Almost General Conference

Dear People,

 

It's almost October! I'm excited as for General Conference. We're so lucky to get to hear prophets of God speak to us. Lots of people hear are really surprised when we tell them that God has a prophet on earth today. They say, "I wish someone would've told me about that." Haha that reminds me of other times when we talk to people on the street and they say they have been praying for direction in their lives. And we tell them we have this wonderful message, and they "No thanks, I'll just wait for God to answer me."

 

This last week was very good. So spiritual. This morning our P-day was interrupted by an investigator -- Tuati -- needing a blessing for gout in his knee (yes, gout, again). His less-active partner, Maryann, asked if we could come give him one. Of course, Heavenly Father, with His sense of humor, gave us this opportunity along with another one last week because we had been talking about it a lot. It made me think of a quote from a dude: "Power is in the area of focus." Also, "that which holds your attention, determines your actions." Heavenly Father gives to us according to our desires, whether it be "unto life or unto death." That's just something I have found really amazing. The things that we focus on will be granted unto us. Another example: we focused a lot last week on inviting the Spirit more into the day, and then the week was filled with powerful lessons where we were able to help people with their concerns through the Holy Ghost.

 

Anyways, though, we went to give this blessing this morning. It was Elder Hoffman's first time! With the sealing part at least. It was awesome. He really followed the Spirit. After the blessing, Tuati (Cook Islander) said he felt warmth around his head, which left right after he finished the blessing. It was powerful. We're really close to helping him commit to a baptismal date, too. He's funny. Heaps of Cook Islanders seem to be funny. Not sure what that is all about. One of the counselors to the bishop in Chapel Downs ward -- his name is Brother Tamatoa -- is this funny as Cook Islander who is so hard to read. You can never tell what he's thinking, but he always seems to be laughing about something. Crazy islander laugh. No offense to islanders -- ofa atu, alofa atu, I love you!

 

Emmily Marsters (another Cook Islander) was baptized this last weekend in Chapel Downs ward! It was good. She has a powerful testimony. And I'm sorry I didn't write a mass e-mail last week, but a 9-year-old named Angel Kiro was baptized the week before, on the 17th. She really is an Angel. She's so smart, and funny. Love her haha. For her baptism, we had to throw the whole thing together really quickly because our Ward Mission Leader disappeared. Good Stuff. Sorry, I would love to write more, but I'm pretty much outof time. I need to write my mission president.

 

I eat heaps of taro, if anyone ever wants to look that up. And chicken. Love you guys. Have a good week.

 

Love,

Elder Jensen

 

P.S. It's getting warmer. Also, Mom, Thanks so much for the package! The best! The trail mix is almost gone after only five days...And what's this about the Darth Vader mug? And the Packers jumper is mean! I've been wearing it like all the time I can. Thank. You. Love. You.

.

Dear Family and Friends,

Hello!

I have been a little depressed for the past couple of days. I don't know why. It is just so hard to think that I'm supposed to be the example for all these missionaries, and it seems like I'm constantly messing up and doing everything wrong. Then I realized something: the Lord was still blessing me with so many good things. Ivory was baptized just over a week ago, two others in the district were baptized on Saturday, and one investigator (named Tawera; that's Ta-wa-duh) we are teaching just stopped smoking cold turkey on Friday -- the longest he has ever gone without a smoke, I think. He's also planning on getting married on the day of his baptism on the 24th and felt the Spirit for the first time last week and is consistently reading the Book of Mormon. We also got a call from a member this week around 9 pm, asking us to come baptize her niece! My realization was that the Lord does what is best for us. He lets us go through trials and rough times to "test the cords of our faithfulness." So often we just have to endure. When we don't quit and have conscious faith that the Lord willalways provide something better, we can make it through the hard times and be happy. There is so much good in life. We must look at how much we have, and then more frequently turn to the Lord in prayer, "that he will consecrate thy performance unto thee, that thy performance may be for the welfare of thy soul" (2 Nephi 32:9). The Lord does hear our prayers and that prayer quite literally can "turn the [spiritual] night to day." Also, lots of the time our prayers need to be focused on understanding what Heavenly Father wants us to pray for, not what we want. When we do that, we are happy. I had been praying for revelation to understand why I felt so terrible and why I felt like my investigators were all being "lost to the wayside," then this morning, in comp study, just as we were about to study something to fill the time, we listened to the Spirit and instead felt a need to study the chapter of Preach My Gospel about the Book of Mormon. In fifteen minutes, we thoroughly smashed a section of the chapter and I felt confirmation that this is what my investigators need: more Book of Mormon! Revelation comes through all sorts of channels, but we should certainly be seeking it every day.

