Dear family and friends and enemies who read these to discover my weaknesses. Psh. Good luck with that...,
I really hate typing on this computer because the backspace button is the size of a letter button. That's bogus! So I'm keeping this relatively short.
This Friday will be my very first baptism. I know it has taken a while, but whatever. Hoby Dinsdale is getting baptized at 7 pm, which would be 3 pm on Thursday for you guys in Utah. We told him it's his decision as to who baptizes him, so he should think about it. On Sunday at church, he said he wanted me to do it. Yeah, I'm excited. The Spirit of God is amazing. I'm just so psyched to feel it even more powerfully at the baptism. Hoby does everything we tell him to, because he sees it makes him way happier, but sometimes he's too willing haha. He asked if we wanted a piece of gum the other day and I said we aren't allowed to chew gum -- "we" meaning missionaries -- and he said, "Oh!" and almost spit it out, but I quickly explained that members can chew gum, just not missionaries in public. Ha. Yeah.... Anyways, he's really awesome and it's amazing how much the gospel has changed him. His countenance is just beaming. We can back one day after teaching him for the second or third time and he was clean shaven and smiling and just brighter. Crazy. Crazy as.
Today is George's birthday, who is an RM that always hangs out with us. We surprised him and cooked him breakfast this morning, and decorated his flat with balloons and lollies (candy). It was mean (awesome, or sweet). Today we're heading up to Bridal Veils Falls. Yeah Dad, Bridal Veils.
I don't really know what else to say. I bore my testimony super powerfully the other day (after praying for the gift of bearing mighty testimony) to this investigator right before she dropped us. We had a feeling she wasn't interested, so we had the drop talk. But I did exactly what Preach My Gospel says: teach clearly and powerfully so they can make a correct choice. That's what I did, and she turned it down. I'm sorry for her. It happens. This experience did help me realize what my favorite scripture is though: 2 Nephi 33. Pretty much the whole chapter, but particularly the end, starting where it says, "if you do not believe in these words, believe in Christ." If you believe in Christ, you believe in the Book of Mormon! Someday we'll have to account to God for everything we've done. Hopefully we'll be happy to do that.
That's pretty much it for today. Love yous. Haha jk lol. I don't say yous. Thanks for everything you guys. Sorry I suck at replying to letters. I'll let you know how the baptism goes. Bye!
Love,
Elder Zachary Jensen
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Week After Transfers
Hello Everyone!
GOOD LUCK WITH CHEERLEADING TRYOUTS MEGAN!!! Three exclamation points. That's the best it gets. You should feel privileged.
Hello everyone. How are you? I am well, thank you. I was not transferred. I am still rockin the Claudelands area of the Glenview district of the Hamilton zone of the New Zealand Auckland Mission! However, my companion, Elder Brown, was transferred, and replaced by Elder Purdon, who apparently has followed Elder Brown into three areas now. He has also follow-up trained both of the greenies that Elder Brown trained. And Elder Brown's trainer was Elder Purdon's follow-up trainer. Therefore, my trainer's trainer was my follow-up trainer's follow-up trainer. Does it get cooler than that?
Yes! I have seen miracle after miracle after miracle here in Claudelands. We have one guy set for baptism who is so dang (the Aussies and Kiwis and Maoris would say damn -- it's not a swear word to them. Yeah, imagine hearing that for the first time in sacrament meeting...) excited. Nothing has impeded his progress. He dropped smoking, drinking, drugs, before we even taught the word of wisdom. Hold on, did I talk about this last week? I'll go check my past e-mails... Nope! But yeah, that was a miracle, to be followed by many others. They call NZAM a mission of miracles for good reason. Side note: the gifts of the Spirit are amazing. I hope you all ask for them. For righteous purposes of course.
Because I stayed in the area for this transfer, I have been doing the planning and decision making for my new comp and I. So I'm like the senior companion after just one transfer (but not really)! It's crazy. But I'm growing like mad because of it. I think He knows what He's doing. Transfers are definitely inspired.
