Temple

Hi,

 

Dad, you mentioned the temple dedication coming up this Sunday. That's nice. We are all going to the temple this week, a few zones at a time. Elder Espino and I get to go three times. Looking forward to it! This week is going to be really good, for some other reasons as well, but I will have to tell everyone about those next week, after they have occured. Remind me, okay?

 

We had Zone Leader Council last week. I believe I have told you about zone leader council every time it happens. You probably think it happens every week. No, it is monthly. And it is great. I love it. We discussed about what we as a mission need to do to save over 200 souls this month. That is our goal every month for the rest of the year. President mentioned something during the council that I loved---he said, "In the Church there are no problems, only challenges." Why? Because everything can be overcome! The Church is pretty impressive. What a blessing that we get to be a part of it.

 

We got to teach a 15-year-old boy named Jake for the first time yesterday. He has been coming to church for weeks, but we have just now gotten the chance to teach him. We taught about the Restoration at the Yerman family's home and at the end of the lesson he prayed to ask if Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and if he did "see You and Your Son, Jesus Christ" (that's how he said it in his prayer). After the prayer he said he felt warm and he knew that Jospeh Smith reall ysaw what he said he saw. He was almost surprised, then even more so when we invited him to be baptized in two weeks time,on the 29 of September. What surprised him, I suppose, was his own answer when it escaped his mouth: "Yes... yes, I will." It was a wonderful experience. He is so prepared for the gopel. He woke up at 3am one Saturday morning to walk a few kilometres to the chapel, where he caught the bus to Hamilton to visit the temple. He knew it would be worth it! Now we just have to help his parents be supportive.

 

I love the work. I know that the Atonement is real. We can repent for anything. If we have erred, we can come back and the Saviour will heal us. I know that is true. I am so grateful for that testimony. It makes me want to help everyone else to know it too. Thanks for your testimonies and your encouragement. I love you family dear.

 

Love,

Elder Jensen

Saving Lives

Dear Family,

 

Megan mentioned saving lives. It's a real privilege being a part of that. The family that came back from activity---the one in which the kids were baptized---they are doing great. I picture them serving missions and going to save so many other souls in just a few years. They will do so well. Their mom has done an amazing job.

 

I just want to share one experience today. We went to a district meeting last week in an area in Auckland. The meeting was very good. That district leader actually became a zone leader just two days later, so he is sharp and very desirous to be his best. His companion was sick during the district meeting. After the meeting, I went to speak with him because I felt like there was something more going on than just the flu. As we walked down the hallway, I asked what was going on with him, the my tone implying more than just, "How's the area," and he opened up, telling me of some very difficult things going on back home with his family. He said he couldn't stop thinking about it and he just wanted to go home to help them for a few weeks and then come back. "Going home for a few weeks" would be more than most missionaries could handle, especially after only being out for less than a few months. I have to be honest, I am not very good with these kinds of situations, so I just told him we loved him and that he has all the support he needs. Then I read Doctrine and Covenants 100:1 with him and testified that I knew that his family would be more blessed from his faithful service here than if he goes home. I think he started crying and he just said thank you. We saw this elder a few days later at a baptismal service for a great man that they had been teaching. As we left the service, the elder thanked me again for the scripture and told me he was feeling great. Every time he thought about home or got worried he turns to that scripture and finds comfort. He looked much happier.

 

It is easy to take for granted the moments on our lives that should matter most. I'm learning that here. I am so grateful that the Lord would prompt us twice to visit this missionary. We don't always know where our Heavenly Father needs us, but He does. I love Him and learn so much from the example of His Son.

 

I'm doing really well. Thanks for what you do. I couldn't do this without all of your prayers and love. Love you!

 

Elder Jensen

Another week

Family,

 

Hello. Sometimes it is quite difficult trying to tell you about missionary service. It is way better than anything else. I hope that suffices. It's true, huh Dad? Sounds like you're a working machine by the way. L-3 would fall apart without Super Bryan. That's what I call you when people ask who my father is. No, not really. I think the secret to not falling apart from working too hard is basketball.