I'm happier now. Sort of haha. I just had the wonderful opportunity of correcting the behavior of several of the missionaries I serve, which is tough. But I know that I'm doing the Lord's work and that He wants me to help my brothers and sisters.

I've also been thinking about 9/11. That was actually yesterday for me, but today for America. In the past couple of days, I ran into this one scripture several times in the scriptures and kind of wondered what the Lord was trying to tell me. After coming to understand that it was partially for the district, I also see that it applies to this day. The scripture is "inasmuch as ye will keep my commandments, ye will prosper in the land." That's America! Yep. It is going to continue to go donwhill if it soesn't get its morals straight, but that's exactly why we need to be examples to those around us. I love America and I love all you guys and I'm grateful for all your prayers and letters! Thank you!

Love you heaps.

Elder Jensen

P.S. All-Blacks! Hoorah.

On a side note from his sister, Whitney, today in my student ward I met a kid who served in the mission with Zach and had great things to say about him! It was so great and I was excited! I really wanted to just give him a huge hug, but I did not! :)

Another week

Dear everyone,

 

Good morning. Or evening or whatever. I hope everyone is doing well. I'm doing alright. We had this miracle last week. I can't remember if I told you about this 17-year-old Maori girl named Ivory. We started teaching her over a month ago -- Elder Naicker and me -- and set her to be baptized the first lesson. Then Word of Wisdom issues got in the way. But at the beginning of last week, she texted us and told us she was done smoking because she wanted to do the right thing and be baptized that weekend. Then she was baptized on 3 September! It was amazing. She's a really happy girl, full of the Spirit.

 

The rest of the week was tough, as we have had some sets fall through or bring up big concerns. I honestly have no idea what to do for some of them, but we'll figure it out with the help of the Lord and the members.

 

The district that I watch over -- Manurewa District -- is doing amazing. Last night, two additional sets were reported, as well as over twenty new investigators for two companionships. I'm so blessed to be the district leader of such capable and humble missionaries. Haha the funny thing is that I don't really do anything. They just tell me about all these miracles and I just get really excited.

 

Elder Hoffman, my new companion, is doing great. He loves the work and we were able to witness many miracles the first week he came in. He's pumped and expects a lot from the Lord and himself. We've got some good goals to work with the wards more and save more souls.

 

Last night I left the keys in the flat so we had to break in. Haha. It's okay though, since people broke into it a couple of months ago -- I had the way prepared for me.

 

I love this work, but it's so hard. So often I just want to give up. That would be so much easier. But I guess that's exactly what we're teaching our investigators and the less-actives and the recent converts -- life is about enduring in faith and optimism. Haha, wow, I just got an email from my dear brother right as I typed that last sentence and he quoted Alfred: "Endure." The Lord's kingdom is one of second and third witnesses, so to those that feel like life is too tough, follow the admonition of Paul: we hope to be able to endure all things. Thanks for that, Jake.

 

The work will not be stopped. Love you guys heaps. More and more every day. I am so thankful for all your prayers. Please keep them coming!

 

Love,

Elder Zach

Almost September. Back in school. Fall looming ahead. Already?

Dear Family and Friends,

Hey, it's Elder Jensen. In New Zealand. On my mission. What are you guys up to? I'm exhausted. All that I keep thinking is endure till it gets better. If there's any pattern I have noticed on my mission, it's that Heavenly Father tries and tests us then He blesses us. The challenge is to not give up or lose faith until it gets better. It will. It always does.

