star Spangle Banner". Why were we singing the national anthem in the middle of October? As the song came to a close, the very talented pianist, Elder Phillips, transitioned into a military march. Suddenly our leaders came through the side doors in quite a spectacle. The Sister Training Leaders were toting little American flags and pushing in a chalkboard that had "The Union" written on it. On the other side, the Zone Leaders charged in with confederate flags draped over them like capes and waving a rebel flag high over head. A civil War had broken out in the Searcy Zone. All the companionships were divided up and enlisted to either the Union or the Confederacy. Each week there would be a different "battle" between the two sides. This week's battle was to see which side could find the most new investigators. My companion and I joined the Rebel Army. The South will rise again!!
For the first few days, our finding absolutely sucked. No one was home and those that were did not want to talk with us. We knocked on this one lady's door and she answered with a look full of disdain. Her expression seemed to say,'How dare you knock on my door?' It just not a good day for finding, And then the next day my companion got sick, so we accomplished nothing. But the weekend was full of miracles and blessings. We met this one guy sitting on his steps smoking. He has actually talked with missonaries in the past and wants him and his whole family to be baptized. Then we met another family that found the message of the restoration interesting and really wanted to learn more. It was awesome. I know that God has great blessing in store for us if we can just endure through the storms and trials of mortality and NEVER GIVE UP!
This work is truly great and the Lord is at the helm. We need not fear, for he his with us. The priesthood is real and the gospel brings a fulness of joy found nowhere else in the world, because it is not of the world. I testify to you that Jesus Christ is the Savior and Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, the promised Messiah, He has reached out to us in love by giving us the Book of Mormon and restoring his gospel on the earth once more through the prophet Joseph Smith. This is truly his church, his work, and his gospel. I am so grateful to be have this opportunity to assist in this work. Brief as it is, the outcome is Eternal.
"And seek the face of the Lord always, that in patience ye may possess your souls, and ye shall have eternal life." - Doctrine & Covenants 101:38
Elder Price
Last Monday, I was blessed with many opportunities to use the priesthood which I hold. While on our way to contact a referral, we received a call from one of our investigators asking if we could pray over one of her sons in the hospital. We rushed over there and administered the blessing. This faithful woman had complete trust in us as the Lord's servants believing that her son would be all right. After the blessing she kept telling her son, "You will be alright. These two boys have prayed over you, and I know God heard them." This is the kind of faith that produces miracles.
Later that night we had another opportunity to use our priesthood. We met a younger lady named Dedra who is very much prepared to receive the gospel. We were talking with her about how we are missionaries and what it is we do when she randomly asks, "do you believe in spirits?" Dedra than explained to us how she felt there was something else in her house and she didn't feel safe there. We offered to bless her home and she accepted. It was a unique experience for me to use my priesthood to cast out an evil spirit. But now I can say I exorcised a house.
The rest of the week we were focusing on finding new investigators. At a Zone Meeting this past week, our leaders did something...different. Towards the end of the meeting the left the room while we all sang "The Star Spangle Banner". Why were we singing the national anthem in the middle of October? As the song came to a close, the very talented pianist, Elder Phillips, transitioned into a military march. Suddenly our leaders came through the side doors in quite a spectacle. The Sister Training Leaders were toting little American flags and pushing in a chalkboard that had "The Union" written on it. On the other side, the Zone Leaders charged in with confederate flags draped over them like capes and waving a rebel flag high over head. A civil War had broken out in the Searcy Zone. All the companionships were divided up and enlisted to either the Union or the Confederacy. Each week there would be a different "battle" between the two sides. This week's battle was to see which side could find the most new investigators. My companion and I joined the Rebel Army. The South will rise again!!
For the first few days, our finding absolutely sucked. No one was home and those that were did not want to talk with us. We knocked on this one lady's door and she answered with a look full of disdain. Her expression seemed to say,'How dare you knock on my door?' It just not a good day for finding, And then the next day my companion got sick, so we accomplished nothing. But the weekend was full of miracles and blessings. We met this one guy sitting on his steps smoking. He has actually talked with missonaries in the past and wants him and his whole family to be baptized. Then we met another family that found the message of the restoration interesting and really wanted to learn more. It was awesome. I know that God has great blessing in store for us if we can just endure through the storms and trials of mortality and NEVER GIVE UP!
This work is truly great and the Lord is at the helm. We need not fear, for he his with us. The priesthood is real and the gospel brings a fulness of joy found nowhere else in the world, because it is not of the world. I testify to you that Jesus Christ is the Savior and Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, the promised Messiah, He has reached out to us in love by giving us the Book of Mormon and restoring his gospel on the earth once more through the prophet Joseph Smith. This is truly his church, his work, and his gospel. I am so grateful to be have this opportunity to assist in this work. Brief as it is, the outcome is Eternal.
"And seek the face of the Lord always, that in patience ye may possess your souls, and ye shall have eternal life." - Doctrine & Covenants 101:38
Elder Price
(10/12) No Subject...
How are my favorite people in the world doing?
I am so happy to hear that things are going good back home. It means God is listening to my prayers. Keep me posted on the Temple Celebration thing. It sounds like a unique spiritual experience that I am sure will build the faith of Brent and Jacob and it will be something they will keep in remembrance. It brings great joy to hear the Alex is getting back in school and is enjoying it. It brightens my day to know that he is happy. I know our Heavenly Father is the same way. When we are happy, he is happy. He shares in the joy we experience.
It has been a good week. We have some really cool people we are working with right now. One of them is a really old lady who is a retired Methodist preacher. Every time we go over, she tells us how proud she is of the work we are doing. Teaching her can be really interesting. At random points her inner preacher will start up and she will ramble on about something for a good 15 minutes. We just politely wait for her to finish and then continue on. We are also teaching a really cool black family that love the gospel. My companion and I are super tight with the kids and it is fun to talk with them. They remind a lot of my cousin Evan.
Things are going well and work continues to move forward. This weeks ponderizing scripture again is in remembrance of general conference.
"These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full." - John 15:11
God has spoken, and so let it be done.
Elder Price
I am so happy to hear that things are going good back home. It means God is listening to my prayers. Keep me posted on the Temple Celebration thing. It sounds like a unique spiritual experience that I am sure will build the faith of Brent and Jacob and it will be something they will keep in remembrance. It brings great joy to hear the Alex is getting back in school and is enjoying it. It brightens my day to know that he is happy. I know our Heavenly Father is the same way. When we are happy, he is happy. He shares in the joy we experience.
It has been a good week. We have some really cool people we are working with right now. One of them is a really old lady who is a retired Methodist preacher. Every time we go over, she tells us how proud she is of the work we are doing. Teaching her can be really interesting. At random points her inner preacher will start up and she will ramble on about something for a good 15 minutes. We just politely wait for her to finish and then continue on. We are also teaching a really cool black family that love the gospel. My companion and I are super tight with the kids and it is fun to talk with them. They remind a lot of my cousin Evan.
Things are going well and work continues to move forward. This weeks ponderizing scripture again is in remembrance of general conference.
"These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full." - John 15:11
God has spoken, and so let it be done.
Elder Price
(10/5) General Conference
Can I just say I love General Conference weekend.
For us missionaries, it is like a holiday. We get to spend a whole weekend being inspired and uplifted by the spirit while eating snacks and learning how we can better to our job. It relieves a lot of stress and brings a lot of peace. I love being able to hear from the prophet and the Lord's other servants. It was also very exiting to get three new apostles. Even though they spoke for a few minutes, and I barely know them, I have already developed a growing love towards them. I fully sustain them as prophets, seers, and revelators; and the Lords chosen. May God bless them in their new calling.
We actually did manage to get one investigator to Conference, at the very last session. We had others who supposed to make it, but the adversary found ways to hedge up their path. One of them got called into work, another didn't wake up in time, and one of them had a seizure the night before. Satan was getting creative. But the one person that was able to come really enjoyed. She felt the spirit and a feeling of comfort and belonging at the church building. We had a good discussion after conference in which we were able to set a baptismal date with this person. It was wonderful.
I really enjoyed the talk about "ponderizing" the scriptures and have taken it to heart. From now on, the scripture I put in my weekly email will be one that I will be ponderizing throughout that next week. May it give you encouragement to also take the challenge. This week's scripture is in honor of President Monson's talk.
"Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." - 1 Timothy 4:12
I can't wait till next General Conference!
Elder Price
For us missionaries, it is like a holiday. We get to spend a whole weekend being inspired and uplifted by the spirit while eating snacks and learning how we can better to our job. It relieves a lot of stress and brings a lot of peace. I love being able to hear from the prophet and the Lord's other servants. It was also very exiting to get three new apostles. Even though they spoke for a few minutes, and I barely know them, I have already developed a growing love towards them. I fully sustain them as prophets, seers, and revelators; and the Lords chosen. May God bless them in their new calling.
We actually did manage to get one investigator to Conference, at the very last session. We had others who supposed to make it, but the adversary found ways to hedge up their path. One of them got called into work, another didn't wake up in time, and one of them had a seizure the night before. Satan was getting creative. But the one person that was able to come really enjoyed. She felt the spirit and a feeling of comfort and belonging at the church building. We had a good discussion after conference in which we were able to set a baptismal date with this person. It was wonderful.
I really enjoyed the talk about "ponderizing" the scriptures and have taken it to heart. From now on, the scripture I put in my weekly email will be one that I will be ponderizing throughout that next week. May it give you encouragement to also take the challenge. This week's scripture is in honor of President Monson's talk.
"Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." - 1 Timothy 4:12
I can't wait till next General Conference!
Elder Price
 |
| The district watched conference together. |
(9/28) No Subject...
This past week has been a journey through the valleys of shadow and the spiritual mountain tops. There as been many trials and temptations that act as roadblocks. The adversary is working hard to create hedges of thorns. But as me and my companion have pushed through it all, miracles have happened.
On one of those days, nothing was going right. Our appointments were falling though, plans kept dropping, people were too busy to speak with us. It was just terrible. Soon the late hours of the night approached where missionary work goes down the toilet. Especially in this area where people become heavily intoxicated. We were contemplating just going in for the night and study. But something overcame us and we kept going. Then at the last hour we knocked one more door and found a solid new investigator. It truly was a blessing from the Lord.
On another evening, after a long day of biking around, we were heading in for dinner and saw a guy holding a sign that read "Free Hot Dogs!". We thought, "why not?" We followed the sign and turned into a park with lots people. Immediately two guys on motorcycles stepped towards us. I had no idea what was going on here. Next thing I know the two guys offer to say a prayer with us. Apparently this whole thing was a free dinner put on by a local church ministry. The hot dogs weren't all that great, but while we were there, we encountered two less active members from Kentucky. They had fallen away a bit, but are wanting to come back. God really guides us to where we need to be. Even it is through the incentive of free food.
This past Sunday we got to hear a missionary farewell talk for a sister preparing to serve in Croatia. In her talk, one thing really stuck out to me. This sister said, "A soul of someone in Illinois is no less valuable than someone in Australia, or Europe, or any other foreign mission." The worth of ALL souls is great in the eyes of God, whether that soul be in Arkansas, or Italy, or any where else. No matter where you serve, the Lord assigned you to those specific souls. No mission is any less important than another; foreign or stateside.
"Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die." - Ezekiel 18:4
Elder Price
On one of those days, nothing was going right. Our appointments were falling though, plans kept dropping, people were too busy to speak with us. It was just terrible. Soon the late hours of the night approached where missionary work goes down the toilet. Especially in this area where people become heavily intoxicated. We were contemplating just going in for the night and study. But something overcame us and we kept going. Then at the last hour we knocked one more door and found a solid new investigator. It truly was a blessing from the Lord.