 

There is a new office couple, Elder and Sister Gilmour. Elder Gilmour took over Elder Nelson's responsibilities so we are all beginning to realize how much Elder Nelson really did. He was so busy it blows my mind. He just never told anyone. Great example of humility. We're now essentially taking over car switches in the mission whilie Elder Gilmour works out finding new flats for the upcoming transfers. The Lord really knows how much we can handle and how to stretch us!

 

Last week was a great one. We had a lot of things going on. We got to witness the Lord's hand in the life of a district leader in an area south of us. The district leader and his district were really struggling when district meeting came around last Tuesday. They barely had anyone they were working with, a couple of sets for baptisms, and they were really struggling with finding new people to teach, finding only eight as a district the week before. We had the good fortune of attending that district meeting and we got to be a part of the action as the district leader rallied the two other companionships in the district and went out from that meeting ready to work. From that Tuesday to the end of the week, these six missionaries found 37 new investigators (meaning someone that they had a lesson with for the first time and got a return appointment with) and set at least seven more souls with dates to be baptized in the month of September. It was inspiring to see that in the strength of the Lord we can do all things. This is what makes me excited! I love it when missionaries "magnify their callings"---which Elder Christensen of the Presidency of the Seventy defined as "doing more than what people expect." Those missionaries also baptized a few people over the weekend. When we asked the district leader why the success was coming, he said, "Because we are talking with everyone," inviting them to learn of the restored gospel. I know that the Lord sees our efforts when we open our mouths to as many people as we can and share the gospel. He blesses us to see the fruits of our labors, either now or later.

 

Elder Espino is great. He has been through a lot and is a great leader. He is confident and is becoming ever aware of all the little things that makes one stand out as a beacon to others. He loves obedience and doesn't hesitate to help other misisonaries grow in that area. We have had ample opportunities to correct and Elder Espino has no fear to do so! He has an older brother, no sisters. He is from the Gold Coast in Australia. He used to surf. He is a great example to me for many other reasons. I love him. I'm pretty blessed to have such great companions.

 

Well, I'm glad to hear that Whit is on the final leg. This is the one where you sprint till you can't breathe I think. Let me know how that goes. Jake is singing like the birds in our trees. Megan. What are you doing? You're probably doing well. Be a good girl. Mom, it has been raining real hard, transfers are on Thursday, it has been fun preparing for it, and my asthma is fine. That quote is a beauty! I am learning that consecration thing more and more every day, especially consecrating my thoughts and my willingness. A gift given grudgingly is worth nothing to the giver! Let's get some things in that package that Elder Espino would like. He is an Aussie who may or may not have tried some uniquely American things. You probably wouldn't know hwhat is uniquely American, but I bet you can guess. Thanks Mom. I am really grateful for your anxiety! Jacob in the Book of Mormon (Jacob 1 and 2) shows us what righteous anxiety can allow us to do. Remember I am safe, so don't worry too much.

 

Love you all. Good day.

 

Love,

Elder Jensen

Short and Sweet

Dear Family,

 

Thanks for your emails. Love you heaps. I had a great week. I learned that the Lord knows us better than we know ourselves. I'm really grateful for President Lekias and for how inspired he is.

 

It is good to hear that Sisters Auva'a and Fu'e stopped by. Two hours talking with you huh? I think they need to get some lives. No, just kidding, mostly...

 

I am really sorry but I don't have any more time to email today! You asked some great questions that I will answer at another time if you ask them again. I still love the work and will keep working hard. Have a good week!

 

We had a great miracle where this lady wasn't going to get baptized in an area about two hours north of here, then we gave her a call and encouraged her and then she got baptized the next morning! All she needed was some belief in herself and she was in the water! It was amazing because usually we don't call other missionaries' investigators but when the elders called to let us know about the disappointment, we felt a distinct impression to call the woman and encourage her. It ended up in a covenant to the Lord. Small and simple things...