So I'm training now. It's pretty ridiculous. On his first day, my new missionary, Elder Hoffman, from Layton, Utah, invited two people to be baptized! I didn't do that till probably my third transfer. He has a girl that is writing him and he talks about her quite regularly. Haha. It's funny. We're pretty different, Elder Hoffman and me, but it just gives me heaps of room to grow.

The next lesson that we had with one of the guys Elder Hoffman invited to be baptized -- his name is Tawera -- was mean. We had asked him to pray about the date that we set for baptism -- the 24th of September -- so we followed up in this lesson. He said he prayed three times, once sitting down, once on his knees, then once on his knees out loud... and nothing! He said he prayed for some kind of sign that that was the date he was supposed to get baptized and he didn't get or feel anything. But then he started to smile and kind of laugh and said that he did, however, randomly turn to a scripture right after praying: Alma 32:17 (and some other verses before and after verse 17). You should all go read that one haha. It was funny. We helped him recognize that as his answer and now he's planning on being baptized on that date. It was a miracle. God answers.

Elder Hoffman said he is loving things so far -- we've had some powerful lessons and I've been blessed to have acted on the promptings from the Spirit to find people in need. I'm glad I've been able to help him establish great expectations for his mission and I hope to continue the learning. I've also learned heaps. When we study the things the Spirit directs us to study and do so by the Spirit, diligently, Heavenly Father rewards us with the opportunity to apply our studies throughout the day or week. This isn't just for missionaries. It's why it is so important to study the Gospel every day.

Since I have been on my mission, Auckland has had a tornado, snow, and an earthquake (a small one), none of which have ever happened or at least haven't happened for decades. The summers are getting hotter and the winters colder. Something big is going to happen soon, and I'm excited! Haha I love this work and I'm grateful for everyone's support. I want to apologize to anyone that I have let down or said something stupid to. I'm really trying my best to be all that I can and to be more like Christ. I'm sorry for times when I've been prideful or appeared to look down on others. You can slap me around when I get home.

I love you guys. Thanks for everything. School's back in! Have fun! Use this time while you have it to learn and grow. Don't take for granted the amazing opportunities you've been blessed with.

Lastly, everyone is a child of God. Really. Try to look at people like that. You knew these people before this life. And you knew there would be challenges. Try to understand each other. Be patient. Open your heart to those around you. Love ya. Bye.

Elder Jensen

Monday Again

Bula family and friends!

 

That's hi in Fijian. This week, I experienced the coldest day in the history of Auckland. About 33 degrees Fahrenheit. Crazy hail during personal study. Even though I know that 33 degrees is not too impressive, it was cold! In my defense, we were biking around in it, and it started to rain. And I lost one glove a few weeks ago, so I stuck that hand in my pocket. It's really good I learned how to ride with no hands. It's quite useful. Sorry for not writing last week. I was short on time. The Rugby World Cup is coming to New Zealand in just a couple of weeks. I'm not entirely sure what is going to happen with the missionary work considering that the population of New Zealand is estimated to double for the momentous occasion. Heaps of referrals for other countries I guess.

 

This was probably one of the best weeks of my mission. I was witness to so many miracles. We found Rose, Cheryl, and Jason, taught them, and committed them all to be baptized in September. The real miracle was the fact that they really warmed up quickly to us, they knew from high school some of the fellowship we brought over, and they came to church just a few days later! They loved it. On Saturday, some of their family was teasing them for preparing to be baptized and said (in a nasty kind of way), "You're gonna be a Mormon? How do you even know the Mormon book is true?" To which our new investigators answered, "Because we prayed and God told us." Yeah.

 

We also taught this 19-year-old girl named Emmily for the first time and on Saturday and she told us she has been reading the Book of Mormon every day for two weeks and loves it. She talked about how so many people think they know God, but they don't, and when you read this book, you really come to know God and understand His plan for you. When we asked if she had tested Moroni's promise to pray and ask God if the book is ture, she said she had and she just felt this amazing feeling going through her -- like a shiver, but really warm. She knows it's true. We committed her for the same day as Rose, Cheryl, and Jason. She's golden.