On another evening, after a long day of biking around, we were heading in for dinner and saw a guy holding a sign that read "Free Hot Dogs!". We thought, "why not?" We followed the sign and turned into a park with lots people. Immediately two guys on motorcycles stepped towards us. I had no idea what was going on here. Next thing I know the two guys offer to say a prayer with us. Apparently this whole thing was a free dinner put on by a local church ministry. The hot dogs weren't all that great, but while we were there, we encountered two less active members from Kentucky. They had fallen away a bit, but are wanting to come back. God really guides us to where we need to be. Even it is through the incentive of free food.
This past Sunday we got to hear a missionary farewell talk for a sister preparing to serve in Croatia. In her talk, one thing really stuck out to me. This sister said, "A soul of someone in Illinois is no less valuable than someone in Australia, or Europe, or any other foreign mission." The worth of ALL souls is great in the eyes of God, whether that soul be in Arkansas, or Italy, or any where else. No matter where you serve, the Lord assigned you to those specific souls. No mission is any less important than another; foreign or stateside.
"Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die." - Ezekiel 18:4
Elder Price
 |
| A delicious stir fry I made! |
 |
| My companion holding a chicken |
 |
| Arkansas farmland |
(9/21) Now I know what it is like to be a service missionary
Hey family!
This past week we did very little proselyting. It just happened that way. But we did get to do a whole lot of service. On Tuesday most of our day was spent doing yard work for our ward mission leader. He was putting in a summer kitchen and a green house. Me and two other Jonesboro Elders helped measure and set wooden beams and pour concrete for the frame. My job was to use levels and make sure the beams were straight. Meanwhile, my companion was digging a trench for water runoff, and laying down stones for a path. The Schelins, our ward mission leader, have an awesome backyard. There are plants and trees and flowers of all sorts everywhere. There are pathways you can walk around on, a small pond, and arches made of vines and plants. It is the coolest backyard I have seen.
Then on Saturday we helped unload a semitrailer full of food and then we had to load it back up into smaller trailers that would take it to food pantries across Arkansas. I carried box after box, can after can, container after container, for over three hours. There were many times that I felt my arms would give out but I was somehow able to continue. I know that God was giving me strength beyond my own.
For the rest of the week, if we weren't doing service or attending a meeting, we did less active work. Most of the people either moved or the address doesn't exist. As far as reactivation goes, not much success there. But because of our efforts, we found two awesome new investigators. No effort is wasted in missionary work.
"And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God." -Mosiah 2:17
Keep on enduring through life! Love y'all!
Elder Price
This past week we did very little proselyting. It just happened that way. But we did get to do a whole lot of service. On Tuesday most of our day was spent doing yard work for our ward mission leader. He was putting in a summer kitchen and a green house. Me and two other Jonesboro Elders helped measure and set wooden beams and pour concrete for the frame. My job was to use levels and make sure the beams were straight. Meanwhile, my companion was digging a trench for water runoff, and laying down stones for a path. The Schelins, our ward mission leader, have an awesome backyard. There are plants and trees and flowers of all sorts everywhere. There are pathways you can walk around on, a small pond, and arches made of vines and plants. It is the coolest backyard I have seen.
Then on Saturday we helped unload a semitrailer full of food and then we had to load it back up into smaller trailers that would take it to food pantries across Arkansas. I carried box after box, can after can, container after container, for over three hours. There were many times that I felt my arms would give out but I was somehow able to continue. I know that God was giving me strength beyond my own.
For the rest of the week, if we weren't doing service or attending a meeting, we did less active work. Most of the people either moved or the address doesn't exist. As far as reactivation goes, not much success there. But because of our efforts, we found two awesome new investigators. No effort is wasted in missionary work.
"And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God." -Mosiah 2:17
Keep on enduring through life! Love y'all!
Elder Price
 |
| My district hanging out at B-dubs! |
(9/14) Slow Week
How are things going back in Utah?
This week was fairly slow as far as the work is concerned. The culture here is one of very little commitment, making our job as missionaries difficult. We are called to bring others unto Christ which includes inviting them to make changes in their life. Extending commitments is way to help people repent. But if they are not willing to keep those commitments, what more can we do? It's been a week full of return appointments falling through, investigators avoiding us, and an overall lack of progression. It erodes my spirit and wears away my motivation.
It was particularly difficult after getting hardcore dropped. We stopped by an investigators house and he thrust the Book of Mormon into our hands telling us it was a false book, that Joseph Smith was a liar, and that he didn't want us coming back. This came completely out of nowhere. Afterwards, my companion suggested we say a prayer. Not two minutes later we ran into DJ walking the streets. We met DJ weeks ago and he was quite interested in the message we shared. But we lost contact and hadn't seen him at all until now. It was a tender mercy from the Lord.
God is aware of our trials. He knows just how to bless us and does so in His own time and in accordance with our faithfulness and obedience. A mission has brought me closer to my Heavenly Father and the Savior Jesus Christ than ever before. Despite how challenging things may be, I am grateful for every single day.
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." -Matthew 11:28-30
I got the package you sent. Thank you for the candy and the wonderful notes. I greatly appreciated it. Tell everyone I love them!!!
Elder Price
Sent from my iPad
This week was fairly slow as far as the work is concerned. The culture here is one of very little commitment, making our job as missionaries difficult. We are called to bring others unto Christ which includes inviting them to make changes in their life. Extending commitments is way to help people repent. But if they are not willing to keep those commitments, what more can we do? It's been a week full of return appointments falling through, investigators avoiding us, and an overall lack of progression. It erodes my spirit and wears away my motivation.
It was particularly difficult after getting hardcore dropped. We stopped by an investigators house and he thrust the Book of Mormon into our hands telling us it was a false book, that Joseph Smith was a liar, and that he didn't want us coming back. This came completely out of nowhere. Afterwards, my companion suggested we say a prayer. Not two minutes later we ran into DJ walking the streets. We met DJ weeks ago and he was quite interested in the message we shared. But we lost contact and hadn't seen him at all until now. It was a tender mercy from the Lord.
God is aware of our trials. He knows just how to bless us and does so in His own time and in accordance with our faithfulness and obedience. A mission has brought me closer to my Heavenly Father and the Savior Jesus Christ than ever before. Despite how challenging things may be, I am grateful for every single day.
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." -Matthew 11:28-30
I got the package you sent. Thank you for the candy and the wonderful notes. I greatly appreciated it. Tell everyone I love them!!!
Elder Price
Sent from my iPad
(9/7) No Subject...
Hey Family!!
Sorry for such a short email last week. Our P-day was crazy! Somehow we had managed to schedule two appointments that day, one in the morning, and another in the afternoon. Then we received a call that someone in the hospital wanted a blessing. So we went and did that. In the evening, our ward mission leader organized a dinner. Except us missionaries were the ones making the food. We started at 4:30, and ended at 7:00. That was just to make the food. We made teriyaki BBQ burgers with curried onion rings. It was delicious!
I have a lot more time today. I can't wait to get that package that you have been talking about for weeks. I have definitely had to develop more patience. Especially since my companion has gotten eight packages in the last 10 days. Speaking of which, you probably want to know a little about my companion. Our personalities are quite polar. Elder Barker is very task-oriented and enjoys leadership. He is very much a Red personality. Quite outspoken, likes to talk, constantly has to be doing something to feel productive. Yet we still work together quite well and get a lot done.
Like this past Saturday. Elder Barker got his foot ran over by a piano the previous day, and his toes were a little swollen. But we went out anyways had miracles happen. Many new investigators were found that day. It shows that when we are willing to sacrifice, God will bless us.
In answer to your question, me and my companion did not have a baptism. We don't have any dates...yet. We are working with some real good people right now. One of the other sets of missionaries baptized recently, though. There are actually three different sets of Elders here in Jonesboro. Two sets of English: Elder Barker and me; then Elder Hamblin and Croft. And a set of Spanish missionaries: Elder Geddes and Ceron. Its lots of fun hanging out together.
Things are still going good. I love y'all and hope you have a fun Labor Day!
"For what hath man of all his labour, and of the vexation of his heart, wherein he hath laboured under the sun?" Ecclesiastes 2:22
Elder Price
p.s. I am jealous you guys are getting Hires hamburgers.
Sorry for such a short email last week. Our P-day was crazy! Somehow we had managed to schedule two appointments that day, one in the morning, and another in the afternoon. Then we received a call that someone in the hospital wanted a blessing. So we went and did that. In the evening, our ward mission leader organized a dinner. Except us missionaries were the ones making the food. We started at 4:30, and ended at 7:00. That was just to make the food. We made teriyaki BBQ burgers with curried onion rings. It was delicious!
I have a lot more time today. I can't wait to get that package that you have been talking about for weeks. I have definitely had to develop more patience. Especially since my companion has gotten eight packages in the last 10 days. Speaking of which, you probably want to know a little about my companion. Our personalities are quite polar. Elder Barker is very task-oriented and enjoys leadership. He is very much a Red personality. Quite outspoken, likes to talk, constantly has to be doing something to feel productive. Yet we still work together quite well and get a lot done.
Like this past Saturday. Elder Barker got his foot ran over by a piano the previous day, and his toes were a little swollen. But we went out anyways had miracles happen. Many new investigators were found that day. It shows that when we are willing to sacrifice, God will bless us.
In answer to your question, me and my companion did not have a baptism. We don't have any dates...yet. We are working with some real good people right now. One of the other sets of missionaries baptized recently, though. There are actually three different sets of Elders here in Jonesboro. Two sets of English: Elder Barker and me; then Elder Hamblin and Croft. And a set of Spanish missionaries: Elder Geddes and Ceron. Its lots of fun hanging out together.
Things are still going good. I love y'all and hope you have a fun Labor Day!
"For what hath man of all his labour, and of the vexation of his heart, wherein he hath laboured under the sun?" Ecclesiastes 2:22
Elder Price
p.s. I am jealous you guys are getting Hires hamburgers.
 |
| Picture of me and my companion from my new camera |
(8/30) No Subject...
This week is going to be a quick one. Don't have much time!
Once again this past week has been filled with lots of finding and trying to build up a decent teaching pool. We have actually been able to have good success with that. One of the other sets of missionaries was had a baptism this past Saturday. It was great to be able to see the work progress so well in this area. Each of the three sets of Elders here in Jonesboro currently has a baptismal date scheduled for the upcoming month. Things are going really well here. The ward is quite involved in missionary work and is a great blessing to us missionaries. I hope we can be a blessing to them.
I recently looked at all the letters I received over the past year. It really helped me realize the support and love I have been given. You all truly are a blessing to me. It gave me a greater desire to serve as a missionary. It is a way to show my Heavenly Father how grateful I am for the family he has given me by helping others to experience the same. Thank you for you words of encouragement and love. I hope to receive more!
Elder Price
ps. I plan on getting a new camera today. I'm sure all y'all are excited to start getting pictures again.
Once again this past week has been filled with lots of finding and trying to build up a decent teaching pool. We have actually been able to have good success with that. One of the other sets of missionaries was had a baptism this past Saturday. It was great to be able to see the work progress so well in this area. Each of the three sets of Elders here in Jonesboro currently has a baptismal date scheduled for the upcoming month. Things are going really well here. The ward is quite involved in missionary work and is a great blessing to us missionaries. I hope we can be a blessing to them.
I recently looked at all the letters I received over the past year. It really helped me realize the support and love I have been given. You all truly are a blessing to me. It gave me a greater desire to serve as a missionary. It is a way to show my Heavenly Father how grateful I am for the family he has given me by helping others to experience the same. Thank you for you words of encouragement and love. I hope to receive more!
Elder Price
ps. I plan on getting a new camera today. I'm sure all y'all are excited to start getting pictures again.
(8/24) Transfers
What's up!!
It is almost unbelievable that I have been on my mission for a whole year. Now I'm on the down hill. It is such a weird feeling. I am excited that I will get to return home in just a hear, but at the same time it makes me sad I only have a year left to be on a mission. We'll see what adventures the next 365 days hold.