 

Love,

Elder Jensen

Things that matter most

Hi Family,

We had a great meeting with President this morning where we prepared for some upcoming transfers. You learn a lot sitting with a mission president as inspired as he is. One thing he is ridiculously good at: remembering. He always remembers everything, every little thing we talk about or he asks us to do. He has so much on his plate, it is amazing that he does so much. He is called of God. If he wasn't, he'd be done for.

Good to hear from everyone. It sounds like a great trip you had up to Oregon. There's nothing like driving up the coast... except baptizing families! The Gedge-Kennerley family was baptized on Saturday and confirmed yesterday. I was privileged to baptize Carlos Kennerley, while the ward mission leader, Brother Bennett, baptized DJ, and Elder Espino baptized Dionne. As we were going to prepare the chapel in the morning, we started setting up the chairs and filling the font and setting out the programs. As we knelt on by a table organizing the programs, a vile stench permeated the air and invaded our nostrils. We were nearly destroyed. First we asked each other why they smelt so bad, then realized that it was an outside force. We ran away to escape the beast, then found the source: someone confused the toilet with the rubbish bin (if you get my meaning), so we called in reinforcements. The ward mission leader arrived with some air freshener, removed the perpetrator, and the work of salvation went forth. It was quite the memorable experience. That was only the beginning though. We then had a very spiritual and heartwarming baptismal service, where Sister Gedge---who has been less active for a few years---gave a talk and spoke of the miracle that it was to come back into the church. Her father-in-law told us before the service started that this day was an answer to many prayers. These kids were ready to receive the gospel. They just needed an invitation. Because of the prayers of loving family members and friends, because of the devotion of a member who magnified their calling and found the records and referred them on, and because of the enduring testimony of Sister Gedge through the years, a family of six is back in fellowship with the saints. The Lord never forgets. He knows His children. He led us to them, because he loves them. He wanted them back and now is the time! Don't ever underestimate the power that your prayers, love, friendship, testimony, and invitations can have on one soul and the influence that that one soul can have on many others.

The family gave us a gift which included toilet paper with a Sudoku puzzle on every square. They are crack-up. I love them!

We have a mission conference this week where Elder Christensen of the Presidency of the Seventy and Elder Pearson of the Seventy will speak to us. Should be good!

I love you, I'm grateful for you, and I know that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the World. I know that this is only the beginning of so much more for all of us. I know that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God and because of what he did, we know our potential as sons and daughters of the living God. Let us live in such a way that reflects our belief in that simple truth. Never have I learned so much of the Master and His love and His plans for us than in humble and devoted and complete service. I'm grateful for this time and so grateful to have a family like you. I pray for you, too.

Have a great week.

Love,
Elder Jensen

Zone Conference

Dear Family,

We have zone conference this week, so that's why I am emailing to day rather than yesterday. It was amazing, all of it. President is great. He trained on "A Day in the Life of a Missionary," talking about what a perfect day looks like. He had many missionaries role play each part of the day. He gave us the opportunity to demonstrate what it looks like to plan for new investigators. The Spirit was so strong and we all saw areas that we could improve in.

As a companionship, Elder Espino and I are being very blessed as we have the three kids from the Kennerly/Gedge family getting baptized this weekend. I have to tell you, these kids are the sweetest kids ever, and anyone who knows me knows I don't use that word lightly. The five of them made a card together using quotes from hymns and the scriptures and saying how grateful they are that we found them to bring them back to church. They love it and have already brought two of their friends to church with them. We're excited for their baptism this Saturday and so are they! DJ is so goofy--he always says his name is John Hollinsworth, acting completely serious and getting grumpy if anyone tells him to stop being silly. He reminds me of someone.... Marcus is crack-up. He always makes the funniest noises during prayers (if you catch my drift) and blames it on someone else. He also sometimes starts crying when we talk about baptism because he doesn't like the water (he's only six). Carlos is the most behaved boy, but occasionally breaks out into nonstop clicking with his tongue. You would love it, Dad. Jeffrey wants to be baptized so much but is only seven. His birthday is in September, so he'll be baptized on his birthday. Dione reads all the pamphlets we give them and knows all her stuff. She holds mom hold the fort together. She always wears a hat that I think is a mascot for some rugby team, or rugby league--it's called angry bird. She always wears it. Always, except church.