There's this Sri Lankan family we've been teaching. The girl -- Nadiru -- is good at English so she would kind of translate for her dad, but she never really seemed too keen (interested). Then this last week, as we were talking about the Book of Mormon, out of the blue she says, "How do you even know Jesus is real?" Prayer! So we committed her to pray and read the BOM. Now she loves it and her family is receptive as, so hopefully we can set them for baptism soon.
Other than that... Oh, this praying mantis is on seeking revenge on Elder Purdon for the attack Elder Purdon made on him. The mantis has slowly been making his way up the leg of his desk and will soon launch the counteroffensive, I'm sure. The other day we lost him. He is planning a sneak attack. I don't think Elder Purdon is going to make it to the end of this transfer, but I'll keep you updated.
That's all I have this week. The Church really is true. The Book of Mormon really does change lives. And prayer works miracles, if done in faith, by the Spirit. I love you guys. Thanks for the support.
From NZ,
Love, Elder Jensen
GOOD LUCK WITH CHEERLEADING TRYOUTS MEGAN!!! Three exclamation points. That's the best it gets. You should feel privileged.
Hello everyone. How are you? I am well, thank you. I was not transferred. I am still rockin the Claudelands area of the Glenview district of the Hamilton zone of the New Zealand Auckland Mission! However, my companion, Elder Brown, was transferred, and replaced by Elder Purdon, who apparently has followed Elder Brown into three areas now. He has also follow-up trained both of the greenies that Elder Brown trained. And Elder Brown's trainer was Elder Purdon's follow-up trainer. Therefore, my trainer's trainer was my follow-up trainer's follow-up trainer. Does it get cooler than that?
Yes! I have seen miracle after miracle after miracle here in Claudelands. We have one guy set for baptism who is so dang (the Aussies and Kiwis and Maoris would say damn -- it's not a swear word to them. Yeah, imagine hearing that for the first time in sacrament meeting...) excited. Nothing has impeded his progress. He dropped smoking, drinking, drugs, before we even taught the word of wisdom. Hold on, did I talk about this last week? I'll go check my past e-mails... Nope! But yeah, that was a miracle, to be followed by many others. They call NZAM a mission of miracles for good reason. Side note: the gifts of the Spirit are amazing. I hope you all ask for them. For righteous purposes of course.
Because I stayed in the area for this transfer, I have been doing the planning and decision making for my new comp and I. So I'm like the senior companion after just one transfer (but not really)! It's crazy. But I'm growing like mad because of it. I think He knows what He's doing. Transfers are definitely inspired.
There's this Sri Lankan family we've been teaching. The girl -- Nadiru -- is good at English so she would kind of translate for her dad, but she never really seemed too keen (interested). Then this last week, as we were talking about the Book of Mormon, out of the blue she says, "How do you even know Jesus is real?" Prayer! So we committed her to pray and read the BOM. Now she loves it and her family is receptive as, so hopefully we can set them for baptism soon.
Other than that... Oh, this praying mantis is on seeking revenge on Elder Purdon for the attack Elder Purdon made on him. The mantis has slowly been making his way up the leg of his desk and will soon launch the counteroffensive, I'm sure. The other day we lost him. He is planning a sneak attack. I don't think Elder Purdon is going to make it to the end of this transfer, but I'll keep you updated.
That's all I have this week. The Church really is true. The Book of Mormon really does change lives. And prayer works miracles, if done in faith, by the Spirit. I love you guys. Thanks for the support.
From NZ,
Love, Elder Jensen
Sunday, March 6, 2011
March Already...
Dear Civilized People,
The mission is going great! Time is flying by. Yesterday was my two month mark. Yeah.
CONGRATULATIONS SAMI!