Nothing too exciting happened here in Jonesboro. Just a lot of finding to build up our teaching pool. A few days ago we talked with some drunk guys fixing a car. That is completely normal in Arkansas. The ward is here is pretty awesome. They are very missionary minded and have a strong fellowshipping network. Members are the key to missionary success. We don't need everyone to be a member missionary so much as we need every member to be a member. I also enjoy all the dinners we get here.
Hope everyone enjoys their new year of school. I will hope to enjoy this new year of my mission!
"Can thine heart endure, or can thine hands be strong, in the days that I shall deal with thee? I the Lord have spoken it, and will do it." -Ezekiel 22:14
Elder Price
It is almost unbelievable that I have been on my mission for a whole year. Now I'm on the down hill. It is such a weird feeling. I am excited that I will get to return home in just a hear, but at the same time it makes me sad I only have a year left to be on a mission. We'll see what adventures the next 365 days hold.
Nothing too exciting happened here in Jonesboro. Just a lot of finding to build up our teaching pool. A few days ago we talked with some drunk guys fixing a car. That is completely normal in Arkansas. The ward is here is pretty awesome. They are very missionary minded and have a strong fellowshipping network. Members are the key to missionary success. We don't need everyone to be a member missionary so much as we need every member to be a member. I also enjoy all the dinners we get here.
Hope everyone enjoys their new year of school. I will hope to enjoy this new year of my mission!
"Can thine heart endure, or can thine hands be strong, in the days that I shall deal with thee? I the Lord have spoken it, and will do it." -Ezekiel 22:14
Elder Price
(8/17) Transfers
As y'all know, I got transferred.
As to why it happened so fast, I am not entirely sure. Part of it has to do with the fact that my previous companion was called to train a greenie. So that meant one of us had to leave. Anyways, I am now serving in Jonesboro, Arkansas with Elder Barker. I really miss Batesville, Good things were starting to happening. One of our investigators just out of the blue wanted to be baptized, and another one just started to progress. It was my favorite area so far. But Jonesboro seems like a good place. It is very different, though. The population is over 50,000 so it doesn't have that small town feel. That seems to happen with a mission. Just when when you get situated and comfortable, the Lord throws something at you to keep you on your feet. Never a dull moment.
I honestly had no idea about the severe weather and tornadoes. It must not have been in my area. So don't worry, I am doing all right. Mostly. A few days ago while riding our bikes home, I took a nasty crash. It was dark and the mailbox just came out of nowhere. I am a little sore and scraped up, but nothing serious. The wreck also managed to break my camera. It sucks a lot. Looks like I'll be camera shopping.
Also more with transfers, me and my companion are opening a new area. We have had to start at ground zero; square one. Its been an adventure.
Here's my new address:
111 Daybreak Dr. Apt D-10
Jonesboro, AR 72401
Its going to take a lot of work to get this area going. But we can do it.
Elder Price
As to why it happened so fast, I am not entirely sure. Part of it has to do with the fact that my previous companion was called to train a greenie. So that meant one of us had to leave. Anyways, I am now serving in Jonesboro, Arkansas with Elder Barker. I really miss Batesville, Good things were starting to happening. One of our investigators just out of the blue wanted to be baptized, and another one just started to progress. It was my favorite area so far. But Jonesboro seems like a good place. It is very different, though. The population is over 50,000 so it doesn't have that small town feel. That seems to happen with a mission. Just when when you get situated and comfortable, the Lord throws something at you to keep you on your feet. Never a dull moment.
I honestly had no idea about the severe weather and tornadoes. It must not have been in my area. So don't worry, I am doing all right. Mostly. A few days ago while riding our bikes home, I took a nasty crash. It was dark and the mailbox just came out of nowhere. I am a little sore and scraped up, but nothing serious. The wreck also managed to break my camera. It sucks a lot. Looks like I'll be camera shopping.
Also more with transfers, me and my companion are opening a new area. We have had to start at ground zero; square one. Its been an adventure.
Here's my new address:
111 Daybreak Dr. Apt D-10
Jonesboro, AR 72401
Its going to take a lot of work to get this area going. But we can do it.
Elder Price
(8/3) I Am a Missionary
Hey everyone!
The Arkansas Little Rock Mission ( ALRM) just celebrated its 40th anniversary as a mission. It honestly wasn't what I was expecting. There was a two hour long devotional where previous missionaries and mission presidents came and basically just reminisced about their time in the field. I felt it was somewhat boring and dragged on all night. But there was this awesome missionary choir that just sang so beautifully and livened everything up. I was a part of that choir.
Something that was really cool was the baptism that happened. Her name is Maggie and after just turning 18 was able to be baptized. When i first started my mission and was at the mission home, Maggie came and bore a powerful testimony about the gospel and the greatness of missionary work. I think she does that for all new missionaries. The previous mission president, president Petersen, was the one that performed the baptism. It was such a cool experience.
The work in Batesville is at a turning point. People that have been on the edge have started to lean towards one side, whether for better or worse. One of our investigators is studying Anti and seems to be trying to disprove our religion. The investigator couple we are working with, Chad and Nikki, just broke up. Nikki is still super interested and wants us to continue to come. Something's building up here in Batesville, and I am not sure what's going to happen the next few weeks.
I included on this email a little audio file about missionaries. I thought is was awesome so I decided to share it with everyone. Hope you can actually access the file. If not... That just sucks for you. Now for the scripture!
"Be not therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou a partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;" - 2 Timothy 1:8
Witness unto the world the everlasting gospel, Go forth and baptize all nations!!!!
Elder Price
The Arkansas Little Rock Mission ( ALRM) just celebrated its 40th anniversary as a mission. It honestly wasn't what I was expecting. There was a two hour long devotional where previous missionaries and mission presidents came and basically just reminisced about their time in the field. I felt it was somewhat boring and dragged on all night. But there was this awesome missionary choir that just sang so beautifully and livened everything up. I was a part of that choir.
Something that was really cool was the baptism that happened. Her name is Maggie and after just turning 18 was able to be baptized. When i first started my mission and was at the mission home, Maggie came and bore a powerful testimony about the gospel and the greatness of missionary work. I think she does that for all new missionaries. The previous mission president, president Petersen, was the one that performed the baptism. It was such a cool experience.
The work in Batesville is at a turning point. People that have been on the edge have started to lean towards one side, whether for better or worse. One of our investigators is studying Anti and seems to be trying to disprove our religion. The investigator couple we are working with, Chad and Nikki, just broke up. Nikki is still super interested and wants us to continue to come. Something's building up here in Batesville, and I am not sure what's going to happen the next few weeks.
I included on this email a little audio file about missionaries. I thought is was awesome so I decided to share it with everyone. Hope you can actually access the file. If not... That just sucks for you. Now for the scripture!
"Be not therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou a partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;" - 2 Timothy 1:8
Witness unto the world the everlasting gospel, Go forth and baptize all nations!!!!
Elder Price
(7/27) No Subject...
Hey family!
Two things real quick:
1) I know that you all love me and think about me often. I was just being my usual sarcastic self.
2) Whats with the pictures of everyone hanging around a bunch of woodchucks?
Batesville is going good. I think it might be my favorite area so far on my mission. the other Elders in the area and my companion and I do lots of stuff together. We hang out on pdays and get lunch all the time. We just have so much fun. Don't worry, we still do lots of missionary work. Right now our top investigators are a young couple that are currently agnostic but are super interested in our teachings. (I am starting to notice a little trend. Young couples seem to be my top investigators in any area) Their names are Chad and Nikki and we have developed a strong friendship with them. They have this project in their backyard called "the thicket". Its a little opening in the foliage where they have tied vines together into a little canopy and the plan is to clear it out a little more and have a little nature hide away. We invited to help them out with the project and they got really excited. it can sometimes be challenging to fit a lesson in with all the friendly conversation that happens. Hopefully things continue to progress and Chad and Nikki get baptized!
This week we were on foot. Even though we have a car all the time, the missions has asked us to take one week out of the month to park the car and bike, or in our case walk. my companion's bike is currently broken. Let me just say that Arkansas summer is horrible. I have never sweated more at one time in my entire life. But I know I will be blessed for it.
"I know that which the Lord hath commanded me, and I glory in it. I do not glory of myself, but I glory in that which the Lord hath commanded me; yea, and this is my glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance; and this is my joy." - Alma 29:9
Elder Price
Two things real quick:
1) I know that you all love me and think about me often. I was just being my usual sarcastic self.
2) Whats with the pictures of everyone hanging around a bunch of woodchucks?
Batesville is going good. I think it might be my favorite area so far on my mission. the other Elders in the area and my companion and I do lots of stuff together. We hang out on pdays and get lunch all the time. We just have so much fun. Don't worry, we still do lots of missionary work. Right now our top investigators are a young couple that are currently agnostic but are super interested in our teachings. (I am starting to notice a little trend. Young couples seem to be my top investigators in any area) Their names are Chad and Nikki and we have developed a strong friendship with them. They have this project in their backyard called "the thicket". Its a little opening in the foliage where they have tied vines together into a little canopy and the plan is to clear it out a little more and have a little nature hide away. We invited to help them out with the project and they got really excited. it can sometimes be challenging to fit a lesson in with all the friendly conversation that happens. Hopefully things continue to progress and Chad and Nikki get baptized!
This week we were on foot. Even though we have a car all the time, the missions has asked us to take one week out of the month to park the car and bike, or in our case walk. my companion's bike is currently broken. Let me just say that Arkansas summer is horrible. I have never sweated more at one time in my entire life. But I know I will be blessed for it.
"I know that which the Lord hath commanded me, and I glory in it. I do not glory of myself, but I glory in that which the Lord hath commanded me; yea, and this is my glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance; and this is my joy." - Alma 29:9
Elder Price
(7/20) No Subject...
Its always fun as a missionary when you open your email to find it empty; not a single new email the whole week. You just feel so loved.
I will just assume your week was good and things are doing fine on the home front. As for Batesville, it could be better and it could be worse. We have good investigators we are working with that are awesome to teach and show great potential. But it is just that: potential. There is not a whole lot of progress and commitment level is not where I desire it to be. Working with people's agency is frustrating and difficult. It is also very challenging to teach people with broken or circular logic. Down here in the South, the most confusing and misunderstood topic is religion. Everyone has their own definition for religion and set it as the unchangeable, the one and only, indisputable law of the universe, standard. It is almost part of the culture to harden your heart and be stuck in your ways.
The Lord requires of us a "broken heart and a contrite spirit"(See Psalms 51:17; 3 Nephi 5:20; D&C 59:8). Sometimes we need to literally "break" the walls of stone around peoples heart. This is done by boldly proclaiming the truth with the Spirit and power of God. Once the hard heart is shattered, it can be pieced together with the gospel "line upon line, precept upon precept" (2 Nephi 28:30). It takes a lot of work and lot of patience. We also need to make sure we are remaining worthy to have that spirit. Without it, we shall not teach (D&C 42;14).
That is the process we are in right now. Trying to soften and mold peoples hearts with spiritual boldness. Hopefully we see success from it.
Elder Price
I will just assume your week was good and things are doing fine on the home front. As for Batesville, it could be better and it could be worse. We have good investigators we are working with that are awesome to teach and show great potential. But it is just that: potential. There is not a whole lot of progress and commitment level is not where I desire it to be. Working with people's agency is frustrating and difficult. It is also very challenging to teach people with broken or circular logic. Down here in the South, the most confusing and misunderstood topic is religion. Everyone has their own definition for religion and set it as the unchangeable, the one and only, indisputable law of the universe, standard. It is almost part of the culture to harden your heart and be stuck in your ways.
The Lord requires of us a "broken heart and a contrite spirit"(See Psalms 51:17; 3 Nephi 5:20; D&C 59:8). Sometimes we need to literally "break" the walls of stone around peoples heart. This is done by boldly proclaiming the truth with the Spirit and power of God. Once the hard heart is shattered, it can be pieced together with the gospel "line upon line, precept upon precept" (2 Nephi 28:30). It takes a lot of work and lot of patience. We also need to make sure we are remaining worthy to have that spirit. Without it, we shall not teach (D&C 42;14).