 

And Leeanne Epiha was baptized! She went through so many trials, but by the power of the Holy Ghost we were able to discern all her concerns and teach according to them and help her to enter into the covenant of baptism on the 19th of August. She's really an inspiration. She loves the Gospel and will go so far. She has given up everything to make it where she is now. She has got great fellowship and should remain active. I'm so happy for her. I was privileged to baptize her and felt the power of the priesthood flowing through me as I raised my arm to the square, then baptized her. Seriously, it is so cool to baptize these repentant people! You can feel God's power as you speak His words.

 

Finally, I have some interesting news. I found out a week and two days before transfers (this Thursday) that I will be training a new missionary! I will be among the first to train according to a new 12-week program instituted by the First Presidency. I'll admit, I'm so nervous. I couldn't believe it when President told me over the phone. Being a district leader has already been stretching me to what I thought was my max. It's surprisingly difficult to help others become better missionaries. Now I get to train a brand new missionary. I'll be the one he looks to for obedience, teaching, finding, following the Spirit, everything. If you can't tell, I've been stressed. But I know that as we rely on Heavenly Father, He'll increase our capacity to handle anything that is thrown our way. It's amazing actually -- I don't think I ever mentioned this, but a few months ago, when I was struggling to become the missionary that Heavenly Father wants me to be, I prayed fervently several times that He would help me to become whatever He wants me to be and that He would trust me enough to put me in any position in this mission. I asked Him to make me more. In a few short months, He has changed me. I love this work and the Gospel and I know that as we just try to magnify our callings and strive to understand His will, we can become powerful tools in His hands.

 

I love you guys. I'm thankful for everything you've done for me and for the examples you've been. This email took me ages to write. Haha. I'm tired. I hope someone takes something from this email that will help them in their lives. Have a good week.

 

From the land next to the land down under, and with love,

Elder Zachary Jensen

Trunked out of your minds. And the priesthood.

Hello Family,

Do you know what trunky means? Let me fill you in. It's a missionary term, meaning looking forward to going home, or thinking about home, etc. You guys are so trunky! I'll come home when my mission is over, and then I will think about home-related things, but right now I'm busy serving the Lord. A couple of people said see you in 17 months! I didn't even know that's how much time I had left! I love getting letters and packages and emails, but you don't need to be trunky! I miss all of you, like you miss me. We all know how much we miss each other. So let's just leave that out of correspondence. Deal? Okay, thanks.

In other news, I want to tell you all a story about a young 25-year-old girl named Leeanne who I am pretty sure I told you about last week. She has made amazing progress. She came to church yesterday for the second time. She is really excited to be baptized, but has problems with the Word of Wisdom. At first she had some pretty strong addictions to smoking and drinking. So we taught her about the Atonement and faith and all this other good stuff. And she hasn't had a drink in two weeks! That's what we in the New Zealand Auckland like to call a miracle. The smoking, however, is still a problem. She has cut down heaps, but is still having trouble with it. She understands that smoking -- even if only just a little -- will keep her out of the Celestial Kingdom, so she is doing her very best to quit. She has made goals and plans to stop and is sticking to them. Her little girl, maybe five years old, is always there for the lessons, and one day, as she was getting out of the car to go to school, Rangi (the daughter) asked Leeanne, "Mommy, when are you going to stop smoking?" The influence of a child is powerful. Leeanne asked if she wanted her to stop and Rangi said yes. A couple of days ago, I went on tradeoff with a zone leader and President Lekias (he wanted to come see our teaching -- sweet haha) to a lesson with Leeanne. She was crying because she had just been in a fight with her sister, so we taught her about the power of faith in Jesus Christ to heal all kinds of pains and afflictions. We then talked about the Priesthood and its ability to heal addictions (using Matthew 10:1), and offered her a priesthood blessing for the smoking. The Spirit was so powerful in the room as I asked her who she would like to give her the blessing. With this look in her eyes, like, "duh, who do you think?" she pointed at me and said, "you." With the mission president and Elder Nipko, I gave a spirit-filled blessing. As I finished, President asked Leeanne how she felt, and she said she felt some kind of shiver going down her spine and felt amazing. I know she will make it to the waters of baptism. She and her daughter will be sealed together someday, with a worthy priesthood holder. And they will have the opportunity to live forever in the presence of their God.