Sorry about the e-mail last week. I was caught up in a lot of wartime action. There wasn't much time with the mortars and such blowing my fellow missionaries to pieces. The good news is our zone beat their personal best for baptisms: 25! None of them from me... But that's okay.
This week has been very interesting. It rained for two days straight. It was pouring. We got soaked out on our bikes. There was on point around 8:10 pm on Friday night and we had no one to visit. We decided to say a prayer to guide us to someone to help that night. After giving a very heartfelt prayer I hopped on my bike and we headed out of our cover under a roof and into the rain. And... flat tire.I yelled to Elder Brown and showed him the flat. He laughed and said he had just had the thought "don't be a hero" right after the prayer. So we walked back to our flat (remember, that's an apartment; I also had a flat tire -- two different things) in the rain. Strangely enough, that was an answer to our prayer. Yeah, so that was fun.
I gave my very first priesthood blessing on Thursday. We had gone to dinner at member's house, but they didn't eat with us, just fed us in a corner by ourselves. The whole time I was thinking, "What a waste of time," because usually we try to do some missionary work with the family. Anyways, as we were leaving, we asked the father how he was and if there was anything we could do for him. He said he was probably going to lose his job the next day, but he's okay, and there was nothing we could do. Then the thought, "Offer a priesthood blessing" entered my head, and I'm sorry to say that I did not want to say anything since I'd never given one before. I was almost sweating trying to resist the Spirit (I know, I know). But I knew I would regret it if I didn't offer that blessing. So I did. He accepted immediately and I gave him a blessing of comfort and counsel. Let me testify of something to all of you. The priesthood is God's power on the earth. He spoke through me and allowed me to bless this faithful member with exactly what he needed. He approached me on Sunday in a much better mood and thanked me several times, saying maybe this was supposed to happen so he could find a better job. It was an incredible experience and even though the numbers for Thursday were terrible, I know I made a difference in someone's life.
I have had so many experiences that have strengthened my testimony this week and throughout the mission. I am growing to love this people. Yes, a mission is hard, but the reward is there, and I'm trying my best. Nothing makes me happier than living the Gospel and being a witness to the change it can have in others' lives.
I love you guys and I can't tell you how grateful I am for the support and the prayers for me. Thank you!
Transfers on Thursday. Maybe I'll e-mail from somewhere else next Monday. See ya in a couple years!
Love,
Elder Jensen
The mission is going great! Time is flying by. Yesterday was my two month mark. Yeah.
CONGRATULATIONS SAMI!
Sorry about the e-mail last week. I was caught up in a lot of wartime action. There wasn't much time with the mortars and such blowing my fellow missionaries to pieces. The good news is our zone beat their personal best for baptisms: 25! None of them from me... But that's okay.
This week has been very interesting. It rained for two days straight. It was pouring. We got soaked out on our bikes. There was on point around 8:10 pm on Friday night and we had no one to visit. We decided to say a prayer to guide us to someone to help that night. After giving a very heartfelt prayer I hopped on my bike and we headed out of our cover under a roof and into the rain. And... flat tire.I yelled to Elder Brown and showed him the flat. He laughed and said he had just had the thought "don't be a hero" right after the prayer. So we walked back to our flat (remember, that's an apartment; I also had a flat tire -- two different things) in the rain. Strangely enough, that was an answer to our prayer. Yeah, so that was fun.
I gave my very first priesthood blessing on Thursday. We had gone to dinner at member's house, but they didn't eat with us, just fed us in a corner by ourselves. The whole time I was thinking, "What a waste of time," because usually we try to do some missionary work with the family. Anyways, as we were leaving, we asked the father how he was and if there was anything we could do for him. He said he was probably going to lose his job the next day, but he's okay, and there was nothing we could do. Then the thought, "Offer a priesthood blessing" entered my head, and I'm sorry to say that I did not want to say anything since I'd never given one before. I was almost sweating trying to resist the Spirit (I know, I know). But I knew I would regret it if I didn't offer that blessing. So I did. He accepted immediately and I gave him a blessing of comfort and counsel. Let me testify of something to all of you. The priesthood is God's power on the earth. He spoke through me and allowed me to bless this faithful member with exactly what he needed. He approached me on Sunday in a much better mood and thanked me several times, saying maybe this was supposed to happen so he could find a better job. It was an incredible experience and even though the numbers for Thursday were terrible, I know I made a difference in someone's life.