That is the process we are in right now. Trying to soften and mold peoples hearts with spiritual boldness. Hopefully we see success from it.
Elder Price
(7/13) DOT Day
In honor of Independence Day, the mission decided to celebrate freedom and liberty by having Defenders Of Truth Day or DOT Day. We had a luau type deal that consisted of a whole hog, fish, chicken, elephant ears, and potatoes; all cooked in a large earth oven. There was also all sorts of fun little games using teamwork and skill including:
-creating an inverted pyramid with soda cans and paper plates
-using multiple strings tied to a rubber band to grab cups and make a tower with them
-the human knot
-balancing little cubes on a stick with your mouth and walking across the gym
-junk in the trunk! tying tissue box filled with ping pong bulls to your butt and then shaking and jumping around to get them all out.
We also had a flag ceremony, a little talent show, and lots of food. It was so much fun!
-creating an inverted pyramid with soda cans and paper plates
-using multiple strings tied to a rubber band to grab cups and make a tower with them
-the human knot
-balancing little cubes on a stick with your mouth and walking across the gym
-junk in the trunk! tying tissue box filled with ping pong bulls to your butt and then shaking and jumping around to get them all out.
We also had a flag ceremony, a little talent show, and lots of food. It was so much fun!
(7/13) Missionary Work & Caverns
This week has been crazy!
Things in Batesville have been going really well. We have some awesome investigators we are working with. One of them, Monica, is practically a dry Mormon. She believes almost everything we believe and our lessons with her are filled with the spirit. Last time we spent two hours outside her apartment sitting on the concrete in the heat. Monica had tears in her eyes for pretty much half the lesson. I can't wait to see her again this coming Thursday. We also found a Golden Investigator family. There names are Sabrina and Danny and they are awesome. We first met them about a week ago as they were heading out the door, so we didn't get to talk to them much. Saturday night we managed to get back in contact with them. Sabrina told us that after our brief encounter, she was very interested in our message. They recently moved and are looking for a church to attend. It is just a perfect opportunity.
Then last Friday we had a huge missionary party/luau title DOT Day. So much happened there that I have to put it in a separate email.
Last Monday for P-day, us and the other Batesville Elders went cave exploring with a member. We had to drive down a dirt "road" (more like horse trail), cross a stream, and traverse through the tick invested foliage. But I always love a good adventure.
"And I will give unto him a commandment that he shall do none other work, save the work which I shall command him. And I will make him great in mine eyes; for he shall do my work." - 2 Nephi 3:8
Elder Price
Things in Batesville have been going really well. We have some awesome investigators we are working with. One of them, Monica, is practically a dry Mormon. She believes almost everything we believe and our lessons with her are filled with the spirit. Last time we spent two hours outside her apartment sitting on the concrete in the heat. Monica had tears in her eyes for pretty much half the lesson. I can't wait to see her again this coming Thursday. We also found a Golden Investigator family. There names are Sabrina and Danny and they are awesome. We first met them about a week ago as they were heading out the door, so we didn't get to talk to them much. Saturday night we managed to get back in contact with them. Sabrina told us that after our brief encounter, she was very interested in our message. They recently moved and are looking for a church to attend. It is just a perfect opportunity.
Then last Friday we had a huge missionary party/luau title DOT Day. So much happened there that I have to put it in a separate email.
Last Monday for P-day, us and the other Batesville Elders went cave exploring with a member. We had to drive down a dirt "road" (more like horse trail), cross a stream, and traverse through the tick invested foliage. But I always love a good adventure.
"And I will give unto him a commandment that he shall do none other work, save the work which I shall command him. And I will make him great in mine eyes; for he shall do my work." - 2 Nephi 3:8
Elder Price
(7/6) No Subject...
How's all my peeps doin!
This last week was transfers so I'm no longer in Cabot. But I left on a good note. We had a baptism lined up and some potential to be harvested. I know that God is watching over that area. As for my new residence for the next six weeks (or more), I will be in Batesville Arkansas! Whooo! My new companion is Elder Oblad and is my first companion from Utah. All the other ones have been from a different state. But things are real good here. Although it is a branch, the members are super friendly and have such wonderful spirits about them. The regular people of Batesville are equally friendly and will actually let you share the gospel with them, even if they are not interested! So much different from Cabot. I all ready feel a love for this area and the people in it. 4th of July was interesting. There was a huge firework festival thing so we decided to check it out and maybe talk to a few people about the Gospel. We didn't have any success. There was actually a lady going around giving everyone Anti-Mormon pamphlets. It was interesting. We managed to see about six minutes of the fireworks which accounted for our celebration. Other than that, it was a regular day of missionary work.
"But now the Lord my God hath given me rest on every side, so that there is neither adversary nor evil occurrent." -1 Kings 5:4
Good things are about to happen
Elder Price
This last week was transfers so I'm no longer in Cabot. But I left on a good note. We had a baptism lined up and some potential to be harvested. I know that God is watching over that area. As for my new residence for the next six weeks (or more), I will be in Batesville Arkansas! Whooo! My new companion is Elder Oblad and is my first companion from Utah. All the other ones have been from a different state. But things are real good here. Although it is a branch, the members are super friendly and have such wonderful spirits about them. The regular people of Batesville are equally friendly and will actually let you share the gospel with them, even if they are not interested! So much different from Cabot. I all ready feel a love for this area and the people in it. 4th of July was interesting. There was a huge firework festival thing so we decided to check it out and maybe talk to a few people about the Gospel. We didn't have any success. There was actually a lady going around giving everyone Anti-Mormon pamphlets. It was interesting. We managed to see about six minutes of the fireworks which accounted for our celebration. Other than that, it was a regular day of missionary work.
"But now the Lord my God hath given me rest on every side, so that there is neither adversary nor evil occurrent." -1 Kings 5:4
Good things are about to happen
Elder Price
(6/29) No Subject...
Sup everyone!
Things are still going well here in Cabot. I appreciate all the wonderful emails I receive every week (well, almost every week). It is great to hear all y'alls adventures in life and with the gospel. Our top investigator, Tony, is still just as awesome as ever. We were teaching him the plan of salvation and when we went over the premortal existence he didn't understand why we had to come to earth. He was wondering why we had to leave, when we were in the presence of God and in a "gold house" as he put it. We explained to him that we had to leave and come to earth in order to learn and gain a fullness of all the blessings God has for us, including a body. Then we taught about the kindgdoms of glory and the celestial kingdom, Tony said, "that's where I want to be. Then I get the golden house." He'll get it one day.
Anyways, transfers have come up and I am getting transferred. Excitement! After 5 transfers, almost 7.5 months, I finally get to leave Cabot. It's been good, but it's time to go. I can't wait to see what my new area is like and who my new companion will be. So much suspense. I look forward to it. I'll have lots to talk about next week. Until then...
"And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more."
-Acts 20:25
Elder Price
Things are still going well here in Cabot. I appreciate all the wonderful emails I receive every week (well, almost every week). It is great to hear all y'alls adventures in life and with the gospel. Our top investigator, Tony, is still just as awesome as ever. We were teaching him the plan of salvation and when we went over the premortal existence he didn't understand why we had to come to earth. He was wondering why we had to leave, when we were in the presence of God and in a "gold house" as he put it. We explained to him that we had to leave and come to earth in order to learn and gain a fullness of all the blessings God has for us, including a body. Then we taught about the kindgdoms of glory and the celestial kingdom, Tony said, "that's where I want to be. Then I get the golden house." He'll get it one day.
Anyways, transfers have come up and I am getting transferred. Excitement! After 5 transfers, almost 7.5 months, I finally get to leave Cabot. It's been good, but it's time to go. I can't wait to see what my new area is like and who my new companion will be. So much suspense. I look forward to it. I'll have lots to talk about next week. Until then...
"And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more."
-Acts 20:25
Elder Price
(6/22) Referrals!! Pt. 2
Stuff happened this week!!
Last time I mention we had received a referral while I was writing my email. Well, we decided to contact it right away so it didn't just get add to the pile. We go there and meet this awesome guy, Tony Smith. He has powerful faith and a great spirit I instantly recognized as we were talking with him. We had another lesson with him on the Atonement and the spirit was overwhelming. Tony accepted a baptismal date for July 11th. I don't think the spirit would have let him oppose. It was really awesome to see him there at church on Sunday. One of the members came up and asked Tony if he was going to be there next week. Tony's reply, "You don't have a choice. You're going to to see me next week." He is totally Golden.
Then while I was on exchanges, Elder Spencer and Elder Jensen contacted another referral and we got a new investigator out if it. His name is David and he was been sufficiently humbled and is ready to receive the gospel. He and his wife struggle with meth, his wife was having inappropriate relationships with the dealers, so David left. Time past, he lost his job, his car was stolen, and he is now back with his wife living with the mother in law. This man has been through hell and back again. Elder Spencer told me they had a real powerful lesson on the Atonement. Elder Jensen said he is a golden investigator. I haven't actually met David yet, so...
Anyways, referrals have been our harvesting tool this past week. Miracles do come from them.
It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.
John 6:45
Elder Price
Last time I mention we had received a referral while I was writing my email. Well, we decided to contact it right away so it didn't just get add to the pile. We go there and meet this awesome guy, Tony Smith. He has powerful faith and a great spirit I instantly recognized as we were talking with him. We had another lesson with him on the Atonement and the spirit was overwhelming. Tony accepted a baptismal date for July 11th. I don't think the spirit would have let him oppose. It was really awesome to see him there at church on Sunday. One of the members came up and asked Tony if he was going to be there next week. Tony's reply, "You don't have a choice. You're going to to see me next week." He is totally Golden.
Then while I was on exchanges, Elder Spencer and Elder Jensen contacted another referral and we got a new investigator out if it. His name is David and he was been sufficiently humbled and is ready to receive the gospel. He and his wife struggle with meth, his wife was having inappropriate relationships with the dealers, so David left. Time past, he lost his job, his car was stolen, and he is now back with his wife living with the mother in law. This man has been through hell and back again. Elder Spencer told me they had a real powerful lesson on the Atonement. Elder Jensen said he is a golden investigator. I haven't actually met David yet, so...
Anyways, referrals have been our harvesting tool this past week. Miracles do come from them.
It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.
John 6:45
Elder Price
(6/15) Referrals!!
Hey everyone!
Things in Cabot are still slow as ever. The work is difficult and challenging but many small miracles are happening every day. This week we had a six hour long meeting with Elder Kopischke of the Seventy. I learned so many things and was just attacked by the spirit. I was actually receiving revelation till 11:00 at night! What an experience. As far as the work is going, the only real development is a whole lot of referrals. We currently have eight we are trying to contact right now, one of which was received as I was writing this email. Hopefully some new investigators come from all this.
I had an interesting experience with one of the referrals. We were walking away from our apartment, just starting the day, when a cab driver pulls up next to us. He had just dropped off a drunk woman at our apartment complex. She was locked out and he felt we should go talk to her. So we go to where he dropped the lady off and we find her laying face down on the ground in front of her door. I had no idea how to approach the situation. I wasn't sure if the woman was even conscious. But we walked up to her anyways. I asked if she was all right and she responded with a kind of "hurhm." We figured she was still quite drunk. I then asked if she could use some water. We got a similar response. I pulled a water bottle out of my bag, set it down next to the lady, and we walked off. So that is how things are going in Cabot.
For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
-Revelations 7:17
Elder Price
Things in Cabot are still slow as ever. The work is difficult and challenging but many small miracles are happening every day. This week we had a six hour long meeting with Elder Kopischke of the Seventy. I learned so many things and was just attacked by the spirit. I was actually receiving revelation till 11:00 at night! What an experience. As far as the work is going, the only real development is a whole lot of referrals. We currently have eight we are trying to contact right now, one of which was received as I was writing this email. Hopefully some new investigators come from all this.