I testify that the priesthood is real. It can heal and comfort and bless. Coupled with faith, the priesthood works miracles. The Atonement is for us. No addiction, temptation, or mistake can stand against the power of the Atonement to heal us and give us strength to resist and become stronger and move forward every day. Jesus Christ has felt it all. Please don't let the priesthood go to waste. Most -- if not all -- of you who will read this email have the amazing privilege of knowing many priesthood holders. If you need help, with anything, please ask for a blessing. And it will "heal the wounded soul!" I can promise you that, out of experience.

I love the gospel. I have been healed so many times before. It hurts me when I hear people say, "I need to get my life in order first, then I'll go back to church" or "I don't feel good enough to go to church." Heavenly Father is there to help us and get us back on the path to eternal life! Ignoring that help is a manifestation of pride at its greatest. Please don't "rely on the arm of flesh." I love you. Each of you. Don't be trunky!

Love,
Elder Jensen

P.S. Leeanne was texting me, asking me about words from the Book of Mormon, as I was writing to you about her! Solid!

Tarzan Part 2

Hey,

 

I'm back. We had to sign up for more computers and wait. We went and got some fish and chips and burgers while we waited. Fish and chips shops riddle this country. They're everywhere. It's good though, and unhealthy. They deep-fry pretty much everything. We had deep-fried candy bars the other day. Haha. Those feel they're going straight to your arteries.

 

I was talking about Alex and Ivory. Yeah, they're amazing. And I love them. Alex just seems like she's been through a lot of hard times with her partner. She almost looks wounded all the time. But the Spirit is healing her. I can see the hope on her face. They came to church yesterday and had a meeting with bishop at Anaru's request (he wanted to repent). After the meeting, we asked them how it went and Alex said, "Good... ... ...I think it's all going to happen. We're going to get married." Beauty, eh? We're excited for them. And I think Alex is really excited for Anaru to give up smoking and drinking and whatever else. I'll keep you posted on them. Oh and they have this cute little three-year-old girl named Persaeus. Haha during Prophet of the Restoration she kept yelling "BOO!" from behind me, then laughing heaps. She's funny. I so badly want them to be sealed as a family.

 

There were other miracles, too, like the fact this one girl we're teaching, Sally (15), has been coming to church for a while now with her friend and is now so involved that they ask her to give talks and stuff in young womens. She sent us a mass text once with the steps of repentance in it.... The only thing stopping her from being baptized is parental permission. Flip, Elder. That's what I think about parents who won't let their kids partake of the blessings that come from making your first covenant with Heavenly Father.

 

We taught this girl named Leeanne (22, I think) for the first time about a week and a half ago while on tradeoff with the zone leaders. She accipted the invitation to be baptized, but was very hesitant. In the next lesson with Elder Naicker and a fellowship that our Ward Mission Leader recommended, we read Moroni 10:3-5 with her, and asked her what she thought she lacked to receive an answer. She said probably a sincere heart and real intent. Since then, our fellowship has taken her to activities and institute, read 1 Nephi 1 with her, and, most importantly, helped her get to church! Leeanne is now progressing like crazy! She loved church, she has been reading the Book of Mormon every day, and she strongly desires to be forgiven of her sins though repentance and baptism. Don't ever underestimate the ability that each one of you has to help instill desire and faith in your friends and family. Use it or lose it. Use the gifts that God has given you to bless others, or He will take it away. That's a promise.

 

I love all of you so much. It's so good to hear from you, and I'm sorry for my failure to respond to many of you. Please don't think I care about you any less.

 

Because I think some of you have been using the address that you are supposed to send only packages to, I'm including the mission address for letters:

Elder Z. Jensen

New Zealand Auckland Mission

PO-Box 33-840

Takapuna, North Shore City 0622

New Zealand

 

Thanks for all the letters! I got a few just this week from our Finnish hero Vahnin Pope and the wily Mac. Thank you!

 

You should be growing closer to the Savior every day. That's something that I can't stress enough. Never let a day go by where you don't act on a prompting of the Spirit. Keep enduring cheerfully and in faith and the Lord will bless you and your families!

 

Love,

Elder Zachary Jensen