I have had so many experiences that have strengthened my testimony this week and throughout the mission. I am growing to love this people. Yes, a mission is hard, but the reward is there, and I'm trying my best. Nothing makes me happier than living the Gospel and being a witness to the change it can have in others' lives.
I love you guys and I can't tell you how grateful I am for the support and the prayers for me. Thank you!
Transfers on Thursday. Maybe I'll e-mail from somewhere else next Monday. See ya in a couple years!
Love,
Elder Jensen
My cute brother and a couple of other missionaries.
The zone he is in and a couple others
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Life in the NZ. Barely surviving.
Just a side note...for those who don't know there was an earthquake down in NZ but it only affected the south island and he is on the north island. He is fine, but he enjoys being a dork, thus his email. I was supposed to come up with something a little more creative, but no creativity tonight. -Whitney :)
Dearly Beloved,
I regret to inform you that I have no time. Ever since the Christchurch earthquakes, the whole of New Zealand has been in mass chaos. Molotov cocktails are a favorite among Maoris. Our flat has been looted several times over. We've been forced to take shelter in an abandoned car park. Several other missionaries in my district have been dismembered before my eyes. My companion's left leg is covered in third degree burns and cries us both to sleep every night. I am relatively unscathed with only two broken fingers. My bike, my only source of transportation, has been gruesomely mangled -- run over by a young Indian man with a burning passion for crushing missionaries. Fortunately, blind men have great difficulty noticing when one is standing next to the bike and not riding it. Many of our investigators are very interested in what we have to share, maybe because of the miracles being performed on the right and on the left. Unfortunately, vicious riots claim the bodies of these poor souls faster than we can. Without electricity, delicious Kiwi ice cream is melting faster than we can eat it. Heaps and heaps of emptied 2 liter containers lie in waste beside the frozen eateries from whence they came.
Have fun with the rest Whit. Make it good. I'm doing great. Mission tour is this week on Thursday. Should be good. Someone really did run over my bike. That was interesting. He's getting it fixed today. Love you all! I'll probably be able to send a letter today!
Love, and in much sorrow of heart because of the iniquity of this people,
Elder Jensen
Dearly Beloved,
I regret to inform you that I have no time. Ever since the Christchurch earthquakes, the whole of New Zealand has been in mass chaos. Molotov cocktails are a favorite among Maoris. Our flat has been looted several times over. We've been forced to take shelter in an abandoned car park. Several other missionaries in my district have been dismembered before my eyes. My companion's left leg is covered in third degree burns and cries us both to sleep every night. I am relatively unscathed with only two broken fingers. My bike, my only source of transportation, has been gruesomely mangled -- run over by a young Indian man with a burning passion for crushing missionaries. Fortunately, blind men have great difficulty noticing when one is standing next to the bike and not riding it. Many of our investigators are very interested in what we have to share, maybe because of the miracles being performed on the right and on the left. Unfortunately, vicious riots claim the bodies of these poor souls faster than we can. Without electricity, delicious Kiwi ice cream is melting faster than we can eat it. Heaps and heaps of emptied 2 liter containers lie in waste beside the frozen eateries from whence they came.
Have fun with the rest Whit. Make it good. I'm doing great. Mission tour is this week on Thursday. Should be good. Someone really did run over my bike. That was interesting. He's getting it fixed today. Love you all! I'll probably be able to send a letter today!
Love, and in much sorrow of heart because of the iniquity of this people,
Elder Jensen
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