I had an interesting experience with one of the referrals. We were walking away from our apartment, just starting the day, when a cab driver pulls up next to us. He had just dropped off a drunk woman at our apartment complex. She was locked out and he felt we should go talk to her. So we go to where he dropped the lady off and we find her laying face down on the ground in front of her door. I had no idea how to approach the situation. I wasn't sure if the woman was even conscious. But we walked up to her anyways. I asked if she was all right and she responded with a kind of "hurhm." We figured she was still quite drunk. I then asked if she could use some water. We got a similar response. I pulled a water bottle out of my bag, set it down next to the lady, and we walked off. So that is how things are going in Cabot.
For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
-Revelations 7:17
Elder Price
(6/8) No Subject...
Well, not too much to talk about this week.
As of now we are in possession of ipads. The work has not changed all that much...yet. It is all still new so we really don't know exactly what to do with them. Eventually we will be proselyting of facebook and over skype, but that won't happen for another few weeks. Right now we just use the ipads to study and occasionally when we teach a lesson. We get to use these really cool new digital pamphlets for all the lessons. They have lots of pictures and are interactive. My favorite part about them is that they have little video segments and additional references when teaching.
As for the work, it still hasn't picked up. Things with Shelby and Travis are slow. They have been really busy with life and taking care of a brand new baby. We almost got to do some service and mow their lawn, but it didn't work out. On friday we had finally managed to set up a teaching appointment. We were super excited for that. Then they cancelled a few hours before. It's all I can do to stay positive and not get discouraged. Summer is definitely upon us here in Arkansas. It is miserable walking around in the heat. Humidity sucks! The forecast for this next week is going to be even hotter. After being outside for only 20 minutes we are all ready covered in sweat. Hopefully I don't die.
They shall not hunger nor thirst, neither shall the heat nor the sun smite them; for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them.
-1 Nephi 21:10
Also, I have received the package. You have my thanks.
Love you lots!
Elder Price
As of now we are in possession of ipads. The work has not changed all that much...yet. It is all still new so we really don't know exactly what to do with them. Eventually we will be proselyting of facebook and over skype, but that won't happen for another few weeks. Right now we just use the ipads to study and occasionally when we teach a lesson. We get to use these really cool new digital pamphlets for all the lessons. They have lots of pictures and are interactive. My favorite part about them is that they have little video segments and additional references when teaching.
As for the work, it still hasn't picked up. Things with Shelby and Travis are slow. They have been really busy with life and taking care of a brand new baby. We almost got to do some service and mow their lawn, but it didn't work out. On friday we had finally managed to set up a teaching appointment. We were super excited for that. Then they cancelled a few hours before. It's all I can do to stay positive and not get discouraged. Summer is definitely upon us here in Arkansas. It is miserable walking around in the heat. Humidity sucks! The forecast for this next week is going to be even hotter. After being outside for only 20 minutes we are all ready covered in sweat. Hopefully I don't die.
They shall not hunger nor thirst, neither shall the heat nor the sun smite them; for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them.
-1 Nephi 21:10
Also, I have received the package. You have my thanks.
Love you lots!
Elder Price
(6/1) Becoming a "Full Purpose Missionary" #ipads
As most of y'all are aware, this mission has been authorized for the use of ipads. It has been mentioned and talked about for long time and now the day is finally here. The ipads are going to be distributed throughout the mission this week. I both excited and nervous. This is a large responsibility that we have been given. We have the trust from the Brethren and also from God. I have never had a greater sense of accountability.
Last week we had a training meeting about how to safely and properly use the ipads. Elder Zwick of the Seventy was there with Brother Hemingway, the director of proselyting. A lot of it was guidelines and obedience. One thing that stuck out to me was when Elder Zwick talked about the ipads as just another tool the Lord has given us to do His work. The ipad does not replace anything, but simply adds to our tool kit. We are not becoming "ipad missionaries". Instead we are utilizing all the resources we have to fulfill our missionary purpose and to hasten the work of salvation. We are becoming "Full Purpose Missionaries". Another things that stuck out was how we need to have our purpose written on the "fleshy tables of the heart" (2 Corinthians 3:3). Much like the Gospel was written on tables of stone, it needs be engraved upon our hearts.
I look forward to this new chapter of my mission. It is awesome to be a part of this great work. Next email may say something like "sent from elder price's ipad".
And behold, there were divers ways that he did manifest things unto the children of men, which were good; and all things which are good cometh of Christ; otherwise men were fallen, and there could no good thing come unto them.
Wherefore, by the ministering of angels, and by every word which proceeded forth out of the mouth of God, men began to exercise faith in Christ; and thus by faith, they did lay hold upon every good thing; and thus it was until the coming of Christ.
-Moroni 7:24-25
The Lord has divers ways he manifests things unto his children. I now that these ipads are just one of those ways.
Elder Price
Last week we had a training meeting about how to safely and properly use the ipads. Elder Zwick of the Seventy was there with Brother Hemingway, the director of proselyting. A lot of it was guidelines and obedience. One thing that stuck out to me was when Elder Zwick talked about the ipads as just another tool the Lord has given us to do His work. The ipad does not replace anything, but simply adds to our tool kit. We are not becoming "ipad missionaries". Instead we are utilizing all the resources we have to fulfill our missionary purpose and to hasten the work of salvation. We are becoming "Full Purpose Missionaries". Another things that stuck out was how we need to have our purpose written on the "fleshy tables of the heart" (2 Corinthians 3:3). Much like the Gospel was written on tables of stone, it needs be engraved upon our hearts.
I look forward to this new chapter of my mission. It is awesome to be a part of this great work. Next email may say something like "sent from elder price's ipad".
And behold, there were divers ways that he did manifest things unto the children of men, which were good; and all things which are good cometh of Christ; otherwise men were fallen, and there could no good thing come unto them.
Wherefore, by the ministering of angels, and by every word which proceeded forth out of the mouth of God, men began to exercise faith in Christ; and thus by faith, they did lay hold upon every good thing; and thus it was until the coming of Christ.
-Moroni 7:24-25
The Lord has divers ways he manifests things unto his children. I now that these ipads are just one of those ways.
Elder Price
(5/25) No Subject...
What's up family!
I am glad to see that good things are happening at home. I remember this time of year waiting for school to end and summer to begin. Looking forward to the BBQ's and camping. Here in Arkansas I am NOT looking forward to summer. It is all ready getting hot enough as it is. The weather hasn't been all that bad. Just lots of small rain storms. You can tell Alex that I am doing okay. I appreciate that he was worried about me. That I am not just a back thought in his mind. You can also let Carolyn know that I am working on her letter. Speaking of which, I have not yet received the package. Hopefully it will come in the next few days.
It was a difficult week here in Cabot. It was harder than usual to find people to talk to. Trying to contact our very few investigators was even more impossible. However, we were able to talk with Travis briefly. They have been crazy busy this week. The adversary has stepped up his game and is now attacking us directly. There is greater temptation to be disobedient and idle. To just give up. Our mission President was at church on Sunday and we were telling him about our struggles. He quietly listened and after a brief moment of silence said, "Things will get better." Just a simple truth. I know that it will get better. Maybe not right now. But that is where patience comes in. Patience is more than just enduring. It is enduring well. Patience is the capacity to endure delay, trouble, opposition, or suffering without becoming angry, frustrated, or anxious. I could definitely work on my patience. I know that things will work out and it will require a lot of work on my part. But I will not have to do it alone.
Be patient in afflictions, for thou shalt have many; but endure them, for, lo, I am with thee, even unto the end of thy days.
-D&C 24:8
I love you all until the ends of the earth!
Elder Price
I am glad to see that good things are happening at home. I remember this time of year waiting for school to end and summer to begin. Looking forward to the BBQ's and camping. Here in Arkansas I am NOT looking forward to summer. It is all ready getting hot enough as it is. The weather hasn't been all that bad. Just lots of small rain storms. You can tell Alex that I am doing okay. I appreciate that he was worried about me. That I am not just a back thought in his mind. You can also let Carolyn know that I am working on her letter. Speaking of which, I have not yet received the package. Hopefully it will come in the next few days.
It was a difficult week here in Cabot. It was harder than usual to find people to talk to. Trying to contact our very few investigators was even more impossible. However, we were able to talk with Travis briefly. They have been crazy busy this week. The adversary has stepped up his game and is now attacking us directly. There is greater temptation to be disobedient and idle. To just give up. Our mission President was at church on Sunday and we were telling him about our struggles. He quietly listened and after a brief moment of silence said, "Things will get better." Just a simple truth. I know that it will get better. Maybe not right now. But that is where patience comes in. Patience is more than just enduring. It is enduring well. Patience is the capacity to endure delay, trouble, opposition, or suffering without becoming angry, frustrated, or anxious. I could definitely work on my patience. I know that things will work out and it will require a lot of work on my part. But I will not have to do it alone.
Be patient in afflictions, for thou shalt have many; but endure them, for, lo, I am with thee, even unto the end of thy days.
-D&C 24:8
I love you all until the ends of the earth!
Elder Price
(5/18) Weekly Email
What's up! (aside from the rain)
Things are happening here in Arkansas! There are going to be some major changes within the next two to three weeks due to iPads. The meeting is already scheduled. Its happening. Transfers were also this week. A few changes going on there. But most importantly are the changes happening within Cabot itself. I get excited just thinking about it right now. So much to talk to about I can't find a good place to start.
Here seems like a good place :P
Anyways...
There has been a whole mess of rain going on here. The ground is so saturated there are puddles everywhere. We have received two flash flood warnings within the past week alone (one of which woke me up at 3am). Even more rain is to be expected throughout this week as well. Hopefully there won't be any tornadoes.
While the weather is miserable, the work is not. Things are starting to pick up more in Cabot and I am so thankful for that. Now that college is out Vivint is in full swing. We received four referrals from Vivint salesmen that have some good potential. We have not been able to contact all of them yet, but we're working on it. these referrals show promise. Travis and Shelby were out of town this past week so we didn't get to teach them more. Now they are back and able to be taught.
In more exciting news, I did not get transferred! After six months of being in Cabot, I get to spend another six weeks here. Maybe one day I'll leave. It is now official that we will be getting iPads. Next week we will have a meeting that the whole mission will attend where Elder Zwick of the the Seventy will instruct us on the changes being made. I will post more information on the subject as it is received.
Yea, verily I say unto you, if ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life. Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto me.
-3 Nephi 9:14
Elder Price
Here seems like a good place :P
Anyways...
There has been a whole mess of rain going on here. The ground is so saturated there are puddles everywhere. We have received two flash flood warnings within the past week alone (one of which woke me up at 3am). Even more rain is to be expected throughout this week as well. Hopefully there won't be any tornadoes.
While the weather is miserable, the work is not. Things are starting to pick up more in Cabot and I am so thankful for that. Now that college is out Vivint is in full swing. We received four referrals from Vivint salesmen that have some good potential. We have not been able to contact all of them yet, but we're working on it. these referrals show promise. Travis and Shelby were out of town this past week so we didn't get to teach them more. Now they are back and able to be taught.
In more exciting news, I did not get transferred! After six months of being in Cabot, I get to spend another six weeks here. Maybe one day I'll leave. It is now official that we will be getting iPads. Next week we will have a meeting that the whole mission will attend where Elder Zwick of the the Seventy will instruct us on the changes being made. I will post more information on the subject as it is received.
Yea, verily I say unto you, if ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life. Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto me.
-3 Nephi 9:14
Elder Price
(5/11) Investigators!!