There is also a young lady who we just started teaching last week who has been going to church for ages in a different ward. Her name is Vika (short for Victoria). She is Russian (we met heaps of Russians last week). Some other missionaries found her, set her to be baptized this weekend, and then passed her on to us. We have been helping her prepare and she is so ready; however, her family is completely opposed! I know she will be baptized, but notice how there is opposition in all things!

There is one person we are teaching who has definitely gotten answers to prayers but she is now struggling a bit, doubting a lot. It goes to show that receiving an answer alone is not enough to carry us through this life--we must apply the answer. Accordingly, all the things we go through that help us to grow and learn (school, relationships, accidents, work, callings, etc.) are only useful if we constantly and consistently live what we learn, and seek to grow more.

I know that my Redeemer lives. My testimony of that is one of the greatest things that I have developed this week. Directing things to Him will solve all problems. I love the work and love the people and love my companion and love the Mission President and love you! Have a great week! Keep enjoying Oregon! Sounds awesome. Thank you for your prayers.

Love,
Elder Jensen

P.S. Happy birthday Hailey!

The Blessings...

Dear family,

 

I'm great. How are you?

 

We had a zone leader council this last week. I always learn humbling lessons in those. The Lord seeth fit to humble His servants. We talked about how the mission will go to the next level in finding new investigators to create real growth in each unit. In the church, there are many--in the Pacific, tens of thousands--of less actives who have nonmember family and friends. These are members who have just one or two relatively small concerns, a commandment that is difficult for them to live or even just a feeling of loneliness. This last week was one of miracles as we witnessed how the Lord prepares His people. A few weeks ago a member in Takapuna ward asked us to contact a less active woman in the area. We made contact last week and got to know her on the doorstep. Her name is Sister Gedge. We also met her kids, Dion (14), DJ (11), Carlos (10), Jeffrey (7), and Marcus (6) and had a miniature lesson there with them. We invited them to church, to which Sister Gedge was more than happy to come--she was missing it and wanted to come back--and invited the oldest three kids to be baptized. They said yes and a few days later they were all set for the 18th of August!  They came to church. They met heaps of members and sat down with the ward clerk to move the Sister Gedge's records over to this ward. They stayed all three hours, also met the Bishop, and are more than excited more the baptism in two weeks! I can't tell you the joy I felt when we found this fmaily that first night. I know Heavenly Father loves them. He has known them forever and has always been mindful of them.

 

The same day that we set the kids, we went to teach the sick and aging sister of a different less active in the ward. As we taught Dinah, the Spirit of the Lord touched her heart and testified of the Savior of the World and of His doctrine. She began to cry as she read Helaman 5:12, her mood completely changing from quiet and nearly-asleep to a vibrant and attentive focus on the scriptures. As we read the Savior's words at the end of 3 Nephi 11, she knew she must be baptized. When we invited her, she was so happy and said, "there's no other way." Her sister then bore testimony that she knew it was the right thing to do and expressed that she never really understood baptism until reading through those scriptures. As Dinah offered the prayer at the end of the lesson, she cried and cried. I don't know if she'll stay in this world much longer, but I know this much: our Father in Heaven has been preparing her to accept the gospel for many years and it is finally time. She came to church in a branch about 40 minutes away from here and met the Nelsons (the office couple--they are assigned to that unit). During Relief Society, she bore her testimony and expressed her excitement for baptism. Her whole family can't wait either. They're practically all members!

 

I'm not sure what else to talk about. This is my life. I love it! Obedience brings forth the blessings of Heaven. That is true. If you want to increase your faith, increase your obedience. Love all of you!

 

Love,

Elder Jensen

 

P.S. Bree is getting married! Congratulations Breeborg. Love you heaps. Is anyone else getting married that I don't know about? Spill the beans.