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
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| The trunk or treat! |
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| Pumpkins we carved |
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| Mr. Pumpkin head |
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| 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
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| 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
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| A delicious stir fry I made! |
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| My companion holding a chicken |
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| 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
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| 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
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