Things might actually start picking up here in Cabot. This week we were blessed to begin teaching Travis and Shelby, a young couple here in town. The way we were introduced is quite interesting. The Sunday before last they showed up to sacrament meeting and I was sitting there listening to the testimonies thinking, "Who the heck are they?" After the meeting we went over to meet them but got stopped by another guy I didn't recognize. It turned out to be Travis' dad, who was recently baptized in St George, Utah. He was here in Arkansas visiting and brought Travis and Shelby along with him to church. That Tuesday we went with our Bishop and taught them about the restoration and it went really well. We also got an interesting refferal from one of the members. She got a new neighbor who claimed to be mormon but is not actually baptized. We will be jumping on that one real quick.
In other news, my companion made a cheesecake and I dry cleaned my pants.
I hope things continue to improve and to see the work climb out of the abyss.
And I have been supported under trials and troubles of every kind, yea, and in all manner of afflictions; yea, God has delivered me from prison, and from bonds, and from death; yea, and I do put my trust in him, and he will still deliver me.
-Alma 36:29
Elder Price
In other news, my companion made a cheesecake and I dry cleaned my pants.
I hope things continue to improve and to see the work climb out of the abyss.
And I have been supported under trials and troubles of every kind, yea, and in all manner of afflictions; yea, God has delivered me from prison, and from bonds, and from death; yea, and I do put my trust in him, and he will still deliver me.
-Alma 36:29
Elder Price
 |
| Said cheesecake... |
 |
| ...and said pants. |
(5/4) Cabot Problems
As far as numbers go, this may have been the worst week of my entire mission. Aside from contacting a few refferals that didn't go anywhere, we taught only one lesson. No new investigators, no members out with us, no dates, nothing. (That one lesson was more of a religious debate on the Book of Mormon so doesn't count for much) Missionary work is HARD!! Although the days are long and the work is both spiritually and physically exhausting, it is well worth it in the end. The experiences and opportunities I have had these past eight months have been one of a kind that I could not have by any other means. I wouldn't give this up for the world.
A few interesting and random events occurred throughout the week adding some variety to things. While on exchanges I talked with a lady that has had contact with the church, knows about the book of mormon, and even attended church a few times with her friends. She totally blew us off. And when we asked if we could say a prayer with her she said, "Not really. I'd rather finish smoking this cigarette and I have to leave soon." REALLY?! Denying even a prayer. Wow. A few days ago some people drove up in a car and asked us if we belonged to the Church of Christ. We told them we did not. Then they asked if the Church of Christ believed in the Book of Mormon at all. Anyone that knows a little about the Church of Christ know that they are strictly the Bible and only the Bible (and they are not too fond of mormons). Our ward mission leader was telling us off a group of people called 'Book of Mormon Christians' that believe the Book of Mormon is true, but want nothing to do with the LDS church. Maybe we met some of those. We also talked with a lady that states she was possessed at one time and had a thing for mexicans. These are just the kinds of people I have to deal with here in Cabot.
Hopefully things start picking up here. Otherwise this place is getting closed.
And we have suffered all manner of afflictions, and all this, that perhaps we might be the means of saving some soul; and we supposed that our joy would be full if perhaps we could be the means of saving some.
-Alma 26:30
Elder Price
A few interesting and random events occurred throughout the week adding some variety to things. While on exchanges I talked with a lady that has had contact with the church, knows about the book of mormon, and even attended church a few times with her friends. She totally blew us off. And when we asked if we could say a prayer with her she said, "Not really. I'd rather finish smoking this cigarette and I have to leave soon." REALLY?! Denying even a prayer. Wow. A few days ago some people drove up in a car and asked us if we belonged to the Church of Christ. We told them we did not. Then they asked if the Church of Christ believed in the Book of Mormon at all. Anyone that knows a little about the Church of Christ know that they are strictly the Bible and only the Bible (and they are not too fond of mormons). Our ward mission leader was telling us off a group of people called 'Book of Mormon Christians' that believe the Book of Mormon is true, but want nothing to do with the LDS church. Maybe we met some of those. We also talked with a lady that states she was possessed at one time and had a thing for mexicans. These are just the kinds of people I have to deal with here in Cabot.
Hopefully things start picking up here. Otherwise this place is getting closed.
And we have suffered all manner of afflictions, and all this, that perhaps we might be the means of saving some soul; and we supposed that our joy would be full if perhaps we could be the means of saving some.
-Alma 26:30
Elder Price
(4/27) Weekly Email
How's life going for everyone NOT in Arkansas?
A mission is definitely one of the hardest things I will ever do in my life. Especially with what is going on right now. I can really relate to Mormon when he is in charge of the Nephite armies. Behold, I had led them, notwithstanding their wickedness I had led them many times to battle, and had loved them, according to the love of God which was in me, with all my heart; and my soul had been poured out in prayer unto my God all the day long for them; nevertheless, it was without faith, because of the hardness of their hearts. (Mormon 3:12)
Despite the pride and the hardness of the hearts of these people, I will continue to love them and pray for them and to do the work I have been called to. Like Mormon, sometimes it is without faith.
We did manage to find a new investigator. That was reason to celebrate! It was, however, short lived. We have been unable to get back in contact and continue teaching. Our recent convert, Arturo, is doing better. The ward has really been involved in taking care of him making sure he has food and water, that his ankle is taken care of, just visiting. It has been good for the ward. A lot of the members are complacent and idle in the work of the Lord. Maybe not having missionaries in the area for a while will push them into action. I truly feel Cabot is going to be closed. But we won't find out for another three weeks. So until then its still work work work.
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
-Isaiah 41:13
Elder Price
A mission is definitely one of the hardest things I will ever do in my life. Especially with what is going on right now. I can really relate to Mormon when he is in charge of the Nephite armies. Behold, I had led them, notwithstanding their wickedness I had led them many times to battle, and had loved them, according to the love of God which was in me, with all my heart; and my soul had been poured out in prayer unto my God all the day long for them; nevertheless, it was without faith, because of the hardness of their hearts. (Mormon 3:12)
Despite the pride and the hardness of the hearts of these people, I will continue to love them and pray for them and to do the work I have been called to. Like Mormon, sometimes it is without faith.
We did manage to find a new investigator. That was reason to celebrate! It was, however, short lived. We have been unable to get back in contact and continue teaching. Our recent convert, Arturo, is doing better. The ward has really been involved in taking care of him making sure he has food and water, that his ankle is taken care of, just visiting. It has been good for the ward. A lot of the members are complacent and idle in the work of the Lord. Maybe not having missionaries in the area for a while will push them into action. I truly feel Cabot is going to be closed. But we won't find out for another three weeks. So until then its still work work work.
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
-Isaiah 41:13
Elder Price
(4/20) No Subject...
Y'ello!
I wouldn't mind being in Italy right now. You seem to be having a real fun time seeing all sorts of awesome stuff. It has been a while since I have been able to see some mountains, or even a decent sized hill. I hope you have lots of stories to tell at some point about this adventure.
Anyways, things are interesting here in Cabot. We have almost zero investigators and can't find new ones for the life of us. It is quite possible the area will be closed. It has been weeks since I have taught a solid lesson. Also the person that got baptized a few weeks ago is now in the hospital. He had a seizure in the church bathroom and broke his ankle. So that is how things are going around here. There isn't much to tell about the baptism. Honestly, it came out of nowhere for me. The week before was general conference and transfers, so things were crazy. After that I was just like, "oh yeah. We have a baptism this Saturday." I had completely forgot about it. So it was planned three days in advance and miraculously turned out.
There really isn't anything to write about for this week.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, ye are little children, and ye have not as yet understood how great blessings the Father hath in his own hands and prepared for you; And ye cannot bear all things now; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along. The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours.
-D&C 78:17-18
Elder Price
I wouldn't mind being in Italy right now. You seem to be having a real fun time seeing all sorts of awesome stuff. It has been a while since I have been able to see some mountains, or even a decent sized hill. I hope you have lots of stories to tell at some point about this adventure.
Anyways, things are interesting here in Cabot. We have almost zero investigators and can't find new ones for the life of us. It is quite possible the area will be closed. It has been weeks since I have taught a solid lesson. Also the person that got baptized a few weeks ago is now in the hospital. He had a seizure in the church bathroom and broke his ankle. So that is how things are going around here. There isn't much to tell about the baptism. Honestly, it came out of nowhere for me. The week before was general conference and transfers, so things were crazy. After that I was just like, "oh yeah. We have a baptism this Saturday." I had completely forgot about it. So it was planned three days in advance and miraculously turned out.
There really isn't anything to write about for this week.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, ye are little children, and ye have not as yet understood how great blessings the Father hath in his own hands and prepared for you; And ye cannot bear all things now; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along. The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours.
-D&C 78:17-18
Elder Price
(4/13) No Subject...
'Sup peoples!
Seems like y'all have been having a fun time in Italy! As much as I would love to eat delicious food, take pictures with naked statues, and explore the architecture of Rome, I would much rather be serving the Lord. I hope to hear more about it later. One thing that has been on my mind, is what's happening with my bros? Its been a while since I heard anything about them.
My new companion is pretty sweet. Elder Spencer has been out a year and half, so is pretty seasoned, and we have similar personality traits. I feel we will get along just fine. Also he is from San Diego. I have yet to have a companion that is from Utah (quite ironic). This area is kind of suffering right now. Cabot is not a very religious town despite the number of churches. People really don't see the need for the restored Gospel, and they won't let us show them the need. But we did have a baptism this week. His name is Arturo and he has a good desire to learn more about the Gospel. Me and Elder Farnsworth found him a while back and he had been given a Book of Mormon by a member. Arturo was interested and invited us back over. He actually started reading before our next appointment. Other than that, things have been slow. Not much to talk about.
So I end my email with a scripture,
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
- John 14:27
Elder Price
Seems like y'all have been having a fun time in Italy! As much as I would love to eat delicious food, take pictures with naked statues, and explore the architecture of Rome, I would much rather be serving the Lord. I hope to hear more about it later. One thing that has been on my mind, is what's happening with my bros? Its been a while since I heard anything about them.
My new companion is pretty sweet. Elder Spencer has been out a year and half, so is pretty seasoned, and we have similar personality traits. I feel we will get along just fine. Also he is from San Diego. I have yet to have a companion that is from Utah (quite ironic). This area is kind of suffering right now. Cabot is not a very religious town despite the number of churches. People really don't see the need for the restored Gospel, and they won't let us show them the need. But we did have a baptism this week. His name is Arturo and he has a good desire to learn more about the Gospel. Me and Elder Farnsworth found him a while back and he had been given a Book of Mormon by a member. Arturo was interested and invited us back over. He actually started reading before our next appointment. Other than that, things have been slow. Not much to talk about.
So I end my email with a scripture,
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
- John 14:27
Elder Price
 |
| Arturo |
 |
| Elder Spencer and I |
(3/30) Repentance
How's my favorite people?
Well, it was my birthday last Saturday. There was not a whole lot of excitement. I did celebrate by making cinnamon rolls for breakfast. Sweet gooey cinnamon rolls make me very happy! Thank you for the package and all that it contained. You don't know just how much I loved those hand written notes with all the encouraging and uplifting words. You did make quite a good point. Lately I have been a little pessimistic and discouraged. So I repented and have made it my goal to look for those tiny miracles and blessings each and every day. I also plan to start sharing more of my experiences on a mission, spiritual or otherwise. But that started yesterday, so I don't much to go on for this week.
I did have a revelatory experience at church again. This past transfer has been difficult. The Lord has been putting me through some refining fire and I have not been taking it so well. I have been resisting the changes God wants me to make. Many a time I feel inadequate; that I am not living to what is expected of me. As y'all mentioned in your email this past Sunday was fast and testimony meeting. So I fasted that God would give me guidance and direction. As people got up to bear their testimonies I was bombarded with the spirit. God was working through those people to tell me what I needed to hear. One particular lady was talking about being an instrument in the Lord's hands. I need to give up myself and let the Lord work through me.
Another person talked about how sometimes we don't feel like we deserve all that God gives us. We do not live up to the blessings we receive. God gives us so much simply because He loves us. I know God loves me and that He loves each and every one of his children personally. I cannot fully comprehend the affection of God. How can he still show so much love even when I repeatedly mess up and turn away from Him? Despite how many times we fall short He is there to forgive. I have learned so much about repentance on my mission. It really does bring us joy and moves us closer to our Savior.
Repentance is all about change and I will be doing a lot of it. Another change I am making to my weekly email is to end it with a scripture. Got to get to get into the Spirit of the South and put scriptures on everything! This week has to do with repentance:
Mosiah 26:30
Yea, and as often as my people repent will I forgive them their trespasses against me.
I love y'all so much and hope you recognize how much each one of you means to me. As a missionary, a representative of Christ, I invite you to repent. As your son serving in Arkansas, I invite you to seek the blessings that come from gaining forgiveness from the Lord.
Have a blessed day!
Elder Price
Well, it was my birthday last Saturday. There was not a whole lot of excitement. I did celebrate by making cinnamon rolls for breakfast. Sweet gooey cinnamon rolls make me very happy! Thank you for the package and all that it contained. You don't know just how much I loved those hand written notes with all the encouraging and uplifting words. You did make quite a good point. Lately I have been a little pessimistic and discouraged. So I repented and have made it my goal to look for those tiny miracles and blessings each and every day. I also plan to start sharing more of my experiences on a mission, spiritual or otherwise. But that started yesterday, so I don't much to go on for this week.
I did have a revelatory experience at church again. This past transfer has been difficult. The Lord has been putting me through some refining fire and I have not been taking it so well. I have been resisting the changes God wants me to make. Many a time I feel inadequate; that I am not living to what is expected of me. As y'all mentioned in your email this past Sunday was fast and testimony meeting. So I fasted that God would give me guidance and direction. As people got up to bear their testimonies I was bombarded with the spirit. God was working through those people to tell me what I needed to hear. One particular lady was talking about being an instrument in the Lord's hands. I need to give up myself and let the Lord work through me.
Another person talked about how sometimes we don't feel like we deserve all that God gives us. We do not live up to the blessings we receive. God gives us so much simply because He loves us. I know God loves me and that He loves each and every one of his children personally. I cannot fully comprehend the affection of God. How can he still show so much love even when I repeatedly mess up and turn away from Him? Despite how many times we fall short He is there to forgive. I have learned so much about repentance on my mission. It really does bring us joy and moves us closer to our Savior.
Repentance is all about change and I will be doing a lot of it. Another change I am making to my weekly email is to end it with a scripture. Got to get to get into the Spirit of the South and put scriptures on everything! This week has to do with repentance:
Mosiah 26:30
Yea, and as often as my people repent will I forgive them their trespasses against me.
I love y'all so much and hope you recognize how much each one of you means to me. As a missionary, a representative of Christ, I invite you to repent. As your son serving in Arkansas, I invite you to seek the blessings that come from gaining forgiveness from the Lord.
Have a blessed day!
Elder Price
(3/23) Stuff
How y'all doing?
Can I just say, it feels great to have p-day. As you all know last week I went to the temple so I didn't get to have a p-day. I have come to realize that the time we get each Monday to prepare for the week and to relax a bit is quite necessary and divinely appointed. Without that, a missionary may hit the wall of exhaustion. That is what happened this past week.
It was just my luck that the week I go to the temple and miss that p-day, we have a very busy week. With a zone meeting, exchanges, investigators dropping us, and accountability to our goals, things were quite eventful. It was go go go and I didn't get a break. So on Saturday I crashed into that wall. I was done. I had no desire to do missionary work, no desire to study, no desire to speak to anyone, no desire to do anything. There was no depression, no despair or anxiety, no feelings of sorrow or homesickness. Just nothing. Now before any one starts freaking out (mom in particular), I got over it. And it was all thanks to the restored Church of Jesus Christ.
That Sunday morning, as soon as I entered the chapel, I felt better. A peace and comfort came over and throughout the meeting those feelings stayed. We always teach our investigators that church helps throughout the week by giving us a spiritual recharge. That actually happens! I have a testimony that this is the true and living church founded on the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
I am interested to see how this week turns out. I will get to experience how lame birthdays are on a mission. Just teasing =P I am really looking forward to that package. Speaking of such things, I sent out my package with the ipod and other stuff. Be looking for it.
I love y'all and hope y'all have a blessed week!
Elder Price
Can I just say, it feels great to have p-day. As you all know last week I went to the temple so I didn't get to have a p-day. I have come to realize that the time we get each Monday to prepare for the week and to relax a bit is quite necessary and divinely appointed. Without that, a missionary may hit the wall of exhaustion. That is what happened this past week.
It was just my luck that the week I go to the temple and miss that p-day, we have a very busy week. With a zone meeting, exchanges, investigators dropping us, and accountability to our goals, things were quite eventful. It was go go go and I didn't get a break. So on Saturday I crashed into that wall. I was done. I had no desire to do missionary work, no desire to study, no desire to speak to anyone, no desire to do anything. There was no depression, no despair or anxiety, no feelings of sorrow or homesickness. Just nothing. Now before any one starts freaking out (mom in particular), I got over it. And it was all thanks to the restored Church of Jesus Christ.
That Sunday morning, as soon as I entered the chapel, I felt better. A peace and comfort came over and throughout the meeting those feelings stayed. We always teach our investigators that church helps throughout the week by giving us a spiritual recharge. That actually happens! I have a testimony that this is the true and living church founded on the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
I am interested to see how this week turns out. I will get to experience how lame birthdays are on a mission. Just teasing =P I am really looking forward to that package. Speaking of such things, I sent out my package with the ipod and other stuff. Be looking for it.
I love y'all and hope y'all have a blessed week!
Elder Price
 |
| The Memphis Temple! |
(3/15) No Subject...
I hope y'all are not freaking out and think I died because you didn't get an email on Monday. The reason you get it on Tuesday is because yesterday I didn't get the chance. I spent the whole time driving to and from the temple. Yep, I got to go to the Memphis, Tennessee temple because my birthday is this month. The drive to get there is almost three hours so I spent the whole day in a car. But it was a great experience. I just love the feeling of being in the temple. Its so comfortable and peaceful. Almost like my heavenly home.
Time to answer questions. I did get my package with my glasses and...other things. (vitamins? for reelz?!) It was quite a surprise. As for my birthday, I could use some more ties. I really don't have a lot of variety right now. Maybe a GPS. I would love to get a handwritten note from each of my family members. That would be awesome. Birthdays on a mission just aren't that exciting. In answer to dad's question, I have seen my testimony become a lot more real. Its an actual part of me. Without going into details I can say that it has gotten stronger a larger. it encompasses more and more gospel principles each week. And it will continue to grow.
As far as this past week went, it was a week. On Friday and Saturday we spent the whole time finding. Lots of walking and knocking. It was miserable considering all the hard hearted people we met. That's Cabot for ya. After a three and half hour go of finding with absolutely no success, Elder Farnsworth had to take a break. so we went back to our apartment and ate home made ice cream for a while.
There is also going to be a lot of changes happening in this mission. On Wednesday we had a big meeting about some of those changes. One of them was stricter obedience. Any musical instruments, card games, board games, unapproved electronic devices. etc. are not allowed. We were invited to send such items home. So I will be sending home the ipod along with other random stuff. (However, CD's are still allowed as long as the music is approved. Note that Disney music is NOT approved) These new guidelines for obedience were in preparation for the even bigger news. President Wakolo received an email that this mission will start using ipad minis starting in May. The ipads are finally happening!
Hope y'all have a blessed week!
Elder Price
Time to answer questions. I did get my package with my glasses and...other things. (vitamins? for reelz?!) It was quite a surprise. As for my birthday, I could use some more ties. I really don't have a lot of variety right now. Maybe a GPS. I would love to get a handwritten note from each of my family members. That would be awesome. Birthdays on a mission just aren't that exciting. In answer to dad's question, I have seen my testimony become a lot more real. Its an actual part of me. Without going into details I can say that it has gotten stronger a larger. it encompasses more and more gospel principles each week. And it will continue to grow.
As far as this past week went, it was a week. On Friday and Saturday we spent the whole time finding. Lots of walking and knocking. It was miserable considering all the hard hearted people we met. That's Cabot for ya. After a three and half hour go of finding with absolutely no success, Elder Farnsworth had to take a break. so we went back to our apartment and ate home made ice cream for a while.
There is also going to be a lot of changes happening in this mission. On Wednesday we had a big meeting about some of those changes. One of them was stricter obedience. Any musical instruments, card games, board games, unapproved electronic devices. etc. are not allowed. We were invited to send such items home. So I will be sending home the ipod along with other random stuff. (However, CD's are still allowed as long as the music is approved. Note that Disney music is NOT approved) These new guidelines for obedience were in preparation for the even bigger news. President Wakolo received an email that this mission will start using ipad minis starting in May. The ipads are finally happening!
Hope y'all have a blessed week!
Elder Price
(3/9) No Subject...
Not much happened this week. Except for a lot of snow and rain. On Wednesday, it was very wet and even colder. And we still went out proselyting. Later in the evening, though, the weather got even worse. Arkansas is subject to a horrid form of precipitation know as sleet. A combination of rain with snow and ice makes it really suck. By that time we were advised to return to our apartment, and there we were to stay. The lockdown extended on through Thursday and the morning of Friday. It was miserable.
As missionaries, we devote our life to preaching the gospel. Take that away and we have nothing. I don't think I've ever been more bored in my life. I felt like a prisoner in my own apartment! All my focus was spent on trying to pass the time and finding something to do. One of those included making ice cream. What better thing to do when its freezing cold than making delicious frozen dairy products. We had the time and the ingredients so we though, "why not?" We made three different flavors: chocolate, oreo, and peppermint. They turned out awesome! It was some of the best ice cream I've had on my mission.
Another thing we did to pass the time was a make a puzzle that was laying around the apartment. That only took us three hours. The rest of our lockdown was spent melting our minds with too much scripture study. After reading the King Follet Sermon followed by the books of Moses and of Abraham, I had to take a break for a while.
Eventually the lockdown was lifted and we could go out. Missionary work continued as normal. Lots of walking and appointments falling through with no one wanting to talk to us. However, I did quite enjoy Sunday. There were some really good talks given about scripture study and overcoming doubt. The youthspeaker gave one of the best youth talks I have heard. It was a good 11 minutes and she didn't just read straight from the talk. It also had lots of good scriptures and quotes from a myriad of sources. The presentation of the material was well given and you could tell it was pure testimony. I also got to help pass the sacrament, which I haven't done in years. That was a great experience now that I have a greater understanding and appreciation of the sacrament and what it means.
I am glad to hear things are going well. I wish I could have been their for the honorable return of my Sister sister. Keep reading the scriptures and living the gospel!
Elder Price
As missionaries, we devote our life to preaching the gospel. Take that away and we have nothing. I don't think I've ever been more bored in my life. I felt like a prisoner in my own apartment! All my focus was spent on trying to pass the time and finding something to do. One of those included making ice cream. What better thing to do when its freezing cold than making delicious frozen dairy products. We had the time and the ingredients so we though, "why not?" We made three different flavors: chocolate, oreo, and peppermint. They turned out awesome! It was some of the best ice cream I've had on my mission.
Another thing we did to pass the time was a make a puzzle that was laying around the apartment. That only took us three hours. The rest of our lockdown was spent melting our minds with too much scripture study. After reading the King Follet Sermon followed by the books of Moses and of Abraham, I had to take a break for a while.
Eventually the lockdown was lifted and we could go out. Missionary work continued as normal. Lots of walking and appointments falling through with no one wanting to talk to us. However, I did quite enjoy Sunday. There were some really good talks given about scripture study and overcoming doubt. The youthspeaker gave one of the best youth talks I have heard. It was a good 11 minutes and she didn't just read straight from the talk. It also had lots of good scriptures and quotes from a myriad of sources. The presentation of the material was well given and you could tell it was pure testimony. I also got to help pass the sacrament, which I haven't done in years. That was a great experience now that I have a greater understanding and appreciation of the sacrament and what it means.
I am glad to hear things are going well. I wish I could have been their for the honorable return of my Sister sister. Keep reading the scriptures and living the gospel!
Elder Price
 |
| Ice cream... |
 |
| ...and a missionary appropriate puzzle! |
(3/2) Emails
I don't even know where to begin. This week has definitely been an adventure.
On Monday we were snowed in and had to hang out at the church all day. It got really crazy with all the other missionaries there. We had the Zone leaders, a companionship from a neighboring district, and half of my district there. (The church is normally the p-day hang out spot for this area). The time was spent playing card games and volleyball. That was the only day the weather was bad. The rest of the week was still cold but no more snow.
Now for some adventures in tracting. This week no one wanted to talk to us (surprise there). Just like any other week. There was one particular man who really didn't want to talk to us. I went up and knocked on the door and nothing happened. So I rang the doorbell. Then this guy with a Dallas beard and tattoos bursts out of the door cussing and screaming at us. A few more railing rants later he went in and slammed the door behind him. As we were walking off he opened the door again and yelled out a few more cursings. That was not a very good day.
This week also marked my six month of being on a mission. As tradition I got to burn a tie, which honestly is not as exciting as one would think (until I brought out the bug spray). I realize that i am 25% complete with my mission and that is a lot. But I can't help looking ahead and seeing how far I still have to go. These next few weeks are going to be hard with Sorella Price coming home. Since I was absent at her departure I guess I must be absent at her arrival back home.
Thank you for the wonderful emails received this week. I love to hear from my bros and all that is going on in their lives.
Alex- I hope you are not giving mom too much trouble with the home schooling. I know that writing is difficult. I struggle with it even now. But I know that you can do it. I love all the things you write me in the cards. Sometimes I wish to be there and offer my help, and it is difficult to see you struggle and I can't do anything about it. I know that I won't always be able to be there, yet I know that God is watching over you for me.
Jacob- It is quite funny you mention majora's mask. Just this week my companion was talking about how difficult it is. (Don't ask how the conversation turned to Legend of Zelda.) I remember those BYU pow-wows and how much I hated them. The homework is the worst. Mom and Dad had to almost force me to get it done. I hope to continue to hear all the fun things you are up to.
Brent- I was quite surprised to see an email from you. As an incentive to keep you writing, my response to you is for that email address.
Carolyn- (for when she gets back) I expect to continue getting emails from you. It doesn't have to be every week, but i would greatly appreciate it. I want to hear your adventures integrating back into normal life.
I love y'all and anticipate the events of the future.
Elder Price
On Monday we were snowed in and had to hang out at the church all day. It got really crazy with all the other missionaries there. We had the Zone leaders, a companionship from a neighboring district, and half of my district there. (The church is normally the p-day hang out spot for this area). The time was spent playing card games and volleyball. That was the only day the weather was bad. The rest of the week was still cold but no more snow.
Now for some adventures in tracting. This week no one wanted to talk to us (surprise there). Just like any other week. There was one particular man who really didn't want to talk to us. I went up and knocked on the door and nothing happened. So I rang the doorbell. Then this guy with a Dallas beard and tattoos bursts out of the door cussing and screaming at us. A few more railing rants later he went in and slammed the door behind him. As we were walking off he opened the door again and yelled out a few more cursings. That was not a very good day.
This week also marked my six month of being on a mission. As tradition I got to burn a tie, which honestly is not as exciting as one would think (until I brought out the bug spray). I realize that i am 25% complete with my mission and that is a lot. But I can't help looking ahead and seeing how far I still have to go. These next few weeks are going to be hard with Sorella Price coming home. Since I was absent at her departure I guess I must be absent at her arrival back home.
Thank you for the wonderful emails received this week. I love to hear from my bros and all that is going on in their lives.
Alex- I hope you are not giving mom too much trouble with the home schooling. I know that writing is difficult. I struggle with it even now. But I know that you can do it. I love all the things you write me in the cards. Sometimes I wish to be there and offer my help, and it is difficult to see you struggle and I can't do anything about it. I know that I won't always be able to be there, yet I know that God is watching over you for me.
Jacob- It is quite funny you mention majora's mask. Just this week my companion was talking about how difficult it is. (Don't ask how the conversation turned to Legend of Zelda.) I remember those BYU pow-wows and how much I hated them. The homework is the worst. Mom and Dad had to almost force me to get it done. I hope to continue to hear all the fun things you are up to.
Brent- I was quite surprised to see an email from you. As an incentive to keep you writing, my response to you is for that email address.
Carolyn- (for when she gets back) I expect to continue getting emails from you. It doesn't have to be every week, but i would greatly appreciate it. I want to hear your adventures integrating back into normal life.
I love y'all and anticipate the events of the future.
Elder Price
 |
| I made a lemon cream pie! |
 |
| Look at the snow! |
 |
| Our ward mission leader nick-named his dog after Elder Farnsworth |
(2/23) No Subject...
Hey Y'all!!
This past week has been pretty crappy. Winter has officially hit Arkansas. Remember last email how I said the roads were icy? You saw the pictures of everything covered in white "snow". We actually were not supposed to even leave our apartment that day. Apparently the zone sent out a text to everyone telling them to stay inside and not go out on the roads. We did not get that text. It wasn't until about 4:00 that we learned about our disobedience. Some other missionaries in the district texted us saying, "We're bored. Are we allowed to leave our apartments yet?" Me and Elder Farnsworth just looked at each other. "We weren't allowed to leave?" Not wanting to be further disobedient we went back to our apartment and made ice cream and pie. Yep.
The weather has been cold and icy all week which really sucks because we had to give our car to the sisters. Lots of cold nights walking and shivering with no one to talk to. Our investigators have continued to slowly drop off the face of the planet with very few new ones to work with. That's just how my mission has been so far. It is very hard and requires a lot of me. But the experiences I have gained and the increase of knowledge and testimony is totally worth it.
It is weird to think that Sorella Price is finishing up her mission right as I am just hitting my 6 month mark. (yeah, I get to burn a tie!) I am interested to hear all the tales of readjusting to life. I am looking forward to getting my glasses back. I am not sure how long my backup pair is going to last. I really enjoyed the Valentines package with all the delicious treats and snack foods. The plush dog thoroughly surprised me. I was not expecting that.
I hope you get the moisture you need. maybe Arkansas can share (its actually snowing right now). Talk to you in a week!
Elder Price
This past week has been pretty crappy. Winter has officially hit Arkansas. Remember last email how I said the roads were icy? You saw the pictures of everything covered in white "snow". We actually were not supposed to even leave our apartment that day. Apparently the zone sent out a text to everyone telling them to stay inside and not go out on the roads. We did not get that text. It wasn't until about 4:00 that we learned about our disobedience. Some other missionaries in the district texted us saying, "We're bored. Are we allowed to leave our apartments yet?" Me and Elder Farnsworth just looked at each other. "We weren't allowed to leave?" Not wanting to be further disobedient we went back to our apartment and made ice cream and pie. Yep.
The weather has been cold and icy all week which really sucks because we had to give our car to the sisters. Lots of cold nights walking and shivering with no one to talk to. Our investigators have continued to slowly drop off the face of the planet with very few new ones to work with. That's just how my mission has been so far. It is very hard and requires a lot of me. But the experiences I have gained and the increase of knowledge and testimony is totally worth it.
It is weird to think that Sorella Price is finishing up her mission right as I am just hitting my 6 month mark. (yeah, I get to burn a tie!) I am interested to hear all the tales of readjusting to life. I am looking forward to getting my glasses back. I am not sure how long my backup pair is going to last. I really enjoyed the Valentines package with all the delicious treats and snack foods. The plush dog thoroughly surprised me. I was not expecting that.
I hope you get the moisture you need. maybe Arkansas can share (its actually snowing right now). Talk to you in a week!
Elder Price
(2/16) No subject...
Hot Dang!! So much is going on right now; both here in the field and back home. Things have just changed so much and I've only been out five and a half months! By the time my two years is done I'll come home to a completely different world. That scares me.
What's this about Alex being homeschooled? How's he doing? I just feel bad not being there for him or for any of y'all. It's one of those things that makes a mission hard that nobody warns you about. But if everyone knew exactly how challenging a mission would be no one would go!
Well, I am joyed to here you have had a good president's weekend. How did my brothers enjoy Meet the Mormons? I thought it was really good and like dad was saying, it was a lot better than what I was expecting. I actually got a chance to watch it as part of a meeting. It was shown to the mission way back in October before it came out in theaters (Holy beans that was forever ago). I wouldn't mind watching it again. It's actually on my list. I am keeping a list of movies, songs, tv shows, etc of stuff for when I return. Speaking of that, Sorella Price has only got a couple weeks left! How's it feel? Not too stressful, I hope.
It has been quite a week. We had exchanges in which I stayed in the area and had to take lead. The Elder I was on exchanges with has been out just as long as me so wasn't the most experienced. It was up to me to make sure our investigators got the spiritual edification they needed. No pressure. I learned a lot about leadership that day, mainly that being a leader sucks. Almost all our investigators dropped us, we were late to our dinner appointment, and I did not get along with my temporary companion. It was a rough exchange.
We also almost lost Dianna. On Wednesday we got a voicemail from her saying to cancel our appointment for Friday. I was freaking out thinking that it was my fault. During the exchange we actually taught Dianna a lesson and it did not go very well. We called her back and found out that she had got in an argument with her parents over the things we were teaching so her parents banned us from stepping foot on their property. What's a miracle is that Dianna still wants to learn and still came to church on Sunday. Yep, all the excitement of being a missionary.
Hope you continue in the Gospel and reap the blessings.
I love you all!
Elder Price
What's this about Alex being homeschooled? How's he doing? I just feel bad not being there for him or for any of y'all. It's one of those things that makes a mission hard that nobody warns you about. But if everyone knew exactly how challenging a mission would be no one would go!
Well, I am joyed to here you have had a good president's weekend. How did my brothers enjoy Meet the Mormons? I thought it was really good and like dad was saying, it was a lot better than what I was expecting. I actually got a chance to watch it as part of a meeting. It was shown to the mission way back in October before it came out in theaters (Holy beans that was forever ago). I wouldn't mind watching it again. It's actually on my list. I am keeping a list of movies, songs, tv shows, etc of stuff for when I return. Speaking of that, Sorella Price has only got a couple weeks left! How's it feel? Not too stressful, I hope.
It has been quite a week. We had exchanges in which I stayed in the area and had to take lead. The Elder I was on exchanges with has been out just as long as me so wasn't the most experienced. It was up to me to make sure our investigators got the spiritual edification they needed. No pressure. I learned a lot about leadership that day, mainly that being a leader sucks. Almost all our investigators dropped us, we were late to our dinner appointment, and I did not get along with my temporary companion. It was a rough exchange.
We also almost lost Dianna. On Wednesday we got a voicemail from her saying to cancel our appointment for Friday. I was freaking out thinking that it was my fault. During the exchange we actually taught Dianna a lesson and it did not go very well. We called her back and found out that she had got in an argument with her parents over the things we were teaching so her parents banned us from stepping foot on their property. What's a miracle is that Dianna still wants to learn and still came to church on Sunday. Yep, all the excitement of being a missionary.
Hope you continue in the Gospel and reap the blessings.
I love you all!
Elder Price
 |
| This winter has been very strange. I was surprised to know that in Utah there isn't snow. The winter here in Arkansas has been very mild. There were a few days that were cold, but its mostly been in the 50's and 60's. Until today. I finally got my first ice storm. I was quite excited to wake up to a world covered in ice. It may look like snow but it is just solid ice. I am just so happy that it finally looks like winter! Hope you get some snow! (except not you Sorella Price. You are in Italy and don't get snow) |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)